NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre

Enabling translational research through partnership

MENUMENU
  • About
    • About the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre
    • A Guide to What We Do
    • Activities during COVID-19
    • Strategic Partnership Board
    • Steering Committee
    • Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Research
    • Current Vacancies
    • Contact Us
    • Stay in Touch
  • Research
        • OUR 20 RESEARCH THEMES

        • Antimicrobial Resistance and Modernising Microbiology
        • Cardiovascular
        • Clinical Informatics and Big Data
        • Diabetes and Metabolism
        • Gastroenterology and Mucosal Immunity
        • Genomic Medicine
        • Haematology and Stem Cells
        • Imaging
        • Molecular Diagnostics
        • Multi-Modal Cancer Therapies
        • Multi-Morbidity and Long-Term Conditions
        • Musculoskeletal
        • Neurological Conditions
        • Obesity, Diet and Lifestyle
        • Partnerships for Health, Wealth and Innovation
        • Respiratory
        • Stroke and Vascular Dementia
        • Surgical Innovation and Evaluation
        • Technology and Digital Health
        • Vaccines for Emerging and Endemic Diseases
        • Oxford Biomedical Research Centre activities during COVID-19
  • Patient & Public Involvement
    • Getting involved with research
    • Researcher Guidance
    • Post an opportunity for patient and public involvement
  • Training Hub
    • Training Hub Overview
    • Clinical Academic Pathway
    • Internships
    • Preparatory Research Fellowships
    • Senior Research Fellowships
    • Research Training Bursaries
    • Doctoral Awards
    • Post-Doctoral Awards
    • Other funding
    • Leadership Training
    • Useful Links
    • Training and Education Resources
    • Upcoming Training Events & Courses
  • Industry
    • Collaborate with Oxford BRC
    • What Can We Do For Your Organisation?
    • Who Do We Work With?
    • IP and Licensing
    • Contacts for Industry
  • Videos
  • News
  • Events

News

You are here: Home > Musculoskeletal > Researchers identify markers in joint fluid that could be key to cartilage repair

Researchers identify markers in joint fluid that could be key to cartilage repair

9 March 2020 · Listed under Musculoskeletal

Oxford researchers have found that molecular changes in the joint fluid during knee distraction surgery reveal markers that may drive cartilage repair in osteoarthritis.

It is generally accepted that cartilage is not able to heal or regenerate itself after injury or through wear and tear, leading to the development of osteoarthritis.

But there is a body of evidence emerging that challenges this view; recent studies have shown evidence of that cartilage can regenerate following a surgical procedure called joint distraction.

A research team from the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) set out, in collaboration with partners in the Netherlands, to investigate whether there were molecular changes within the environment of the knee joint that could explain the repair.

The NDORMS team, who were supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), studied a group of 20 individuals with osteoarthritis undergoing knee joint distraction, an intervention that uses an external frame fixed to both sides of the joint to gradually pull apart the knee by 5mm over six weeks.  

A benefit of the treatment, which is not yet offered in the UK, is that it takes pressure off the joint while enabling the patient to continue to walk on the leg.

Knee joint distraction has previously been shown in clinical studies by the Netherlands group not only to lead to sustained improvements in knee symptoms but also to repair cartilage as measured by magnetic resonance imaging.

“It’s something that goes against the dogma because people think that once the cartilage is gone that’s it,” said Fiona Watt, Associate Professor at NDORMS. “We were interested to know whether this intervention was changing the joint environment to promote cartilage regrowth, and if we could measure markers which might represent repair pathways.

“Identifying such pathways might help us to develop new treatments to prevent or delay knee arthroplasty or to treat osteoarthritis in other joints in the future, as well as understanding how this particular intervention brings about benefit.”

A small sample of joint fluid was taken from each patient when the knee distraction frame was fitted, at the mid-point of distraction, and at six weeks, the point at which the distractor was removed.

Patients were followed for a year in total and their osteoarthritis symptoms assessed. The team looked for changes in a panel of ten markers, previously identified as important in the response to joint injury and in repair, to determine whether any changes in the fluid could be linked to response to intervention and clinical improvement.

“Several markers changed with distraction, but two markers, FGF2 and TGFß, showed a significant increase in the joint during distraction and predicted a good clinical outcome,” said Professor Tonia Vincent, Director of the Centre for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis at NDORMS.

“Both of these are growth factors that are associated with cartilage repair in laboratory studies. Although ours was a small exploratory study, it shows that the biology in the joint changes rapidly when mechanical stress is altered and this likely facilitates cartilage repair. Identifying the molecules that drive the intrinsic power of cartilage to repair may help us to identify new molecular treatments for osteoarthritis.”

As well as the Oxford BRC, the study was supported by Versus Arthritis, ReumaNederlands and the Dutch Arthritis Society.

← New trauma wound treatment no better than standard dressing
Childhood obesity increases the risk of fracture new study finds →

News

  • Lymph nodes reveal more about mechanisms of autoimmunity 14 June 2022
  • Conference aims to forge collaborations to tackle dementia 9 June 2022
  • Lung function device wins top chemistry Prize 8 June 2022
See full news archive

News Categories

Month Archives

Subscribe to the Oxford BRC Newsletter

Keep informed about the work of the Oxford BRC by subscribing to our Mailchimp e-newsletter. It is produced several times a year and delivers news and information about upcoming events straight to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Oxford BRC on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Feedback

We’d love to hear your feedback. Please contact us at obrcenquiries@ouh.nhs.uk

  • Sitemap
  • Data Control and Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Our Partners
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact

Copyright © 2022 NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre