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Editorial for Special Issue “Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases”

by Ye Liu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(5), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47050320 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent and debilitating disorder, affecting over 500 million people, primarily affecting aging adults [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)

Research

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9 pages, 987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Decrease Uric Acid Levels in the Sera of Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

by Dijana Perković, Marin Petrić, Maja Maleš, Ivana Erceg Maleš and Mislav Radić

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(3), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030142 - 22 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Objectives: There are many explanations for increased levels of serum uric acid (SUA) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but correlation with different treatment options in PsA is not well elucidated. Our aim was to determine the effects of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs [...] Read more.

Objectives: There are many explanations for increased levels of serum uric acid (SUA) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but correlation with different treatment options in PsA is not well elucidated. Our aim was to determine the effects of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) on SUA levels in patients with PsA. Materials and methods: We analyzed the data of PsA patients treated with different bDMARDs from January 2007 to June 2021. Patients treated with interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors (secukinumab and ixekizumab) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors (golimumab, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and etanercept) were included. Results: A total of 87 patients were included. The SUA levels decreased in 60 (69%) patients after a 3–6-month-long follow-up, and in 25 (28.7%), we noticed an increase. The average decrease in SUA levels was 9.4 ± 49.5 µmol/L (p = 0.039); for TNFα patients, it was 7.3 ± 59.8 µmol/L (p = 0.386), and for IL-17 patients, it was 12.6 ± 28.4 µmol/L (p = 0.013). The levels of SUA decreased in 81.8% of patients treated with infliximab, as well as in 76% of those treated with secukinumab and in 72.7% of those treated with etanercept. The largest average decrease in SUA levels was recorded in the group treated with golimumab (23 µmol/L). Conclusions: A significant decrease in SUA levels was noticed, especially in patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors. Further studies should identify which bDMARD is the most potent in the lowering of SUA levels. bDMARDs were efficient in PsA disease activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)

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14 pages, 2693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiarthritic and Antinociceptive Properties of Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) Essential Oil in Experimental Models

by Paloma Kênia de Moraes Berenguel Lossavaro, Josyelen Lousada Felipe, Joyce dos Santos Lencina, Iluska Senna Bonfá, Kamylla Fernanda Souza de Souza, Lucas Luiz Machado, Mila Marluce Lima Fernandes, João Victor Ferreira, Maria Inês Lenz Souza, Luciane Candeloro, Cândida Aparecida Leite Kassuya, Edgar Julian Paredes-Gamero, Eduardo Benedetti Parisotto, Mônica Cristina Toffoli-Kadri and Saulo Euclides Silva-Filho

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(8), 9033-9046; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46080534 - 18 Aug 2024

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil (YEO) on models of experimental arthritis, persistent inflammation, and nociception in mice. YEO treatment at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced the infiltration of [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil (YEO) on models of experimental arthritis, persistent inflammation, and nociception in mice. YEO treatment at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced the infiltration of leukocytes into the joint cavities of mice submitted to zymosan-induced arthritis 6 h and 7 days after arthritis induction. At these doses, YEO treatment reduced the formation of joint edema 4 and 6 h after arthritis induction, and at a dose of 200 mg/kg, YEO treatment reduced mechanical hyperalgesia 3 and 4 h after arthritis induction. At the dose of 200 mg/kg, YEO treatment reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cartilage destruction in the zymosan-induced arthritis model, and reduced edema formation and mechanical hyperalgesia in the model of persistent inflammation (21 days) induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in mice. YEO treatment at a dose of 200 mg/kg reduced the nociceptive response in experimental models of nociception induced by acetic acid and formalin. The YEO treatment reduced inflammatory parameters in the experimental arthritis model, and presented antiarthritic, anti-hyperalgesic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)

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17 pages, 4590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety of Exposure to 0.2 T and 4 Hz Rotating Magnetic Field: A Ten-Month Study on C57BL/6 Mice

by Hua Yang, Yu Han, Cai Zhou, Shenglan Nie, Mengqing Li, Qinyao Yu, Yunpeng Wei and Xiaomei Wang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(7), 6390-6406; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46070382 - 26 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Amidst the burgeoning interest in rotating magnetic fields (RMF) within biological research, there remains a notable gap in the scientific evidence concerning the long-term safety of RMF. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the safety of protracted exposure to a 0.2 T, 4 [...] Read more.

Amidst the burgeoning interest in rotating magnetic fields (RMF) within biological research, there remains a notable gap in the scientific evidence concerning the long-term safety of RMF. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the safety of protracted exposure to a 0.2 T, 4 Hz RMF over 10 months in mice. Two-month-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to either the RMF group (exposed to 0.2 T, 4 Hz real RMF) or the SHAM group (exposed to 0 T, 4 Hz sham RMF). Throughout the experiment, the murine weekly body weights were recorded, and their behavioral traits were assessed via open field tests. In the final month, a comprehensive evaluation of the murine overall health was conducted, encompassing analyses of blood parameters, histomorphological examination of major organs, and skeletal assessments using X-ray and micro-CT imaging. The murine immune system and lipid metabolism were evaluated through immunochip analysis and metabolomics. Notably, no discernible adverse effects with RMF exposure were observed. Murine body weight, locomotor behavior, organ histomorphology, and skeletal health remained unaffected by RMF. Blood analysis revealed subtle changes in hormone and lipid levels between the SHAM and RMF groups, yet these differences did not reach statistical significance. Moreover, RMF led to elevated serum interleukin-28 (IL-28) levels, albeit within the normal range, and modest alterations in serum lipid metabolites. Conclusively, mice exposed to the 0.2 T, 4 Hz RMF for 10 months displayed no significant signs of chronic toxicity, indicating its potential clinical application as a physical therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)

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Review

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48 pages, 1332 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Inflammatory Link of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Thrombosis: Pathogenic Molecular Circuits and Treatment Approaches

by Theodora Adamantidi, Maria Stavroula Pisioti, Sofia Pitsouni, Chatzikamari Maria, Karamanis Georgios, Vasiliki Dania, Nikolaos Vordos, Xenophon Krokidis and Alexandros Tsoupras

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(4), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47040291 - 18 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation that primarily affects the joints but can also involve extra-articular organs. Its multifactorial etiology remains incompletely understood, necessitating further investigation into its underlying mechanisms. The primary therapeutic goal in RA management [...] Read more.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation that primarily affects the joints but can also involve extra-articular organs. Its multifactorial etiology remains incompletely understood, necessitating further investigation into its underlying mechanisms. The primary therapeutic goal in RA management is to achieve disease remission or maintain low RA activity to prevent long-term morbidity. RA therapies aim to mitigate joint damage, reduce disability, and prevent systemic complications such as cardiovascular diseases. In addition to pharmacological treatments, non-pharmacological interventions—including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, and adherence to a balanced diet—play a crucial role in managing the disease. Beyond joint inflammation, RA has been strongly associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, contributing significantly to both morbidity and mortality. The link between RA and thrombotic events arises from a complex interplay of inflammatory pathways, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulation abnormalities. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms driving the association between thrombo-inflammatory manifestations and the incidence of RA, the impact of RA treatment on thrombosis prevalence, and potential therapeutic strategies for managing both conditions concurrently. By integrating recent advancements in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathophysiology and thrombo-inflammatory research, this paper provides a comprehensive resource on the inflammatory link between RA and thrombosis while discussing and comparing current and emerging treatment approaches. Further investigation into these mechanisms could facilitate the development of targeted therapies that reduce the risk of thrombosis in patients with RA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)

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43 pages, 1030 KiB

Open AccessReview

Osteoarthritis: Insights into Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Avenues, and the Potential of Natural Extracts

by Chiara Coppola, Marco Greco, Anas Munir, Debora Musarò, Stefano Quarta, Marika Massaro, Maria Giulia Lionetto and Michele Maffia

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(5), 4063-4105; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46050251 - 29 Apr 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6243

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a prevalent and progressively debilitating clinical condition globally, impacting joint structures and leading to their gradual deterioration through inflammatory mechanisms. While both non-modifiable and modifiable factors contribute to its onset, numerous aspects of OA pathophysiology remain elusive despite considerable [...] Read more.

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a prevalent and progressively debilitating clinical condition globally, impacting joint structures and leading to their gradual deterioration through inflammatory mechanisms. While both non-modifiable and modifiable factors contribute to its onset, numerous aspects of OA pathophysiology remain elusive despite considerable research strides. Presently, diagnosis heavily relies on clinician expertise and meticulous differential diagnosis to exclude other joint-affecting conditions. Therapeutic approaches for OA predominantly focus on patient education for self-management alongside tailored exercise regimens, often complemented by various pharmacological interventions primarily targeting pain alleviation. However, pharmacological treatments typically exhibit short-term efficacy and local and/or systemic side effects, with prosthetic surgery being the ultimate resolution in severe cases. Thus, exploring the potential integration or substitution of conventional drug therapies with natural compounds and extracts emerges as a promising frontier in enhancing OA management. These alternatives offer improved safety profiles and possess the potential to target specific dysregulated pathways implicated in OA pathogenesis, thereby presenting a holistic approach to address the condition’s complexities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)

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36 pages, 2328 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Alarmins in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Psoriasis

by Kajetan Kiełbowski, Wiktoria Stańska, Estera Bakinowska, Marcin Rusiński and Andrzej Pawlik

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(4), 3640-3675; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040228 - 19 Apr 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2633

Abstract

Alarmins are immune-activating factors released after cellular injury or death. By secreting alarmins, cells can interact with immune cells and induce a variety of inflammatory responses. The broad family of alarmins involves several members, such as high-mobility group box 1, S100 proteins, interleukin-33, [...] Read more.

Alarmins are immune-activating factors released after cellular injury or death. By secreting alarmins, cells can interact with immune cells and induce a variety of inflammatory responses. The broad family of alarmins involves several members, such as high-mobility group box 1, S100 proteins, interleukin-33, and heat shock proteins, among others. Studies have found that the concentrations and expression profiles of alarmins are altered in immune-mediated diseases. Furthermore, they are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions. The aim of this narrative review is to present the current evidence on the role of alarmins in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis. We discuss their potential involvement in mechanisms underlying the progression of these diseases and whether they could become therapeutic targets. Moreover, we summarize the impact of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of these diseases on the expression of alarmins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)

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22 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessReview

Genomic Determinants of Knee Joint Biomechanics: An Exploration into the Molecular Basis of Locomotor Function, a Narrative Review

by Georgian-Longin Iacobescu, Loredana Iacobescu, Mihnea Ioan Gabriel Popa, Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc, Antonio-Daniel Corlatescu and Catalin Cirstoiu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(2), 1237-1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46020079 - 1 Feb 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2290

Abstract

In recent years, the nexus between genetics and biomechanics has garnered significant attention, elucidating the role of genomic determinants in shaping the biomechanical attributes of human joints, specifically the knee. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive exploration of the molecular basis underlying [...] Read more.

In recent years, the nexus between genetics and biomechanics has garnered significant attention, elucidating the role of genomic determinants in shaping the biomechanical attributes of human joints, specifically the knee. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive exploration of the molecular basis underlying knee joint locomotor function. Leveraging advancements in genomic sequencing, we identified specific genetic markers and polymorphisms tied to key biomechanical features of the knee, such as ligament elasticity, meniscal resilience, and cartilage health. Particular attention was devoted to collagen genes like COL1A1 and COL5A1 and their influence on ligamentous strength and injury susceptibility. We further investigated the genetic underpinnings of knee osteoarthritis onset and progression, as well as the potential for personalized rehabilitation strategies tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. We reviewed the impact of genetic factors on knee biomechanics and highlighted the importance of personalized orthopedic interventions. The results hold significant implications for injury prevention, treatment optimization, and the future of regenerative medicine, targeting not only knee joint health but joint health in general. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)

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