Synovial fluid as a complex molecular pool contributing to knee osteoarthritis

The main homeostatic function of the synovial fluid is joint lubrication. However, during knee osteoarthritis (KOA), synovial fluid becomes modified with drivers of disease that contribute to symptoms (pain) and joint-related pathology. Acting as a sink of factors from both systemic circulation and local tissues, including articular cartilage, subchondral bone, synovium, and the infrapatellar fat pad, the synovial fluid enables bidirectional communication promoting KOA pathogenesis. Synovial fluid constituents might also be detected in circulation, functioning not only as accessible biomarkers but also as potential mediators of KOA-driven systemic effects. Factors deposited in synovial fluid have the ability to affect nervous system activity, acting at the neuronal projections that are integrated into joint tissues from dorsal root ganglia. Non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs), metabolites, cytokines and other secreted proteins of the synovial fluid in KOA have emerged as biomarkers of disease progression, therapeutic efficacy, and pain. These molecules might also function as molecular mediators of KOA, supporting them as candidates for therapeutic intervention. This review consolidates literature published primarily within the past 4 years, focussing on factors identified within synovial fluid as biomarkers and molecular mediators of KOA symptoms and pathology. Emerging therapeutic modalities to target synovial fluid molecular mediators are also discussed. The synovial fluid lubricates joints while also collecting molecular mediators from surrounding tissues. This Review highlights how molecular analyses of the synovial fluid might provide information on the progression of knee osteoarthritis and treatment efficacy, and identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting synovial fluid mediators in knee osteoarthritis.