Electrotransfer of human IL-1Ra into skeletal muscles reduces the incidence of murine collagen-induced arthritis

BACKGROUND: It has previously been demonstrated that high levels of gene expression in skeletal muscles can be achieved after direct in vivo electrotransfer of naked plasmid DNA. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of in vivo electroporation of plasmid DNA encoding human IL-1Ra for the prevention of murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS: DBA/1 mice were injected in gastrocnemius muscles with plasmid DNA followed by in vivo electroporation. To uncover the optimum conditions of gene transfer, various electric field strengths and different amounts of plasmid DNA were applied. Calf muscles around the injected areas were investigated with histological methods for damage to muscle tissue. The levels of human IL-1Ra expression in the injected area and also in the serum were determined with ELISA for human IL-1Ra. Based on these data, the effects of electrotransfer of plasmid DNA were tested using the murine CIA model. DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine collagen type II at the base of the tail. On day 21, mice were given a booster injection with the same antigen. Mice were divided into two groups on day 26. One group of mice received plasmid containing the IL-1Ra cDNA sequence, while control mice were given plasmid lacking the IL-1Ra coding sequence. The incidence of arthritis was evaluated by macroscopic analysis, histological analysis, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: IL-1Ra expression increased as a function of the electrical field strength and the amount of DNA. 200 V/cm (eight pulses; 20 ms per pulse; 1 Hz) and 15 microg of plasmid DNA per mouse were found to be optimum for gene transfer. After in vivo electroporation, gene expression in both muscle and serum increased gradually, reaching a peak value on day 10. Significant levels of human IL-1Ra expression were maintained for 20 days. Macroscopic analysis showed that the onset of CIA was significantly inhibited by direct electrotransfer of plasmid DNA encoding human IL-1Ra. Histological analysis of knee joints showed that the incidence of arthritis in knee joints was also prevented. The levels of mouse IL-1beta and IL-12 in paws were significantly lower in the group treated with IL-1Ra than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that direct electrotransfer of plasmid containing the human IL-1Ra cDNA sequence to skeletal muscle can reduce the incidence of CIA in mice.     

Sonic Hedgehog通过上调Timp-3促进小鼠退行性膝关节炎的修复

刺猬因子（Hedgehog, Hh）信号通路广泛参与脊椎动物的胚胎发育和组织稳态的调控。已有报道认为，Hh参与骨性关节炎的发生和发展，但是其机制尚未详细阐述。本研究通过小鼠右后肢膝关节前交叉韧带切断手术，建立退行性膝骨关节炎小鼠模型，探索sonic hedgehog（Shh）因子在退行性膝关节炎中的作用及其机制。小鼠成功建模4周后，在模型组和假手术组小鼠膝关节腔中注射小鼠Shh-N蛋白因子，通过ELISA检测关节液中炎性因子IL-1β、TNF-α和解聚素金属4（a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs4，ADAMTS-4）蛋白酶的水平，以及通过qRT-PCR检测软骨组织中金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-3（metalloproteinase inhibitor 3，Timp-3）基因的表达。结果显示，与假手术组相比，退行性膝骨关节炎模型小鼠骨关节腔内，IL-1β和TNF-α水平显著增高（24.5±5 vs 251.0±17.5 pg/mL，P < 0.001；16.5±3.4 vs 197.0±15.6 pg/mL, P < 0.001）；与PBS对照组相比， Shh-N组小鼠关节液中炎性因子的IL-1β和TNF-α水平明显降低（116.0±8.7 vs 251.0±17.5 pg/mL，P < 0.001； 89.0±7.8 vs 197.0±15.6 pg/mL, P < 0.001）。其中，小鼠的攀爬时间（1 700.0±185.6 vs 116±8.7 s，P < 0.001）和长距离运动能力均有显著改善（174.0±162.3 vs 132.0±34.5 m，P < 0.001）；qRT-PCR结果显示，软骨组织中Timp-3基因表达明显增高（5.0±0.3 vs 2.4±0.6 fold，P < 0.001）。同时，伴随着ADAMTS-4的水平显著降低（P < 0.001）。本研究提示，Shh因子显著改善小鼠退行性膝关节炎的恢复，其机制可能是通过上调Timp-3基因的表达，降解内源性聚蛋白多糖酶而实现的。     

低强度激光联合照射犊鼻穴和口咽部对膝骨关节炎兔细胞因子IL-1β及TNF-α的影响

目的：探讨携带针灸补泻信息的激光联合多部位照射对膝骨关节炎兔血清和关节液中细胞因子的影响。方法：40只新西兰兔随机分成对照组、模型组、穴位照射组和联合照射组。兔左侧膝关节腔内注入木瓜蛋白酶造成关节炎的病理模型,穴位照射组和联合照射组分别以低能量激光（输出功率10—20mW）连续照射犊鼻穴和携带针灸补泻信息的脉冲激光联合照射口咽部及犊鼻穴,10min／d,5d为1个疗程,连续3个疗程。采用放射免疫的方法测定血清及关节液中相关细胞因子含量的变化,常规病理学切片观察膝关节软骨组织形态学变化。结果：与对照组比较,模型组血清和关节液中IL-1B及TNF—α含量均显著升高（P〈0．01）;与模型组比较,穴位照射组和联合照射组血清和关节液中IL-1β及TNF—α含量均下降,但以联合照射组效果显著（P〈0．05）;穴位照射组和联合照射组之间的IL-1B及TNF-饯含量未表现出显著性差异（P〉0．05）。结论：激光联合照射口咽部和犊鼻穴和激光照射犊鼻穴都能减少细胞因子IL-1β及TNF-α的生成,减轻关节软骨细胞的结构损伤,起到保护关节软骨、防治骨性关节炎的作用,但联合多部位照射效果优于单独穴位照射。     

Chitosan-DNA nanoparticles delivered by intrabiliary infusion enhance liver-targeted gene delivery

The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of liver-targeted gene delivery by chitosan-DNA nanoparticles through retrograde intrabiliary infusion (RII). The transfection efficiency of chitosan-DNA nanoparticles, as compared with PEI-DNA nanoparticles or naked DNA, was evaluated in Wistar rats by infusion into the common bile duct, portal vein, or tail vein. Chitosan-DNA nanoparticles administrated through the portal vein or tail vein did not produce detectable luciferase expression. In contrast, rats that received chitosan-DNA nanoparticles showed more than 500 times higher luciferase expression in the liver 3 days after RII; and transgene expression levels decreased gradually over 14 days. Luciferase expression in the kidney, lung, spleen, and heart was negligible compared with that in the liver. RII of chitosan-DNA nanoparticles did not yield significant toxicity and damage to the liver and biliary tree as evidenced by liver function analysis and histopathological examination. Luciferase expression by RII of PEI-DNA nanoparticles was 17-fold lower than that of chitosan-DNA nanoparticles on day 3, but it increased slightly over time. These results suggest that RII is a promising routine to achieve liver-targeted gene delivery by non-viral nanoparticles; and both gene carrier characteristics and mode of administration significantly influence gene delivery efficiency.     

膝关节炎患者关节置换术后细菌感染严重程度与IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平的相关性

目的探讨膝关节炎患者关节置换术后细菌感染严重程度与IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平的相关性。方法选取2016年8月至2018年8月于我院进行治疗的70例膝关节炎关节置换术后细菌感染患者作为试验组,参照Michel Lequesen推荐的膝关节炎严重性判断标准将膝关节炎关节置换术后细菌感染患者分为极严重组、非常严重组、严重组、中度组和轻度组。选取同期来我院体检中心进行体检的健康者50例为对照组。采用全自动生化免疫分析仪测定血清IL-1β、IL-6及TNF-α水平。结果试验组患者血清IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平均明显高于对照组(均P<0.05)。极严重组患者血清IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平显著高于非常严重组、严重组、中度组和轻度组(均P<0.05)。非常严重组患者血清IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平显著高于严重组、中度组和轻度组(均P<0.05)。严重组患者血清IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平显著高于中度组和轻度组(均P<0.05)。IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平与膝关节炎关节置换术后细菌感染严重程度呈显著正相关(均P<0.05)。结论膝关节炎关节置换术后细菌感染患者血清IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平明显升高,并且病情越严重,IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6水平越高。     

Association of the IL-6 -174G/C gene polymorphism with knee osteoarthritis in a Thai population

Osteoarthritis is a chronic progressive degenerative joint disease characterized by age-related regressive change in articular cartilage. A single nucleotide polymorphism has been described at position -174 of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter region, leading to three possible genotypes, GG, GC, and CC. We investigated a possible association of the IL-6 -174G/C gene polymorphism with knee osteoarthritis in a Thai population. Genotype distributions and allelic frequencies of the IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism were investigated in 115 knee osteoarthritis patients and 100 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP. The genotype distribution of IL-6 was 79 GG, 36 GC, 0 CC in knee osteoarthritis patients and 88 GG, 12 GC, 0 CC in controls. The frequency of the GC genotype in subjects with knee osteoarthritis was higher than in controls (P< 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the GC genotype was independently associated with increased risk of knee osteoarthritis (odds ratio = 3.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.6-6.9, P = 0.001). These findings suggest that the -174G/C polymorphism of the IL-6 gene promoter plays a role in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis.     

Potential use of chitosan nanoparticles for oral delivery of DNA vaccine in Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) to protect from Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum

In recent years, attention has been focused on the possibility of utilizing DNA vaccines in fish aquaculture. A successful regime for intramuscular injection of naked DNA into fish has been developed and novel methods to deliver this DNA to fish are under investigation. The potential of chitosan as a polycationic gene carrier for oral administration has been explored since 1990s. The present study examines the potential efficacy of DNA vaccine against Vibrio anguillarum through oral route using chitosan nanoparticles encapsulation. The porin gene of V. anguillarum was used to construct DNA vaccine using pcDNA 3.1, a eukaryotic expression vector and the construct was named as pVAOMP38. The chitosan nanoparticles were used to deliver the constructed plasmid. In vitro and in vivo expression of porin gene was observed in sea bass kidney cell line (SISK) and in fish, respectively by fluorescent microscopy. The cytotoxicity of chitosan encapsulated DNA vaccine construct was analyzed by MTT assay and it was found that the cytotoxicity of pVAOMP38/chitosan was quite low. Distribution of gene in different tissues was studied in fish fed with the DNA (pVAOMP38) encapsulated in chitosan by using immunohistochemistry. The results indicate that DNA vaccine can be easily delivered into fish by feeding with chitosan nanoparticles. After oral vaccination Asian sea bass were challenged with Vibrio anguillarum by intramuscular injection. A relative percent survival (RPS) rate of 46% was recorded. The results indicate that Sea bass (Lates calcarifer) orally vaccinated with chitosan-DNA (pVAOMP38) complex showed moderate protection against experimental V. anguillarum infection.     

Adenoviral vector-mediated overexpression of IL-4 in the knee joint of mice with collagen-induced arthritis prevents cartilage destruction.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, leading to cartilage and bone destruction. In this study, we investigated the effects of local IL-4 application, introduced by a recombinant human type 5 adenovirus vector, in the knee joint of mice with collagen-induced arthritis. One intraarticular injection with an IL-4-expressing virus caused overexpression of IL-4 in the mouse knee joint. Enhanced onset and aggravation of the synovial inflammation were found in the IL-4 group. However, despite ongoing inflammation, histologic analysis showed impressive prevention of chondrocyte death and cartilage erosion. In line with this, chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis was enhanced in the articular cartilage. This was quantified with ex vivo 35S-sulfate incorporation in patellar cartilage and confirmed by autoradiography on whole knee joint sections. Reduction of cartilage erosion was further substantiated by lack of expression of the stromelysin-dependent cartilage proteoglycan breakdown neoepitope VDIPEN in the Ad5E1 mIL-4-treated knee joint. Reduced metalloproteinase activity was also supported by markedly diminished mRNA expression of stromelysin-3 in the synovial tissue. Histologic analysis revealed marked reduction of polymorphonuclear cells in the synovial joint space in the IL-4-treated joints. This was confirmed by immunolocalization studies on knee joint sections using NIMP-R14 staining and diminished mRNA expression of macrophage-inflammatory protein-2 in the synovium tissue. mRNA levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were suppressed as well, and IL-1beta and nitric oxide production by arthritic synovial tissue were strongly reduced. Our data show an impressive cartilage-protective effect of local IL-4 and underline the feasibility of local gene therapy with this cytokine in arthritis.     

Effects of CTx and 8-bromo-cAMP on LPS-induced gene expression of cytokines in murine peritoneal macrophages

LPS, an endotoxin isolated from gram-negative bacterial, has been shown to be a potent cytokine initiator in murine peritoneal macrophages. CAMP-dependent pathway is generally considered to play a suppressive role in immune response. This study investigated the effect of cAMP on LPS-induced gene expression of cytokines in murine macrophages. Our data clearly demonstrated that in LPS-treated macrophages, cAMP elevator (CTx and 8-bromo-cAMP) could increase IL-1Ra and IL-10 gene expression, while mRNAs of IL-1alpha, IL-12, IL-6, and MIF were decreased and other cytokines like IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma did not give a definite tendency. This is the first report that CTx and 8-bromo-cAMP positively regulate IL-1Ra gene expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Our data also suggest that a cAMP-dependent pathway may play a regulatory role in Toll-receptor system.     

Oral gene delivery with chitosan--DNA nanoparticles generates immunologic protection in a murine model of peanut allergy

Food allergy is a common and often fatal disease with no effective treatment. We describe here a new immunoprophylactic strategy using oral allergen-gene immunization to modulate peanut antigen-induced murine anaphylactic responses. Oral administration of DNA nanoparticles synthesized by complexing plasmid DNA with chitosan, a natural biocompatible polysaccharide, resulted in transduced gene expression in the intestinal epithelium. Mice receiving nanoparticles containing a dominant peanut allergen gene (pCMVArah2) produced secretory IgA and serum IgG2a. Compared with non-immunized mice or mice treated with 'naked' DNA, mice immunized with nanoparticles showed a substantial reduction in allergen-induced anaphylaxis associated with reduced levels of IgE, plasma histamine and vascular leakage. These results demonstrate that oral allergen-gene immunization with chitosan-DNA nanoparticles is effective in modulating murine anaphylactic responses, and indicate its prophylactic utility in treating food allergy.     

The inhibiting effect of glucosamine sulfate combined with loxoprofen sodium on chondrocyte apoptosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis

Objectives:To explore the efficacy of glucosamine sulfate (GS) combined with loxoprofen sodium (LS) in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and its effect on chondrocytes.Methods:We randomly assigned 40 SPF SD rats to normal group (NG), control group (CG), treatment group (TG), and model group (MG). CG and TG were processed with continuous irrigation of LS and GS. NG and MG were given normal saline. We collected 3 mL of venous blood from the rat’s lower limb for the detection of serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α by ELISA. Four weeks after irrigation, 5 rats in each group were randomly selected for anesthesia. The water content was detected, and the chondrocytes were collected. MTT assay was used to detect apoptosis, and Western blot (WB) to measure concentrations of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase3, Caspase9, TLR4, and NF-kB.Results:The levels of IL-1 β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α decreased in CG and TG, but increased in MG (P<0.05). After treatment, the expression of inflammatory factors was highest in MG (P<0.05).Conclusions:GS combined with LS showed good efficacy in rats with knee osteoarthritis, which may be achieved by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and knee chondrocyte apoptosis via the TLR4-NF-kB pathway.     

Treatment with recombinant interferon-beta reduces inflammation and slows cartilage destruction in the collagen-induced arthritis model of rheumatoid arthritis

We investigated the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of IFN-beta protein for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Collagen-induced arthritis was induced in DBA/1 mice. At the first clinical sign of disease, mice were given daily injections of recombinant mouse IFN-beta or saline for 7 days. Disease progression was monitored by visual clinical scoring and measurement of paw swelling. Inflammation and joint destruction were assessed histologically 8 days after the onset of arthritis. Proteoglycan depletion was determined by safranin O staining. Expression of cytokines, receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand, and c-Fos was evaluated immunohistochemically. The IL-1-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8, and granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was studied by ELISA in supernatant of RA and osteoarthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes incubated with IFN-beta. We also examined the effect of IFN-beta on NF-kappaB activity. IFN-beta, at 0.25 microg/injection and higher, significantly reduced disease severity in two experiments, each using 8-10 mice per treatment group. IFN-beta-treated animals displayed significantly less cartilage and bone destruction than controls, paralleled by a decreased number of positive cells of two gene products required for osteoclastogenesis, receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand and c-Fos. Tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 expression were significantly reduced, while IL-10 production was increased after IFN-beta treatment. IFN-beta reduced expression of IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF in RA and osteoarthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes, correlating with reduced NF-kappaB activity. The data support the view that IFN-beta is a potential therapy for RA that might help to diminish both joint inflammation and destruction by cytokine modulation.     

Modulation of immunogenicity and immunoprotection of mucosal vaccine against coxsackievirus B3 by optimizing the coadministration mode of lymphotactin adjuvant

Induction of potent mucosal immune response is a goal of current vaccine strategies against mucus-infectious pathogens such as Coxsackievirus B3 type (CVB3). We previously showed that administration of lymphotactin (LTN) as an adjuvant could enhance the specific immune responses against a mucosal gene vaccine, chitosan-pVP1, against CVB3. To optimize the coadministration mode of the mucosal adjuvant, we compared the mucosal immune responses induced by chitosan-DNA vaccine with different combinations of the target VP1 antigen gene and the adjuvant LTN gene. The two genes were either cloned in separate vectors or coexpressed as a fusion or bicistron protein in the same vector before encapsulation in chitosan nanoparticles. Four doses of various adjuvant-combined chitosan-DNA were intranasally administrated to mice before challenge with CVB3. The results indicated that chitosan-formulated pVP1-LTN fusion plasmid exhibited very weak improvement of CVB3-specific immune responses. Although the bicistronic coexpression of LTN with VP1 was expected to be powerful, this combination had enhanced effects on serum IgG and systemic T cell immune responses, but not on mucosal T cell immunity. Coimmunization with VP1 and LTN as separate chitosan-DNA formulation remarkably enhanced antibody and T cell immune responses both in systemic and mucosal immune compartments, leading to the most desirable preventive effect on viral myocarditis. Taken together, how the adjuvant is combined with the target antigen has a strong influence on the mucosal immune responses induced by mucosal DNA vaccines.     

Innate defence functions of macrophages can be biased by nano-sized ceramic and metallic particles

Nano-sized particles of ceramic and metallic materials are generated by high-tech industrial activities, and can be generated from worn-out replacement and prosthetic implants. The interaction with the human body of such nanoparticles has been investigated, with a particular emphasis on innate defence mechanisms. Human macrophages (PMA-differentiated myelomonocytic U-937 cells) were exposed in vitro to non-toxic concentrations of TiO(2), SiO(2), ZrO(2), or Co nanoparticles, and their inflammatory response (expression of TLR receptors and co-receptors, and cytokine production) was examined. Expression of TLR receptors was generally unaffected by exposure to the different nanoparticles, except for some notable cases. Exposure to nanoparticles of ZrO(2) (and to a lesser extent TiO(2)), upregulated expression of viral TLR receptors TLR3 and TLR7. Expression of TLR10 was also increased by TiO(2) and ZrO(2) nanoparticles. On the other hand, TLR9 expression was decreased by SiO(2) nano-particles, and expression of the co-receptor CD14 was inhibited by Co nanoparticles. Basal and LPS-induced production of cytokines IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-1Ra was examined in macrophages exposed to nanoparticles. SiO(2) nanoparticles strongly biased naive macrophages towards inflammation (M1 polarisation), by selectively inducing production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. SiO(2) nanoparticles also significantly amplified the inflammatory phenotype of LPS-polarised M1 macrophages. Other ceramic nanoparticles had little influence on cytokine production, either in resting macrophages, or in LPS-activated cells. Generally, Co nanoparticles had an overall pro-inflammatory effect on naive macrophages, by reducing anti-inflammatory IL-1Ra and inducing inflammatory TNF-alpha. However, Co nanoparticles reduced production of IL-1beta and IL-1Ra, but not TNF-alpha, in LPS-polarised M1 macrophages. Thus, exposure to different nanoparticles can modulate, in different ways, the defence/inflammatory capacities of macrophages. A thorough analysis of these biasing effects may shed light on the mechanisms of pathogenesis of several diseases based on dysregulation of the immune response (allergies, autoimmunity, tumours).     

骨关节炎软骨细胞发生内质网应激

目的：研究骨关节炎软骨细胞是否发生内质网应激现象。方法：对关节置换术后的人类骨关节炎软骨标本和正常关节软骨标本切片进行内质网应激标志分子免疫球蛋白重链结合蛋白（BiP）的免疫组织化学检测;对小鼠膝关节进行半月板切断术诱发实验性骨关节炎,在术后1、3和6周取材,对组织切片进行番红花“O”染色、Mankin评分及BiP的免疫组织化学检测。结果：所有人类骨关节炎标本中软骨细胞BiP的表达明显升高。番红花“O”染色结果表明,在小鼠骨关节炎模型中,全部手术侧关节表面发生磨损,且随着术后时间延长关节表面磨损范围逐步扩大,手术侧Mankn分值显著高于对照侧;此外,手术侧的软骨细胞内BiP呈阳性表达,且表达量随术后时间延长而增加。结论：在人类骨关节炎标本和实验性小鼠骨关节炎模型中,关节软骨细胞均发生明显的内质网应激现象。     

白介素1受体拮抗剂及转化生长因子β1对兔膝关节骨性关节炎（OA）的治疗研究

目的：通过关节腔内注射白介素l受体拮抗剂（IL-1Ra）及转化生长因子β1（TGF]B1）,观察其对骨性关节炎的治疗作用。方法：16只3-4个月龄新西兰大白兔（雌雄不限）随机分为四组,每组四只,分为正常组,对照组,IL1-Ra组,TGF-β组,正常组仅打开左膝关节关节腔,剩余三组均给予左膝关节前交叉韧带离断术（anterior cruciate ligament transaction ACLT）。四周后IL-1Ra组给予关节腔内注射IL-1Ra5g／ml,TGF-β1组给予关节腔内注射TGF-β150mg／ml,每周两次,连续四周,正常组及对照组未采取任何措施。术后八周时采用空气栓塞法处死全部实验动物,取股骨远端长约1cm,固定后切片行细胞形态学观察。结果：大体肉眼观察：对照组股骨远端软骨面色颜色变暗并稍显粗糙,可见少量软骨脱落,其余两组关节软骨大体形态均接近正常。镜下观察：TGF-β1组软骨细胞增生明显,软骨细胞排列较正常软骨细胞排列轻度紊乱。IL—1Ra组软骨细胞增生数量未及TGF-β1组明显,软骨细胞排列也不及TGF-β1组规则。IL-1Ra组及TGF-β1组软骨细胞形态接近正常软骨细胞,基质染色接近正常。两组软骨膜表面光滑,无纤维细胞形成,软骨膜下未见纤维化。对照纽软骨细胞数量明显减少且排列紊乱,软骨细胞形态发生改变,可见软骨细胞凋亡,镜下可见软骨细胞核浓缩、裂解,并可见新生软骨形成,突出于正常软骨膜表面,软骨膜表面下方可见血管翳及纤维母细胞形成,出现轻度纤维化。基质染色不均匀且染色较淡。结论：IL-1Ra及TGF-β1关节腔内注射均能有效抑制骨性关节炎关节软骨的退变并增加软骨细胞再生,促进软骨基质合成,延缓骨性关节炎的发病进程.     

关节镜手术在膝关节骨性关节炎患者中的综合应用价值

目的:研究关节镜手术在膝关节骨性关节炎患者中的综合应用,为膝关节骨性关节炎的临床治疗提供依据。方法:选取50例单膝关节骨性关节炎患者,行常规关节镜手术,术后注射透明质酸钠并指导患者进行康复训练。在关节镜手术前后对患者进行LKSS评分,评定患者膝关节功能;对患膝的屈肌、伸肌力进行等速测定;在术前及术后2周测定外周血及患膝关节液IL-6、TNF-α、MMP-3表达水平。结果:与术前相比,患者术后LKSS评分及关节活动度均显著提高(P0.05),关节功能得到较好的恢复;患膝伸肌PT、STW及TAE值均得到显著提高(P0.05),屈肌PT、STW及TAE值无统计学意义;患者外周血及关节液中IL-6、TNF-α及MMP-3表达水平均显著降低(P0.05)。结论:采用关节镜手术治疗骨性关节炎可明显降低机体的炎症状态,改善关节的功能,增加患膝的伸肌力。     

Direct adenoviral gene transfer of viral IL-10 to rabbit knees with experimental arthritis ameliorates disease in both injected and contralateral control knees.

IL-10, a cytokine produced primarily by macrophages, B lymphocytes, and Th2 cells, has both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive properties. A homologue of IL-10 encoded by EBV, known as viral IL-10 (vIL-10), is also able to suppress the immune response, but may lack some of the immunostimulatory properties of IL-10. To evaluate the potential of vIL-10 to block the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, we have utilized a replication-defective adenovirus vector to deliver the gene encoding vIL-10 to the knee joints of rabbits with Ag-induced arthritis. Intraarticular expression of vIL-10 significantly reduced leukocytosis, cartilage matrix degradation, and levels of endogenous rabbit TNF-alpha, as well as the degree of synovitis, while maintaining high levels of cartilage matrix synthesis. Interestingly, an antiarthritic effect was also observed in opposing contralateral control knee joints that received only a marker gene. An adenoviral vector carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein marker gene was used to demonstrate that a morphologically similar subset of cells infected in the injected knee joint are able to traffic to the uninjected contralateral knee joint. Our results suggest that direct, local intraarticular delivery of the vIL-10 gene may have polyarticular therapeutic effects.     

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist delivered directly and by gene therapy inhibits matrix degradation in the intact degenerate human intervertebral disc: an <Emphasis Type="Italic">in situ</Emphasis> zymographic and gene therapy study

Data implicate IL-1 in the altered matrix biology that characterizes human intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. In the current study we investigated the enzymic mechanism by which IL-1 induces matrix degradation in degeneration of the human IVD, and whether the IL-1 inhibitor IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) will inhibit degradation. A combination of in situ zymography (ISZ) and immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of IL-1 and IL-1Ra on matrix degradation and metal-dependent protease (MDP) expression in explants of non-degenerate and degenerate human IVDs. ISZ employed three substrates (gelatin, collagen, casein) and different challenges (IL-1β, IL-1Ra and enzyme inhibitors). Immunohistochemistry was undertaken for MDPs. In addition, IL-1Ra was introduced into degenerate IVD explants using genetically engineered constructs. The novel findings from this study are: IL-1Ra delivered directly onto explants of degenerate IVDs eliminates matrix degradation as assessed by multi-substrate ISZ; there is a direct relationship between matrix degradation assessed by ISZ and MDP expression defined by immunohistochemistry; single injections of IVD cells engineered to over-express IL-1Ra significantly inhibit MDP expression for two weeks. Our findings show that IL-1 is a key cytokine driving matrix degradation in the degenerate IVD. Furthermore, IL-1Ra delivered directly or by gene therapy inhibits IVD matrix degradation. IL-1Ra could be used therapeutically to inhibit degeneration of the IVD.