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Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Oct 2019Articular cartilage is formed at the end of epiphyses in the synovial joint cavity and permanently contributes to the smooth movement of synovial joints. Most skeletal... (Review)
Review
Articular cartilage is formed at the end of epiphyses in the synovial joint cavity and permanently contributes to the smooth movement of synovial joints. Most skeletal elements develop from transient cartilage by a biological process known as endochondral ossification. Accumulating evidence indicates that articular and growth plate cartilage are derived from different cell sources and that different molecules and signaling pathways regulate these two kinds of cartilage. As the first sign of joint development, the interzone emerges at the presumptive joint site within a pre-cartilage tissue. After that, joint cavitation occurs in the center of the interzone, and the cells in the interzone and its surroundings gradually form articular cartilage and the synovial joint. During joint development, the interzone cells continuously migrate out to the epiphyseal cartilage and the surrounding cells influx into the joint region. These complicated phenomena are regulated by various molecules and signaling pathways, including GDF5, Wnt, IHH, PTHrP, BMP, TGF-β, and FGF. Here, we summarize current literature and discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying joint formation and articular development.
Topics: Animals; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; Cartilage, Articular; Cell Differentiation; Cell Lineage; Cell Movement; Chondrocytes; Chondrogenesis; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Gene Expression Regulation; Growth Differentiation Factor 5; Hedgehog Proteins; Humans; Joint Capsule; Osteogenesis; Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Wnt Signaling Pathway
PubMed: 31201464
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03191-5 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Jul 2022Arthrofibrosis, or rigid contracture of major articular joints, is a significant morbidity of many neurodegenerative disorders. The pathogenesis depends on the mechanism... (Review)
Review
Arthrofibrosis, or rigid contracture of major articular joints, is a significant morbidity of many neurodegenerative disorders. The pathogenesis depends on the mechanism and severity of the precipitating neuromuscular disorder. Most neuromuscular disorders, whether spastic or hypotonic, culminate in decreased joint range of motion. Limited range of motion precipitates a cascade of pathophysiological changes in the muscle-tendon unit, the joint capsule, and the articular cartilage. Resulting joint contractures limit functional mobility, posing both physical and psychosocial burdens to patients, economic burdens on the healthcare system, and lost productivity to society. This article reviews the pathophysiology of arthrofibrosis in the setting of neuromuscular disorders. We describe current non-surgical and surgical interventions for treating arthrofibrosis of commonly affected joints. In addition, we preview several promising modalities under development to ameliorate arthrofibrosis non-surgically and discuss limitations in the field of arthrofibrosis secondary to neuromuscular disorders.
Topics: Contracture; Fibrosis; Humans; Joint Capsule; Joint Diseases; Joints; Knee Joint; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 35906570
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05677-z -
Journal of Biomechanics Nov 2011Diarthrodial joints are freely moveable joints containing synovial fluid (SF) within a connective tissue joint capsule that allows for low-friction and low-wear...
Diarthrodial joints are freely moveable joints containing synovial fluid (SF) within a connective tissue joint capsule that allows for low-friction and low-wear articulation of the cartilaginous ends of long bones. Biomechanical cues from joint articulation regulate synoviocyte and cartilage biology via joint capsule strain, in turn altering the composition of SF. Joint flexion is clinically associated with pain in knees with arthritis and effusion, with the nociception possibly originating from joint capsule strain. The hypothesis of this study was that knee fluid volume distribution and joint capsule strain are altered with passive flexion in the rabbit model. The aims were to (a) determine the volume distribution of fluid in the joint at different total volumes and with flexion of rabbit knees ex vivo, (b) correlate the volume distribution for the ex vivo model to in vivo data, and (c) determine the strains at different locations in the joint capsule with flexion. During knee flexion, ∼20% of anteriorly located joint fluid moved posteriorly, correlating well with the fluid motion observed in in vivo joints. Planar joint capsule principal strains were ∼100% (tension) in the proximal-distal direction and ∼-40% (shortening) in the circumferential direction, relative to the femur axis and 30° strain state. The joint capsule strains with flexion are consistent with the mechanics of the tendons and ligaments from which the capsule tissue is derived. The movement and mixing of SF volume with flexion determine the mechanical and biological fluid environment within the knee joint. Joint fluid movement and capsular strains affect synovial cell biology and likely modulate trans-synovial transport.
Topics: Animals; Hydrodynamics; Knee Joint; Rabbits; Stress, Physiological; Synovial Fluid
PubMed: 21945567
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.09.005 -
Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal Jan 2017The usefulness of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) in paediatric population is limited by lack of reference values. One of such parameters is hip joint capsule...
BACKGROUND
The usefulness of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) in paediatric population is limited by lack of reference values. One of such parameters is hip joint capsule thickness, postulated as an early measure for synovitis. However, the joint capsule is hardly a distinguished structure from slit synovial cavity in patients with little or no fluid collection. Therefore, in patients without effusion, it is more convenient to measure hip joint capsule thickness together with synovial cavity. The aim of the study was to establish percentile chart for hip joint capsule and synovial cavity thickness (HJC&SCT) in apparently healthy children.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The analysis included 816 US of hip joint in 408 children without musculoskeletal disorders, distributed equally throughout the whole developmental period in 18 one-year subgroups. Hip joints US was performed according to standard protocol including measurement of HJC&SCT in a single rheumatology centre by three investigators.
RESULTS
The 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th HJC&SCT percentile curves were depicted in the age and height charts for the combined group of girls and boys. The median HJC&SCT values were increasing with age from 3.7 (C10 - C90: 3.3 - 4.2) mm in the first year of life up to 6.7 (5.8 - 7.3) in 16 years old, and above. In a similar way the increase was seen with height from 3.9 (3.5 - 4.7) mm in shorter than 95 cm to 6.9 (6.2 - 7.4) mm in taller than 169 cm subjects. Intra-observer and inter-observer mean precision was less than 1.8 and 12.5%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The developed centile chart for hip joint capsule and synovial cavity thickness in the paediatric population is expected to improve detection of hip joint capsule disorders, including synovitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Female; Hip Joint; Humans; Joint Capsule; Male; Observer Variation; Reference Values; Regression Analysis; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 28143500
DOI: 10.1186/s12969-017-0136-6 -
Annals of the New York Academy of... Apr 2006Synovial joints and articular cartilage play crucial roles in the skeletal function, but relatively little is actually known about their embryonic development. Here we... (Review)
Review
Synovial joints and articular cartilage play crucial roles in the skeletal function, but relatively little is actually known about their embryonic development. Here we first focused on the interzone, a thin mesenchymal cell layer forming at future joint sites that is widely thought to be critical for joint and articular cartilage development. To determine interzone cell origin and fate, we microinjected the vital fluorescent dye DiI at several peri-joint sites in chick limbs and monitored the behavior and fate of labeled cells over time. Peri-joint mesenchymal cells located immediately adjacent to incipient joints migrated, became part of the interzone, and were eventually found in epiphyseal articular layer and joint capsule. Interzone cells isolated and reared in vitro expressed typical phenotypic markers, including GDF-5, Wnt-14, and CD-44, and differentiated into chondrocytes over time. To determine the molecular mechanisms of articular chondrocyte formation, we carried out additional studies on the ets transcription factor family member ERG and its alternatively spliced variant C-1-1 that we previously found to be expressed in developing avian articular chondrocytes. We cloned the human counterpart of avian C-1-1 (ERGp55Delta81) and conditionally expressed it in transgenic mice under cartilage-specific Col2 gene promotor-enhancer control. The entire transgenic mouse limb chondrocyte population exhibited an immature articular-like phenotype and a virtual lack of growth plate formation and chondrocyte maturation compared to wild-type littermate. Together, our studies reveal that peri-joint mesenchymal cells take part in interzone and articular layer formation, interzone cells can differentiate into chondrocytes, and acquisition of a permanent articular chondrocyte phenotype is aided and perhaps dictated by ets transcription factor ERG.
Topics: Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Cell Differentiation; DNA-Binding Proteins; Humans; Mesoderm; Mice; Osteogenesis; Synovial Membrane; Trans-Activators; Transcriptional Regulator ERG
PubMed: 16831907
DOI: 10.1196/annals.1346.010 -
Arthritis Research & Therapy Feb 2023Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive degenerative whole joint disease that affects the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, capsule, and synovium.... (Review)
Review
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive degenerative whole joint disease that affects the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, capsule, and synovium. While it is still believed to be a mechanically driven disease, the role of underlying co-existing inflammatory processes and mediators in the onset of OA and its progression is now more appreciated. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a subtype of OA that occurs secondary to traumatic joint insults and is widely used in pre-clinical models to help understand OA in general. There is an urgent need to develop new treatments as the global burden is considerable and expanding. In this review, we focus on the recent pharmacological advances in the treatment of OA and summarize the most significant promising agents based on their molecular effects. Those are classified here into broad categories: anti-inflammatory, modulation of the activity of matrix metalloproteases, anabolic, and unconventional pleiotropic agents. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the pharmacological advances in each of these areas and highlight future insights and directions in the OA field.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis; Cartilage, Articular; Bone and Bones; Synovial Membrane; Disease Management
PubMed: 36800974
DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03006-w -
FEBS Open Bio Nov 2020Joint contracture (also known as arthrofibrosis) is a fibrotic joint disorder characterized by excessive collagen production to form fibrotic scar tissue and adhesions...
Joint contracture (also known as arthrofibrosis) is a fibrotic joint disorder characterized by excessive collagen production to form fibrotic scar tissue and adhesions within joint capsules. This can severely affect day-to-day activities and quality of life because of a restricted range of motion in affected joints. The precise pathogenic mechanism underlying joint contractures is not fully understood. Lumican belongs to the class II small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycan superfamily, which makes up collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix. Lumican is ubiquitously expressed in the skin, liver, heart, uterus and articular cartilage and has reported roles in cell migration, proliferation, angiogenesis and Toll-like receptor 4 signaling. Previous research has suggested that lumican is involved in the pathogenesis of several fibrotic diseases. Because joint contracture resembles a fibrotic disease, we aimed to investigate the role of lumican in the development of joint contracture in vitro. Here, we showed that protein levels were up-regulated in the fibrotic joint capsule versus control. We observed that lumican significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration and fibroblast-myofibroblast transition of synovial fibroblasts. Moreover, lumican led to increased transcription of alpha-smooth muscle actin, matrix metallopeptidase 9, Collagen I, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and transforming growth factor-β in vitro. Lumican treatment promoted collagen lattice contraction in a dose-dependent manner as early as 24 h after treatment. Thus, our studies reveal that lumican could promote fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and joint contracture.
Topics: Actins; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Collagen; Female; Fibrosis; Humans; Joint Capsule; Joints; Lumican; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Middle Aged; Myofibroblasts; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; Synovial Membrane; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Up-Regulation
PubMed: 32910552
DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12974 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Sep 2022We continued direct morphological studies of the canid coxofemoral joint, considering early-life spatial relationships around the locus of the proximocaudal joint...
We continued direct morphological studies of the canid coxofemoral joint, considering early-life spatial relationships around the locus of the proximocaudal joint capsule insertion. Our primary goal was to elucidate the postnatal developmental gross anatomy of the proximocaudal femur, among juveniles across Canidae. From an original database of 267 independent (museum) specimens from 11 canid taxa and 1 hybrid taxon, we identified 29 ancient or modern candidate juvenile specimens (nine taxa and one hybrid taxon). Based on optimal ability to recognize landmarks, the best photographic data were categorized into five groups of four each (n = 20). The data groups approximated early juvenile, early-mid juvenile, mid-juvenile, mid-late juvenile; and young adult stages. In this descriptive photographic essay, we demonstrate the developmental spatial proximity among (a) the dorsal meeting of the respective lateral and medial extensions from the growth centers of the femoral head and greater trochanter; (b) the caudodorsal aspect of the coxofemoral joint capsule attachment; (c) a segment of the proximocaudal femoral shaft physis; and (d) an eventual associated mineralized prominence. The latter occurs frequently but not universally, suggesting natural population variability across taxa. Across taxa and juvenile age categories, the morphology thus supports developmental conservation among ancient and modern Canidae. The biomechanical and biological cause-effect implications are not yet clear. For zoological purposes, we apply the term postdevelopmental mineralized prominence to the residual caudolateral surface feature. We extend the original anatomical work of Morgan in zoological and phylogenic arenas, using direct observation of cleared skeletal specimens.
Topics: Animals; Canidae; Femur; Femur Head; Hip Joint; Joint Capsule
PubMed: 34854568
DOI: 10.1002/ar.24848 -
Seminars in Immunopathology Jun 2017The profound alterations in the structure, cellular composition, and function of synovial tissue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the basis for the persistent... (Review)
Review
The profound alterations in the structure, cellular composition, and function of synovial tissue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the basis for the persistent inflammation and cumulative joint destruction that are hallmarks of this disease. In RA, the synovium develops characteristics of a tertiary lymphoid organ, with extensive infiltration of lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Concurrently, the fibroblast-like synoviocytes undergo massive hyperplasia and acquire a tissue-invasive phenotype. In this review, we summarize key components of these processes, focusing on recently-described roles of selected molecular markers of these cellular components of RA synovitis.
Topics: Animals; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Biomarkers; Cell Communication; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Joint Capsule; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Signal Transduction; Synovial Membrane
PubMed: 28497350
DOI: 10.1007/s00281-017-0631-3 -
Matrix Biology : Journal of the... Oct 2014Limb synovial joints are intricate structures composed of articular cartilage, synovial membranes, ligaments and an articular capsule. Together, these tissues give each... (Review)
Review
Limb synovial joints are intricate structures composed of articular cartilage, synovial membranes, ligaments and an articular capsule. Together, these tissues give each joint its unique shape, organization and biomechanical function. Articular cartilage itself is rather complex and organized in distinct zones, including the superficial zone that produces lubricants and contains stem/progenitor cells. For many years there has been great interest in deciphering the mechanisms by which the joints form and come to acquire such unique structural features and diversity. Decades ago, classic embryologists discovered that the first overt sign of joint formation at each prescribed limb site was the appearance of a dense and compact population of mesenchymal cells collectively called the interzone. Work carried out since then by several groups has provided evidence that the interzone cells actively participate in joint tissue formation over developmental time. This minireview provides a succinct but comprehensive description of the many important recent advances in this field of research. These include studies using various conditional reporter mice to genetically trace and track the origin, fate and possible function of joint progenitor cells; studies on the involvement and roles in signaling pathways and transcription factors in joint cell determination and functioning; and studies using advanced methods of gene expression analyses to uncover novel genetic determinants of joint formation and diversity. The overall advances are impressive, and the findings are not only of obvious interest and importance but also have major implications in the conception of future translational medicine tools to repair and regenerate defective, overused or aging joints.
Topics: Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Cell Differentiation; Chondrogenesis; Embryonic Stem Cells; Humans; Joint Capsule; Joints; Morphogenesis
PubMed: 25172830
DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2014.08.006