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Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 8748

Special Issue Editor

Laboratory of Skeletal Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
Interests: osteoarthritis; osteoclasts; bone homeostasis; skeletal stem cells; energy metabolism; bioinformatics; epigenetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For many years, osteoarthritis and osteoarticular diseases have been the most common diseases affecting the aging population, characterized by dysregulation of bone homeostasis and deformations of bone and cartilage structures. A good balance between anabolism and catabolism maintains the homeostasis of bone and cartilage metabolism. However, under pathological conditions, this balance is disrupted and transformed into a state of metabolic imbalance, leading to diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Currently, of all the tissues that make up synovial joints, articular cartilage remains the focus of research. But cartilage, synovium, subchondral bone, and the interactions between these tissues are core components in the development of osteoarthritis. Low-grade inflammation and metabolic changes occur as individuals age, and it is the interplay between different cells, their environment, and mechanical and molecular factors that make this disease process so complex.

This special issue explores recent advances at the molecular level in osteoarthritis and bone and joint diseases. It focuses on understanding the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of the disease, molecular mechanisms underlying bone metabolism and cartilage metabolism, new therapeutic strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging trends in treatment. By fostering collaboration among experts, we will further study the underlying mechanisms of osteoarthritis, bone and joint diseases and discover new drugs or target proteins for the treatment of these diseases and their eventual regeneration.

Dr. Ye Liu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • osteoarthritis
  • cartilage regeneration
  • bioinformatics
  • biomarkers
  • inflammation
  • cartilage
  • metabolic imbalance

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2693 KiB  
Article
Antiarthritic and Antinociceptive Properties of Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) Essential Oil in Experimental Models
by Paloma Kênia de Moraes Berenguel Lossavaro, Josyelen Lousada Felipe, Joyce dos Santos Lencina, Iluska Senna Bonfá, Kamylla Fernanda Souza de Souza, Lucas Luiz Machado, Mila Marluce Lima Fernandes, João Victor Ferreira, Maria Inês Lenz Souza, Luciane Candeloro, Cândida Aparecida Leite Kassuya, Edgar Julian Paredes-Gamero, Eduardo Benedetti Parisotto, Mônica Cristina Toffoli-Kadri and Saulo Euclides Silva-Filho
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(8), 9033-9046; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46080534 - 18 Aug 2024
Viewed by 773
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil (YEO) on models of experimental arthritis, persistent inflammation, and nociception in mice. YEO treatment at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced the infiltration of [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil (YEO) on models of experimental arthritis, persistent inflammation, and nociception in mice. YEO treatment at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced the infiltration of leukocytes into the joint cavities of mice submitted to zymosan-induced arthritis 6 h and 7 days after arthritis induction. At these doses, YEO treatment reduced the formation of joint edema 4 and 6 h after arthritis induction, and at a dose of 200 mg/kg, YEO treatment reduced mechanical hyperalgesia 3 and 4 h after arthritis induction. At the dose of 200 mg/kg, YEO treatment reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cartilage destruction in the zymosan-induced arthritis model, and reduced edema formation and mechanical hyperalgesia in the model of persistent inflammation (21 days) induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in mice. YEO treatment at a dose of 200 mg/kg reduced the nociceptive response in experimental models of nociception induced by acetic acid and formalin. The YEO treatment reduced inflammatory parameters in the experimental arthritis model, and presented antiarthritic, anti-hyperalgesic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)
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17 pages, 4590 KiB  
Article
Safety of Exposure to 0.2 T and 4 Hz Rotating Magnetic Field: A Ten-Month Study on C57BL/6 Mice
by Hua Yang, Yu Han, Cai Zhou, Shenglan Nie, Mengqing Li, Qinyao Yu, Yunpeng Wei and Xiaomei Wang
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(7), 6390-6406; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46070382 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1109
Abstract
Amidst the burgeoning interest in rotating magnetic fields (RMF) within biological research, there remains a notable gap in the scientific evidence concerning the long-term safety of RMF. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the safety of protracted exposure to a 0.2 T, 4 [...] Read more.
Amidst the burgeoning interest in rotating magnetic fields (RMF) within biological research, there remains a notable gap in the scientific evidence concerning the long-term safety of RMF. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the safety of protracted exposure to a 0.2 T, 4 Hz RMF over 10 months in mice. Two-month-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to either the RMF group (exposed to 0.2 T, 4 Hz real RMF) or the SHAM group (exposed to 0 T, 4 Hz sham RMF). Throughout the experiment, the murine weekly body weights were recorded, and their behavioral traits were assessed via open field tests. In the final month, a comprehensive evaluation of the murine overall health was conducted, encompassing analyses of blood parameters, histomorphological examination of major organs, and skeletal assessments using X-ray and micro-CT imaging. The murine immune system and lipid metabolism were evaluated through immunochip analysis and metabolomics. Notably, no discernible adverse effects with RMF exposure were observed. Murine body weight, locomotor behavior, organ histomorphology, and skeletal health remained unaffected by RMF. Blood analysis revealed subtle changes in hormone and lipid levels between the SHAM and RMF groups, yet these differences did not reach statistical significance. Moreover, RMF led to elevated serum interleukin-28 (IL-28) levels, albeit within the normal range, and modest alterations in serum lipid metabolites. Conclusively, mice exposed to the 0.2 T, 4 Hz RMF for 10 months displayed no significant signs of chronic toxicity, indicating its potential clinical application as a physical therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)
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Review

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43 pages, 1030 KiB  
Review
Osteoarthritis: Insights into Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Avenues, and the Potential of Natural Extracts
by Chiara Coppola, Marco Greco, Anas Munir, Debora Musarò, Stefano Quarta, Marika Massaro, Maria Giulia Lionetto and Michele Maffia
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(5), 4063-4105; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46050251 - 29 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2807
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a prevalent and progressively debilitating clinical condition globally, impacting joint structures and leading to their gradual deterioration through inflammatory mechanisms. While both non-modifiable and modifiable factors contribute to its onset, numerous aspects of OA pathophysiology remain elusive despite considerable [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a prevalent and progressively debilitating clinical condition globally, impacting joint structures and leading to their gradual deterioration through inflammatory mechanisms. While both non-modifiable and modifiable factors contribute to its onset, numerous aspects of OA pathophysiology remain elusive despite considerable research strides. Presently, diagnosis heavily relies on clinician expertise and meticulous differential diagnosis to exclude other joint-affecting conditions. Therapeutic approaches for OA predominantly focus on patient education for self-management alongside tailored exercise regimens, often complemented by various pharmacological interventions primarily targeting pain alleviation. However, pharmacological treatments typically exhibit short-term efficacy and local and/or systemic side effects, with prosthetic surgery being the ultimate resolution in severe cases. Thus, exploring the potential integration or substitution of conventional drug therapies with natural compounds and extracts emerges as a promising frontier in enhancing OA management. These alternatives offer improved safety profiles and possess the potential to target specific dysregulated pathways implicated in OA pathogenesis, thereby presenting a holistic approach to address the condition’s complexities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)
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36 pages, 2328 KiB  
Review
The Role of Alarmins in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Psoriasis
by Kajetan Kiełbowski, Wiktoria Stańska, Estera Bakinowska, Marcin Rusiński and Andrzej Pawlik
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(4), 3640-3675; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040228 - 19 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1830
Abstract
Alarmins are immune-activating factors released after cellular injury or death. By secreting alarmins, cells can interact with immune cells and induce a variety of inflammatory responses. The broad family of alarmins involves several members, such as high-mobility group box 1, S100 proteins, interleukin-33, [...] Read more.
Alarmins are immune-activating factors released after cellular injury or death. By secreting alarmins, cells can interact with immune cells and induce a variety of inflammatory responses. The broad family of alarmins involves several members, such as high-mobility group box 1, S100 proteins, interleukin-33, and heat shock proteins, among others. Studies have found that the concentrations and expression profiles of alarmins are altered in immune-mediated diseases. Furthermore, they are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions. The aim of this narrative review is to present the current evidence on the role of alarmins in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis. We discuss their potential involvement in mechanisms underlying the progression of these diseases and whether they could become therapeutic targets. Moreover, we summarize the impact of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of these diseases on the expression of alarmins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)
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22 pages, 997 KiB  
Review
Genomic Determinants of Knee Joint Biomechanics: An Exploration into the Molecular Basis of Locomotor Function, a Narrative Review
by Georgian-Longin Iacobescu, Loredana Iacobescu, Mihnea Ioan Gabriel Popa, Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc, Antonio-Daniel Corlatescu and Catalin Cirstoiu
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(2), 1237-1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46020079 - 1 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1690
Abstract
In recent years, the nexus between genetics and biomechanics has garnered significant attention, elucidating the role of genomic determinants in shaping the biomechanical attributes of human joints, specifically the knee. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive exploration of the molecular basis underlying [...] Read more.
In recent years, the nexus between genetics and biomechanics has garnered significant attention, elucidating the role of genomic determinants in shaping the biomechanical attributes of human joints, specifically the knee. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive exploration of the molecular basis underlying knee joint locomotor function. Leveraging advancements in genomic sequencing, we identified specific genetic markers and polymorphisms tied to key biomechanical features of the knee, such as ligament elasticity, meniscal resilience, and cartilage health. Particular attention was devoted to collagen genes like COL1A1 and COL5A1 and their influence on ligamentous strength and injury susceptibility. We further investigated the genetic underpinnings of knee osteoarthritis onset and progression, as well as the potential for personalized rehabilitation strategies tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. We reviewed the impact of genetic factors on knee biomechanics and highlighted the importance of personalized orthopedic interventions. The results hold significant implications for injury prevention, treatment optimization, and the future of regenerative medicine, targeting not only knee joint health but joint health in general. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)
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