Subchondral bone microstructural damage by increased remodelling aggravates experimental osteoarthritis preceded by osteoporosis

• DOI: 10.1186/ar3103
• Publication Date: 2010-08-24T18:14:17Z
• Authors: Miriam Bellido; Laura Lugo; Jorge A Roman-Blas; Santos Castañeda; Jose R Caeiro; Sonia Dapia; Emilio Calvo; Raquel Largo; Gabriel Herrero-B...
• Keywords: Subchondral bone; Bone remodeling

Osteoporosis (OP) increases cartilage damage in a combined rabbit model of OP and osteoarthritis (OA). Accordingly, we assessed whether microstructure impairment at subchondral bone aggravates this experimental model. was induced 20 female rabbits, by ovariectomy intramuscular injections methylprednisolone hemisuccinate for four weeks. Ten healthy animals were used as controls. At week 7, OA surgically left knees all rabbits. 22 weeks, after sacrifice, parameters micro-computed tomography, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) protein expressions evaluated Western Blot bone. In addition, estimated using the histopathological Mankin score. Mann-Whitney Spearman statistical tests performed appropriate, SPSS software v 11.0. Significant difference established P < 0.05. Subchondral area/tissue area, trabecular thickness polar moment inertia diminished OPOA compared with control or (P 0.05). A decrease plate thickness, ALP expression OPG/RANKL ratio well an increased fractal dimension MMP9 occurred OA, vs. controls severity Remarkably, good correlations observed between structural remodelling bone, furthermore, Microstructure associated aggravated rabbits previous OP. Our results suggest that resorption may account exacerbation when early coexist simultaneously same individuals.