Osteoarthritic changes in vervet monkey knees correlate with meniscus degradation and increased matrix metalloproteinase and cytokine secretion.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Meniscus injury increases osteoarthritis risk but its pathobiology in osteoarthritis is unclear. We hypothesized that older adult vervet monkeys would exhibit knee osteoarthritic changes and the degenerative menisci from these animals would secrete matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

Design

In a cross sectional analysis of healthy young adult (9-12 years) and old (19-26 years) adult female vervet monkeys, knees were evaluated in vivo with computed tomography (CT) imaging, and joint tissues were morphologically graded at necropsy. Meniscus explants were subsequently cultured to evaluate meniscal MMP and cytokine secretion.

Results

CT images revealed significant bony osteoarthrit

SUBMITTER: Stone AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4642681 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature