scholarly journals The Disease-Modifying Effects of Hyaluronan in the Osteoarthritic Disease State

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 117954411772361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew A Nicholls ◽  
Anke Fierlinger ◽  
Faizan Niazi ◽  
Mohit Bhandari
Keyword(s):  
Joint Pain ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Tissue Destruction ◽  
Active Molecule ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Disease Modifying ◽  
Preservation And Restoration ◽  
Painful Knee

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been a treatment modality for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) for many years now. Since HA was first introduced for the treatment of painful knee OA, much has been elucidated regarding both the etiology of this disease and the mechanisms by which HA may mitigate joint pain and tissue destruction. The objectives of this article are to (1) describe the etiology and pathophysiology of OA including both what is known about the genetics and biochemistry, (2) describe the role of HA on disease progression, (3) detail the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions of HA in OA, and (4) present evidence of disease-modifying effects of HA in the preservation and restoration of the extracellular matrix. These data support that HA is not only just a simple device used for viscosupplementation but also a biologically active molecule that can affect the physiology of articular cartilage.

The Role of High Resolution Ultrasound In Comparison To MRI In The Evaluation Of Painful Knee

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanaa Abdelkader Abdelhameed ◽  
Khaled Ahmed Mohamed Ali ◽  
Maged Mohamed Elzakzouk
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Knee Joint ◽  
Joint Pain ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Knee Joints ◽  
Bony Lesions ◽  
Painful Knee

Abstract Background The knee joint is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body. Because of its complex structure, the joint is subjected to numerous pathologies and due to the recent increase in various sport activities; there has been a parallel increase in sport-induced internal derangements of the knee. Ultrasound is emerging as a viable imaging modality in the assessment of the musculoskeletal system lesions especially in experienced hands Objective To evaluate the role of high resolution dynamic ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in the assessment of different causes of knee joint pain compared to MR imaging. Patients and Methods This study included 50 patients with painful knee joints as 32 females and 18 males, 16 patients had bilateral knee examination. Their ages ranged between 5-66 years. The cases was referred to a private radiological center, some of them referred to assess the knee joint pain by ultrasound as a fast and cheapest modality, yet most of the cases referred to evaluate the knee joint by MRI and the ultrasound was done as complementary study. Results Comparing between ultrasound and MRI in evaluation of painful knee joints, although the ultrasound has role in evaluation of bursal, synovial and peri-articular soft tissue lesions, the MRI is advised as a primary imaging tool for cruciates, meniscal and ligamentous lesions when clinically suspected. Conclusion Ultrasonography is a safe, cheap and efficient tool in the evaluation of the peri articular soft tissues with limited screening role at the internal knee joint cruciate / meniscal derangements as well as some bony lesions involving the bony cortex. It has no role in the intramedullary bony lesions. At this point, we concluded that ultrasonography has an important complementary role with MRI examination in the evaluation of the knee pain of different causes yet it is operator dependent and needs experience.

Bioavailability of naringenin chalcone in humans after ingestion of cherry tomatoes

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 411-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Kolot ◽  
Ana Rodriguez-Mateos ◽  
Rodrigo Feliciano ◽  
Katharina Bottermann ◽  
Wilhelm Stahl
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Thiol Groups ◽  
Structural Element ◽  
Active Molecule ◽  
Reactive Center ◽  
Average Maximum ◽  
Alpha Beta ◽  
Cherry Tomatoes

Abstract. Chalcones are a type of flavonoids characterized by an α-β unsaturated structural element which may react with thiol groups to activate pathways such as the Nrf2-Keap-1 system. Naringenin chalcone is abundant in the diet but little is known about its bioavailability. In this work, the bioavailability of naringenin chalcone from tomatoes was investigated in a group of healthy men (n=10). After ingestion of 600 grams of tomatoes providing a single dose of 17.3 mg naringenin chalcone, 0.2 mg of naringenin, and 195 mg naringin plasma levels of free and conjugated naringenin and naringenin chalcone (glucuronide and sulfate) were analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS at 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 h post-consumption. Plasma levels of conjugated naringenin increased to about 12 nmol/L with a maximum at about 3 h. Concentrations of free naringenin hardly elevated above baseline. Plasma levels of free and conjugated naringenin chalcone significantly increased. A maximum of the conjugated chalcone was reached at about 3 h after ingestion with an average concentration of about 0.5 nmol/L. No free chalcone was detectable at baseline but low amounts of the unconjugated compound could be detected with an average maximum of 0.8 nmol/L at about 1 h after ingestion. The data demonstrate that naringenin chalcone is bioavailable in humans from cherry tomatoes as a dietary source. However, availability is poor and intramolecular cyclisation as well as extended metabolism likely contribute to the inactivation of the reactive alpha-beta unsaturated reactive center as well as the excretion of the biologically active molecule, respectively.

Improving the questions we ask, with Psychology and Cognitive Conflict.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett Buttliere
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Scientific Method ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Cognitive Conflict ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Science In Society

Over the last decade, there have been many suggestions to improve how scientists answer their questions, but far fewer attempt to improve the questions scientists are asking in the first place. The goal of the paper is then to examine and summarize synthesize the evidence on how to ask the best questions possible. First is a brief review of the philosophical and empirical literature on how the best science is done, which implicitly but not explicitly mentions the role of psychology and especially cognitive conflict. Then we more closely focus on the psychology of the scientist, finding that they are humans, engaged in a meaning making process, and that cognitive conflict is a necessary input for any learning or change in the system. The scientific method is, of course, a specialized meaning making process. We present evidence for this central role of cognitive conflict in science by examining the most discussed scientific papers between 2013 and 2017, which are, in general, controversial and about big problems (e.g., whether vaccines cause autism, how often doctors kill us with their mistakes). Toward the end we discuss the role of science in society, suggesting science itself is an uncertainty reducing and problem solving enterprise. From this basis we encourage scientists to take riskier stances on bigger topics, for the good of themselves and society generally.

THE EFFECT OF A TRIPOD CANE ON THE FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY OF PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Nelson Sudiyono
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Walking Aids ◽  
Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Symptomatic Knee ◽  
Contralateral Hand ◽  
Painful Knee

Background: Canes have been recommended as walking aids for knee osteoarthritis to reduce the loading on the affected knee. Patients are usually recommended to hold the cane in the contralateral hand to the affected knee. Nevertheless, some patients prefer to hold the cane ipsilateral to the affected knee. However, the effect of using ipsilateral or contralateral tripod cane on functional mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis is still unknown Objective: To compare the immediate effect of ipsilateral and contralateral tripod cane usage on functional mobility in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis Method: This cross-sectional study involved 30 overweight or obese patients with symptomatic unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren Lawrence grade 2 and 3) who never use a cane. Functional mobility was evaluated with Time Up and Go test in three conditions; without walking aid, with tripod cane contralateral and ipsilateral to the more painful knee. Results: The TUG time of aid-free walking is 4.75 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 3.79 - 5.71) seconds faster than ipsilateral cane use and 6.69 (p < 0.001, 95%CI 5.35 - 8.03) seconds faster than contralateral cane use. The TUG time of ipsilateral cane use is 1,94 (95% CI, 1.13 - 2.79) seconds faster than contralateral. Conclusion: Patients with symptomatic knee OA who use tripod cane ipsilateral to the more painful knee have higher functional mobility than the contralateral.

Anti-Hypertensive Potential and Epigenetics of Angiotensin II type 2 Receptor (AT2R)

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Blood Pressure Regulation ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Pressure Regulation ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Critical Pathway

Background:: Renin angiotensin system (RAS) is a critical pathway involved in blood pressure regulation. Octapeptide, angiotensin II (Ang aII), is biologically active compound of RAS pathway which mediates its action by binding to either angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) or angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R). Binding of Ang II to AT1R facilitates blood pressure regulation whereas AT2R is primarily involved in wound healing and tissue remodelling. Objective:: Recent studies have highlighted additional role of AT2R to counter balance detrimental effects of AT1R. Activation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor using AT2R agonist has shown effect on natriuresis and release of nitric oxide. Additionally, AT2R activation has been found to inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and enhance angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) activity. These findings highlight the potential of AT2R as novel therapeutic target against hypertension. Conclusion:: The potential role of AT2R highlights the importance of exploring additional mechanisms that might be crucial for AT2R expression. Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modification have been explored vastly with relation to cancer but role of such mechanisms on expression of AT2R has recently gained interest.

scholarly journals Reconstitution in Proteoliposomes of the Recombinant Human Riboflavin Transporter 2 (SLC52A2) Overexpressed in E. coli

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 4416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Console ◽  
Maria Tolomeo ◽  
Matilde Colella ◽  
Maria Barile ◽  
Cesare Indiveri
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Native Protein ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Riboflavin Transport

Background: the SLC52A2 gene encodes for the riboflavin transporter 2 (RFVT2). This transporter is ubiquitously expressed. It mediates the transport of Riboflavin across cell membranes. Riboflavin plays a crucial role in cells since its biologically active forms, FMN and FAD, are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Mutation of the Riboflavin transporters is a risk factor for anemia, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration. Inborn mutations of SLC52A2 are associated with Brown-Vialetto-van Laere syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by infancy onset. In spite of the important metabolic and physio/pathological role of this transporter few data are available on its function and regulation. Methods: the human recombinant RFVT2 has been overexpressed in E. coli, purified and reconstituted into proteoliposomes in order to characterize its activity following the [3H]Riboflavin transport. Results: the recombinant hRFVT2 showed a Km of 0.26 ± 0.07 µM and was inhibited by lumiflavin, FMN and Mg2+. The Riboflavin uptake was also regulated by Ca2+. The native protein extracted from fibroblast and reconstituted in proteoliposomes also showed inhibition by FMN and lumiflavin. Conclusions: proteoliposomes represent a suitable model to assay the RFVT2 function. It will be useful for screening the mutation of RFVT2.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles: Novel Opportunities to Understand and Detect Neoplastic Diseases

2021 ◽  
pp. 030098582199932
Author(s):  
Laura Bongiovanni ◽  
Anneloes Andriessen ◽  
Marca H. M. Wauben ◽  
Esther N. M. Nolte-’t Hoen ◽  
Alain de Bruin
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Liquid Biopsies ◽  
Donor Cells ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Veterinary Pathology ◽  
Cell Components ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Intercellular Communications

With a size range from 30 to 1000 nm, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are one of the smallest cell components able to transport biologically active molecules. They mediate intercellular communications and play a fundamental role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and pathogenesis in several types of diseases. In particular, EVs actively contribute to cancer initiation and progression, and there is emerging understanding of their role in creation of the metastatic niche. This fact underlies the recent exponential growth in EV research, which has improved our understanding of their specific roles in disease and their potential applications in diagnosis and therapy. EVs and their biomolecular cargo reflect the state of the diseased donor cells, and can be detected in body fluids and exploited as biomarkers in cancer and other diseases. Relatively few studies have been published on EVs in the veterinary field. This review provides an overview of the features and biology of EVs as well as recent developments in EV research including techniques for isolation and analysis, and will address the way in which the EVs released by diseased tissues can be studied and exploited in the field of veterinary pathology. Uniquely, this review emphasizes the important contribution that pathologists can make to the field of EV research: pathologists can help EV scientists in studying and confirming the role of EVs and their molecular cargo in diseased tissues and as biomarkers in liquid biopsies.

scholarly journals Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Fremantle Knee Awareness Questionnaire in Italian subjects with painful knee osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Monticone ◽  
Cristiano Sconza ◽  
Igor Portoghese ◽  
Tomohiko Nishigami ◽  
Benedict M. Wand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Structural Validity ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Pain Catastrophising ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Painful Knee

Abstract Background and aim Growing attention is being given to utilising physical function measures to better understand and manage knee osteoarthritis (OA). The Fremantle Knee Awareness Questionnaire (FreKAQ), a self-reported measure of body-perception specific to the knee, has never been validated in Italian patients. The aims of this study were to culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of the FreKAQ (FreKAQ-I), to allow for its use with Italian-speaking patients with painful knee OA. Methods The FreKAQ-I was developed by means of forward–backward translation, a final review by an expert committee and a test of the pre-final version to evaluate its comprehensibility. The psychometric testing included: internal structural validity by Rasch analysis; construct validity by assessing hypotheses of FreKAQ correlations with the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), a pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS), the pain catastrophising scale (PCS), and the Hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) (Pearson’s correlations); known-group validity by evaluating the ability of FreKAQ scores to discriminate between two groups of participants with different clinical profiles (Mann–Whitney U test); reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2.1); and measurement error by calculating the minimum detectable change (MDC). Results It took one month to develop a consensus-based version of the FreKAQ-I. The questionnaire was administered to 102 subjects with painful knee OA and was well accepted. Internal structural validity confirmed the substantial unidimensionality of the FreKAQ-I: variance explained was 53.3%, the unexplained variance in the first contrast showed an eigenvalue of 1.8, and no local dependence was detected. Construct validity was good as all of the hypotheses were met; correlations: KOOS (rho = 0.38–0.51), PI-NRS (rho = 0.35–0.37), PCS (rho = 0.47) and HADS (Anxiety rho = 0.36; Depression rho = 0.43). Regarding known-groups validity, FreKAQ scores were significantly different between groups of participants demonstrating high and low levels of pain intensity, pain catastrophising, anxiety, depression and the four KOOS subscales (p ≤ 0.004). Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.74) and test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.92, CI 0.87–0.94). The MDC95 was 5.22 scale points. Conclusion The FreKAQ-I is unidimensional, reliable and valid in Italian patients with painful knee OA. Its use is recommended for clinical and research purposes.

scholarly journals Small Noncoding RNAs in Knee Osteoarthritis: The Role of MicroRNAs and tRNA-Derived Fragments

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5711
Author(s):  
Julian Zacharjasz ◽  
Anna M. Mleczko ◽  
Paweł Bąkowski ◽  
Tomasz Piontek ◽  
Kamilla Bąkowska-Żywicka
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Pathological Process ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Small Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Cartilage Homeostasis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative knee joint disease that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, affecting about 3.3% of the world's population. As OA is a multifactorial disease, the underlying pathological process is closely associated with genetic changes in articular cartilage and bone. Many studies have focused on the role of small noncoding RNAs in OA and identified numbers of microRNAs that play important roles in regulating bone and cartilage homeostasis. The connection between other types of small noncoding RNAs, especially tRNA-derived fragments and knee osteoarthritis is still elusive. The observation that there is limited information about small RNAs different than miRNAs in knee OA was very surprising to us, especially given the fact that tRNA fragments are known to participate in a plethora of human diseases and a portion of them are even more abundant than miRNAs. Inspired by these findings, in this review we have summarized the possible involvement of microRNAs and tRNA-derived fragments in the pathology of knee osteoarthritis.

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