Projektinformation
Beskrivning
Background - Osteoarthritis causes joint pain and disability. In Sweden, approximately one million people have some form of osteoarthritis. There is no curative treatment for osteoarthritis, and today's healthcare is focused on pain relief, physical therapy and in some cases joint replacement (prosthesis). The articular cartilage's main structural proteins, aggrecan and collagen, together with the synovial fluid (the lubricant between the joint surfaces) give the joint tissue its elastic shock-absorbing function. In a healthy cartilage, there is a balance between the build-up and breakdown of tissue components. In osteoarthritis, an imbalance occurs and large amounts of enzymes are formed that break down the cartilage proteins. One of the first proteins to break down in osteoarthritis is aggrecan, which is thereby are released into the synovial fluid. High levels of aggrecan and other cartilage proteins in the synovial fluid indicates a molecular-imbalance in the cartilage and can thus be used as a biomarker for osteoarthritis
Aims - By using biochemical analysis, self-reported questionnaires and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we want to: (I) study the molecular and structural changes that occur in knee injuries and in the development of osteoarthritis; (II) analyze the relationships between molecular markers, MR findings and symptoms during different stages of the disease course.
Study design - We use blood, urine and synovial fluid samples from different patient cohorts (knee healthy individuals, knee joint injured patients and patients with knee osteoarthritis and other arthritis) to measure inflammation and degradation products from bone, cartilage and synovium using immunological methods. We use MRI analysis for structure and volume measurements of joint tissues, and patient evaluation forms to collect information about symptoms such as pain, stiffness, quality of life and physical activity (clinical data). Molecular markers are finally compared with MRI analyzes and clinical data.
Aims - By using biochemical analysis, self-reported questionnaires and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we want to: (I) study the molecular and structural changes that occur in knee injuries and in the development of osteoarthritis; (II) analyze the relationships between molecular markers, MR findings and symptoms during different stages of the disease course.
Study design - We use blood, urine and synovial fluid samples from different patient cohorts (knee healthy individuals, knee joint injured patients and patients with knee osteoarthritis and other arthritis) to measure inflammation and degradation products from bone, cartilage and synovium using immunological methods. We use MRI analysis for structure and volume measurements of joint tissues, and patient evaluation forms to collect information about symptoms such as pain, stiffness, quality of life and physical activity (clinical data). Molecular markers are finally compared with MRI analyzes and clinical data.
Status | Slutfört |
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Gällande start-/slutdatum | 2016/08/13 → 2023/06/30 |
Finansiering
- Alfred Österlunds stiftelse
- Reumatikerförbundet
- Greta and Johan Kock Foundation
- Magnus Bergvalls Stiftelse
- Anna-Greta Crafoords Stiftelse för Reumatologisk Forskning
- Crafoordska stiftelsen