Search Results (116)

Background/Objectives: Lateral patellar dislocation (LPD) is a common pathology of the adolescent knee and a major predisposing factor for patellofemoral instability (PFI). The pathogenesis of PFI involves a combination of anatomical and biomechanical contributors, with increasing evidence pointing to sex-specific differences in knee morphology. Despite this, the developmental course of these parameters and their variation between sexes remain insufficiently characterized. This study aims to investigate sex-related differences in patellofemoral joint geometry among skeletally immature patients with a history of PFI, focusing on how these anatomical variations evolve with increasing knee size, as represented by femoral condylar width. Methods: A total of 315 knee MRIs from patients under 18 years with documented PFI were retrospectively analyzed. Trochlear morphology, patellar tilt, axial positioning, and sagittal alignment were assessed using established MRI-based parameters. All measurements were normalized to bicondylar width to account for individual knee size. Sex-specific comparisons were performed using independent t-tests and linear regression analysis. Results: Females exhibited significantly smaller femoral widths, shallower trochlear depth (TD), shorter tibial tubercle–posterior cruciate ligament (TTPCL) distances, and lower patellar trochlear index (PTI) values compared to males (p < 0.05). In males, increasing femoral width was associated with progressive normalization of patellar tilt and sagittal alignment parameters. In contrast, these alignment parameters in females remained largely unchanged or worsened across different femoral sizes. Additionally, patellar inclination angle and PTI were significantly influenced by knee size in males (p < 0.05), whereas no such relationship was identified in females. Conclusions: Sex-specific morphological differences in patellofemoral geometry are evident early in development and evolve distinctly with growth. These differences may contribute to the higher prevalence of PFI in females and underscore the importance of considering sex and knee size in anatomical assessments. Full article

Understanding how habitat conditions drive morphological adaptations in animals is critical in ecology, yet amphibian studies remain limited. This study investigated intraspecific variation in ecomorphological traits of three montane stream-dwelling frogs (Quasipaa boulengeri, Amolops sinensis, and Odorrana margaratae) across elevation gradients in Tianping Mountain, China. Using morphological measurements and environmental variables collected from ten transects, we analyzed functional traits related to feeding and locomotion and assessed their associations with microhabitat variables. Significant trait differences between low- and high-elevation groups were detected only in Q. boulengeri, with high-elevation individuals exhibiting greater body mass and shorter hindlimbs. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that microhabitat variables, particularly air humidity, flow rate, and rock coverage, were linked to trait variations. For example, air humidity and flow rate significantly influenced Q. boulengeri’s body and limb proportions, while flow rate affected A. sinensis’s snout and limb morphology. In addition, sex and seasonal effects were also associated with trait variations. These results underscore amphibians’ phenotypic plasticity in response to the environment and highlight the role of microhabitat complexity in shaping traits. By linking habitat heterogeneity to eco-morphology, this study advocates for conservation strategies that preserve varied stream environments to support amphibian resilience amid environmental changes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diatomaceous earth (DE), a natural substance rich in amorphous silica and recognized as a food additive, is gaining attention as a dietary silicon supplement. However, its bioavailability and impact on lipid digestion and absorption remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate silicon bioavailability after short-term DE supplementation and its effects on postprandial glycemia and triglyceridemia, the expression of lipid metabolism-related proteins, and the modulation of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Methods: Female Wistar rats received daily oral supplementation of DE (equivalent to 2 or 4 mg silicon/kg body weight) for one week. Silicon digestibility, excretion, and hepatic accumulation were quantified. Postprandial glycemia and triglyceridemia were monitored. Lipid profile was analyzed by HPSEC in gastric and intestinal contents. Jejunal morphology and mucin-secreting cells were assessed histologically. Lipid metabolism markers were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in both intestinal and hepatic tissues. Results: DE supplementation enhanced silicon absorption and increased hepatic levels. Fecal output and moisture content were also elevated, especially at the higher dose. DE significantly reduced postprandial triglyceridemia and consequently increased luminal triglyceride retention. These changes were associated with decreased jejunal levels of IFABP, ACAT2, and MTP, as well as reduced hepatic levels of MTP and LDLr, alongside increased levels of ABCG5/G8 and LXRα/β, indicating a partial blockage of lipid absorption and enhanced cholesterol efflux. The effects on the intestinal barrier were evidenced by villi shortening and an increase in mucin-producing cells. Conclusion: Food-grade DE is a bioavailable source of silicon with hypolipidemic potential, mainly by reducing intestinal lipid absorption. This is supported by lower postprandial triglycerides, increased luminal lipid retention, and decreased expression of lipid transport proteins. The study in healthy female rats underscores the importance of sex-specific responses and supports DE as a dietary strategy to improve lipid metabolism. Full article

Background: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), including granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), represent a spectrum of systemic disorders characterized by necrotizing inflammation of small- to medium-sized vessels. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a validated, non-invasive technique routinely employed in the assessment of microvascular involvement in systemic sclerosis and in the differential diagnosis of Raynaud’s phenomenon; its application in the context of AAV, particularly EGPA, has not been investigated yet. The present study aims to assess the presence and the possible pattern of microcirculatory abnormalities detected by NVC in EGPA patients, and to explore potential correlations between capillaroscopic findings and disease activity status. Methods: A total of 29 patients with EGPA (19 women and 10 men), aged between 51 and 73 years, and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were retrospectively enrolled between October 2023 and April 2025, after providing informed consent and meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. NVC was conducted in both groups to assess various morphological parameters, and mean capillary density was also calculated. Results: This study observed the presence of capillaroscopic alterations in the EGPA group, including decreased capillary density (38%), neoangiogenesis (72%), rolling (100%), pericapillary stippling (66%), and inverted capillary apex (52%). Overall, when comparing healthy controls with EGPA patients, microcirculatory abnormalities were significantly more prevalent in the latter. Specifically, scores for neoangiogenesis, capillary rolling, pericapillary stippling, and inverted capillary apex showed p-values < 0.001. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a higher prevalence of four nailfold videocapillaroscopic abnormalities in patients with EGPA compared to healthy controls. However, the identification of these capillaroscopic alterations as specific to EGPA requires further confirmation. Ongoing studies aim to explore the potential role of NVC as a diagnostic marker and to investigate its correlation with the clinical manifestations of EGPA. Full article

Background: The most common female endocrinopathy is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting 10–20% of women of reproductive age. It is associated with a wide range of hormonal and biochemical abnormalities and long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risks. It is characterized by infertility due to chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology, and is often associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. Hyperinsulinemia further increases androgen production and reduces sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, thereby aggravating symptoms. In addition, vitamin D deficiency is often present in PCOS patients, and increasing evidence suggests that it may also be associated with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, body mass index (BMI), and androgen levels in women with PCOS. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which data from 195 women diagnosed with PCOS and not yet receiving therapy at a gynecologic endocrinology unit of a university-based tertiary clinical center, between 2019 and 2024, were analyzed. The parameters recorded were age, body mass index (BMI), 25(OH) vitamin D levels, androgen hormone levels (testosterone, androstenedione), glucose-insulin responses during a 3-point oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Statistical analyses, including linear regression, Pearson, and Spearman correlation tests were used to assess associations between variables. Results: The mean age of the patients was 24.8 years (18–42), and the mean BMI was 30.6 kg/m² (17–51). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 84.1% of patients, hyperandrogenism in 45.8%, and insulin resistance in 44.5%. A significant inverse correlation was found between BMI and vitamin D levels (r = −0.31, p =< 0.01) indicating that higher BMI is associated with lower vitamin D status. Similarly, BMI also showed a significant negative correlation with SHBG levels (r = –0.45, p < 0.01), suggesting that increasing body weight is linked to reduced SHBG concentrations. In addition, BMI was significantly positively correlated with 2 h insulin levels (r = 0.43, p =< 0.01) and with testosterone levels (r = 0.21, p = 0.01). These findings suggest that increased adiposity intensifies insulin resistance and is linked to both vitamin D deficiency and elevated androgen levels. Moreover, the combination of hyperinsulinemia and low vitamin D further disrupts hormonal balance by promoting ovarian androgen production and decreasing SHBG levels, thereby increasing the bioavailability of testosterone. A significant inverse correlation was found between vitamin D levels and 2 h insulin levels (r = −0.28, p =< 0.01), indicating that lower vitamin D status is associated with increased insulin resistance. Furthermore, 2 h insulin levels showed a significant positive correlation with testosterone levels (r = 0.32, p =< 0.01), suggesting that greater insulin resistance is linked to higher androgen production. Additionally, vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with testosterone (r = −0.18, p = 0.02), demonstrating that a lower vitamin D status may further contribute to the hyperandrogenic environment. Vitamin D levels also showed a significant positive correlation with SHBG concentrations (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), indicating that a higher vitamin D status may be associated with increased SHBG levels. In contrast, 2 h insulin levels were inversely correlated with SHBG (r = −0.43, p < 0.01), reflecting the suppressive effect of hyperinsulinemia on SHBG production. Conclusions: Insulin resistance, BMI, and vitamin D deficiency are closely related to each other and to the severity of PCOS, which is confirmed by the correlations with androgen levels. The revealed relationships draw attention to the special importance of vitamin D supplementation and the correction of carbohydrate metabolism in alleviating the symptoms of the disease and reducing long-term health risks. Full article

The accumulation of nanoparticles (NPs) in the female body has raised global concerns regarding potential effects on the reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂) exposure on the ovaries and the underlying mechanisms. By establishing a nano-TiO₂ accumulation model in mice, our research systematically evaluated the effects of different concentrations of nano-TiO₂ exposure on the development and reproductive endocrine functions of mice. The results showed that nano-TiO₂ exposure significantly reduced the littering rate, sex hormone levels, and ovarian index of mice, and the effects were dose-dependent. Studies on the mechanisms involved revealed that nano-TiO₂ induces an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the potential collapse of the mitochondrial membrane and an increase in the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells, thereby triggering oxidative stress and inhibiting the expression of ovarian-specific genes and granulosa-cell function genes. This study reveals the “dual blow” mechanism of nano-TiO₂-mediated ovarian morphology and function through oxidative stress in granulosa cells, namely directly disrupting cellular homeostasis and interfering with the reproductive-related gene network, ultimately leading to decreased ovarian function. This provides experimental evidence for assessing the reproductive risks of nanomaterials in women. Full article

Parasitoid wasps are vital for biological control, and while new species continue to be discovered, evaluating their biological characteristics is crucial for realizing their potential for pest management. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a well-studied parasitoid of dipteran pests, while Trichomalopsis ovigastra Sureshan & Narendran (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) has been only morphologically described. To assess its biocontrol potential, we compared the biological traits of T. ovigastra and P. vindemiae using Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) as hosts. T. ovigastra showed significantly higher parasitism rates, especially against B. dorsalis, where T. ovigastra achieved nearly 50% parasitism, compared to less than 0.3% by P. vindemiae. When using D. melanogaster as the host, no significant differences were observed between T. ovigastra and P. vindemiae in offspring sex ratio or adult longevity; however, T. ovigastra exhibited a shorter developmental duration and greater tolerance to temperature extremes, starvation, and desiccation. Notably, B. dorsalis has expanded its range from southern to northern China; however, no native parasitoids of this pest have been reported in the newly invaded northern regions. T. ovigastra, collected from northern orchards and capable of parasitizing B. dorsalis, thus shows promise as a biocontrol agent. These findings highlight the potential of locally occurring parasitoids, although field validation is still required. Full article

Cutaneous neoplasia is among the most common illnesses in dogs and can pose significant risks. Accurate morphological diagnosis of these conditions is vital for effective treatment and management. In this retrospective study, a total of 3746 canine skin biopsies were submitted to a veterinary reference diagnostic laboratory and evaluated using histopathology. The variables assessed included age, sex, breed, lesion, location, and histopathological diagnosis. Non-neoplastic lesions accounted for 61% of all analyzed samples, while neoplastic tumors accounted for 39%. When looking at age, dogs ranging 3–6 years and 7–9 years had at least six times higher risk of developing malignant neoplasia compared to those aged 0–2 years. Among the malignant neoplasms, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma were the most observed, representing 30%, 18%, and 12% of cases, respectively. The breeds most frequently affected by malignant neoplasms included Pit Bull Terriers, Boxers, and mixed breeds, all of which comprised the majority of mast cell tumor cases at 50.54%. These findings are novel in this field and may assist small animal veterinarians in making preliminary diagnoses, while also helping pet owners understand the importance of skin cancer and its early detection. Full article

Background: The interdental papilla plays a critical role in maintaining both the esthetic and functional integrity of the periodontium. Although the relationship between the papilla presence and the contact point–bone crest distance is well established, the impact of vertical bone defect morphology—common in periodontitis—remains largely unexplored. Aim: To assess the relationship between the loss of interdental papilla height and three site-specific factors—vertical bone defect morphology, probing depth, and papilla base width—in patients with periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Ten periodontitis patients contributing 28 interdental papillae adjacent to vertical bone defects were included. The recorded parameters included probing depth, papilla base width, and loss of papilla height. Intraoperative measurements of defect depth, mesiodistal width, and buccolingual width were also obtained. Patient-level variables, such as age, sex, oral hygiene, and gingival phenotype, were not controlled or included in the analysis, due to the small number of participants and the study’s focus on defect-level characteristics. Spearman’s rank correlation was used due to non-normal data distribution. Results: A moderate positive association was observed between the probing depth and loss of papilla height (ρ = 0.353), approaching but not reaching statistical significance (p = 0.066). Weak, non-significant associations were found with the remaining parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Although no statistically significant associations were found, observed trends may indicate site-specific influences on the loss of papilla height. These preliminary findings highlight the need for further research with larger, well-characterized cohorts to better understand the factors affecting papilla stability in periodontitis. Full article

Background: Displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in adults represent a common orthopedic challenge, especially in elderly patients with compromised bone quality. Intramedullary nails (IM) and locking plates (LP) are the most widely used fixation techniques, though the literature remains inconclusive regarding their comparative efficacy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 187 patients (mean age: 65.4 years) treated surgically for Neer ≥ 2-part proximal humerus fractures at a single tertiary referral center between 2018 and 2023. Patients underwent either IM nailing or LP fixation. Baseline characteristics included age, sex, smoking status, ASA score, trauma mechanism, and bone quality (assessed by the Deltoid Tuberosity Index). Functional outcomes (DASH and Constant–Murley scores), range of motion (ROM), radiographic healing, and complications were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results were stratified by fracture type (two-, three-, and four-part fractures) and treatment group. Results: At 12 months, no statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of DASH (p = 0.484) or Constant–Murley scores (p = 0.057). ROM recovery was comparable across all time points. Stratified analysis showed similar outcomes across fracture types. Age, smoking, and bone quality did not significantly influence clinical results. The overall complication rate was 11.8%, with no significant difference between groups. Avascular necrosis and hardware-related issues occurred predominantly in four-part fractures. Conclusions: Both intramedullary nailing and locking plate fixation provided comparable short-term outcomes for displaced PHFs. Functional recovery appeared more dependent on fracture complexity than on the choice of implant. Surgical technique should therefore be selected based on fracture morphology, patient characteristics, and surgeon experience. Full article

Background: The femoral artery is a continuation of the external iliac artery. Knowledge of the topography and morphological variability of the thigh vessels informs various fields of medicine, such as hip replacement, hip fracture and femoral trochanter fracture, embolectomy, and angiography. The main aim of this study was to calculate the δ index from morphological measurements. We introduce the δ index to quantify the relative dominance of the DFA in supplying the thigh, aiming to improve clinical assessment and procedural planning. Methods: The study comprised two parts: anatomical dissection and radiological examination. During the anatomical study, 80 lower limbs (34 female and 46 male) fixed in 10% formalin were dissected. For the radiological study, angio-CT scans of the lower limbs of 100 patients (200 lower limbs) were analyzed. In both studies, the δ index was determined. This is the ratio of the diameter of the deep femoral artery at its point of origin to the diameter of the femoral artery after that origin. The morphometric measurements were analyzed statistically using Statistica 12.0 software. Results: The average values of the δ index for the right side were 0.95 (±0.23) and 0.89 (±0.21), respectively, in the anatomical and radiological studies, while for the left side they were 0.94 (±0.23) and 0.89 (±0.27), respectively. The average values for males were 0.88 (±0.18) and 0.80 (±0.17), respectively, while for females they were 1.04 (±0.26) and 1.12 (±0.23), respectively. Conclusions: The δ index, elaborated and calculated in anatomical and radiological studies, showed no statistically significant body side difference. However, it showed a statistically significant sex difference; there was a greater distribution of blood through the deep femoral artery in women than in men. Full article

Background: The morphology of the occipital condyles (OCs) and foramen magnum (FM) is critical for neurosurgical planning and forensic identification. However, pooled reference values and the impact of study-level moderators on morphometric estimates remain underexplored. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate pooled morphometric values of the OCs and FM. Databases were searched for studies reporting relevant data in adult human subjects. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled means and mean differences (MDs) by sex and side (left vs. right). Risk of bias and study quality were assessed. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on study design (osteological vs. imaging) and geographical region. Meta-CART (classification and regression trees) was used to explore moderator interactions and identify data-driven subgroups contributing to heterogeneity. Results: A total of 61 studies comprising 8010 adult skulls met the inclusion criteria. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies; most were assessed as having low-to-moderate methodological quality and a high risk of bias. The pooled mean values were as follows: OC length (OCL): 21.51 mm, OC width (OCW): 11.23 mm, OC thickness (OCT): 9.11 mm, FM length (FML): 35.02 mm, and FM width (FMW): 28.94 mm. Morphometric values reported in imaging-based studies were consistently lower than those from osteological studies. Evident sexual dimorphism was identified, with males exhibiting larger dimensions than females. The most pronounced sex-based mean differences (MDs)—approximately 2 mm—were found in OCL, FML, and FMW. In contrast, differences in OCT and OCW were under 1 mm. No significant side-related asymmetries were observed overall. Subgroup analysis revealed that sex-related MDs were more prominent in imaging studies, particularly for the right OCL and OCW. Meta-CART analysis identified study design as the strongest moderator for OCL, OCW, and FML. Sexual dimorphism was more pronounced in imaging studies but statistically insignificant in osteological samples. Furthermore, sex emerged as a stronger predictor for OCL than OCW, while geographical region had a greater impact on OCW. For OCT, geographical region was the main influencing factor, whereas sex was the primary moderator for FMW. Conclusions: OC and FM morphometry exhibit substantial heterogeneity across studies. Imaging-based methods more effectively detect sex-related differences, underscoring their utility in forensic identification and neurosurgical planning. These findings emphasize the need for more standardized, high-quality morphometric research to support population-specific anatomical reference data. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate corneal endothelial changes following phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation in patients with type 2 diabetes (study group) and without diabetes (control group). The study aimed to determine the extent of endothelial cell damage and the regenerative capacity of the cornea in patients with well-controlled diabetes. Methods: This study compared corneal endothelial parameters in 80 eyes (80 patients) with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and 80 eyes (80 patients) without diabetes, all of whom underwent uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Patients were examined preoperatively and at 14 days, 3 months, and 6–8 months postoperatively. Endothelial cell density (ECD), percentage of hexagonal cells (%HEX), cell size variability (CV), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were assessed using a specular microscope. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) during phacoemulsification were also measured. Results: The study and control groups were matched for age and sex. Preoperatively, patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower endothelial cell density (2480.76 ± 303.48 cells/mm²) compared to the control group (2629.64 ± 304.73 cells/mm², p = 0.002). Visual acuity was also significantly lower in the study group (0.44 ± 0.18) than in the control group (0.50 ± 0.19, p = 0.049). No significant preoperative differences were observed in IOP, CV, %HEX, or CCT. Postoperatively, both groups experienced ECD decline: −18.44%, −18.77%, and −19.05% in the study group and −15.12%, −16.42%, and −16.73% in the control group at 14 days, 3 months, and 6–8 months, respectively. Differences between groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.285). A significant %HEX decrease was observed in both groups at all time points, with a greater decline in the study group at 14 days and 3 months. CV significantly increased in both groups at 14 days and 3 months postoperatively, but no significant difference was found between groups. A significant increase in CCT was observed at 14 days and 3 months postoperatively, with a greater increase in the study group at 14 days. Preoperative visual acuity negatively correlated with CDE in both groups. Additionally, CDE negatively correlated with ECD at all time points. Conclusions: Endothelial cell density is lower in patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes than in non-diabetic individuals. Both groups are at risk of endothelial cell loss during phacoemulsification. Despite good glycemic control and comparable preoperative endothelial morphology, the cornea in diabetic patients is more vulnerable to damage, with a prolonged regeneration process. The impaired regenerative capacity of the corneal endothelium suggests the need for additional precautions during cataract surgery in diabetic patients. Despite ECD decline and delayed endothelial regeneration, the functional status of the cornea, as indicated by visual acuity and CCT, remains stable. The adequate corneal endothelial cell reserve in well-controlled type 2 diabetes patients allows for cataract surgery without significant corneal complications. Full article

Sexual selection is a major driver of speciation and evolution, with mate choice being a key component. Individuals assess mate quality by integrating various mating cues. The Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), a species exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism in body size and secondary sexual traits, serves as an ideal model for studying mate choice. This study examines the impact of mating cues on mate choice in different sexes of G. affinis through a combination of morphological parameter database construction, computer-simulated animations, and dichotomous association preference tests. The results showed that male gonopodium status significantly affects female mate choice. Females exhibited a preference for males with resting-phase gonopodia, suggesting their aversion to forced copulation and sexual harassment in coercive mating systems. Furthermore, males preferred younger females, with this preference being positively correlated with male body size. This suggests that males are sensitive to sperm competition intensity and may base their choice on social rank. Geometric morphometric analysis and simulation experiments showed that males preferred females with larger gravid spots, regardless of age, suggesting that gravid spot size reflects female fecundity. Male preference for younger females with streamlined bodies and smaller abdomens was significant, but body size did not affect mate choice in general. Our findings highlight that female and male G. affinis employ different mate choice strategies, with females prioritizing male harassment avoidance and males considering multiple mating cues, not solely one dominant characteristic, in their mate choice decisions. These findings demonstrate that mate choice in G. affinis involves balancing conflicting preferences for traits associated with reduced harassment risk (e.g., resting-phase gonopodium in males) and those linked to reproductive potential (e.g., large gravid spot in females), highlighting the nuanced decision-making processes in both sexes. Full article

Micro-computed tomography assessment of osteochondral microstructural properties of the distal femur and proximal tibia was comprehensively conducted to compare adult patients with knee rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA), with special focus on the effects of knee malalignment. This study encompassed 402 bone samples divided into three groups: the RA group [patients who were subjected to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to RA, n = 23, age: 61 ± 10 years], the KOA group [individuals subjected to TKA due to KOA, n = 24, age: 71 ± 9 years] and the control group [sex-matched cadavers without degenerative knee diseases, n = 20, age: 67 ± 11 years]. Our data revealed that the RA, KOA, and control groups differ significantly in osteochondral microstructural properties depending on the knee alignment. Specifically, increasing femoral and tibial cortical porosity, coupled with thinner articular cartilage, were noted in the RA and KOA groups, compared to the controls. Furthermore, larger femoral and tibial cortical pores, lower tibial and femoral subchondral trabecular bone fraction, and thinner tibial articular cartilage were noted in the RA group in comparison to the KOA group, implying that the medial-to-lateral load distribution in the knee joint could be most affected in these patients. Our data illustrated that the thinnest cartilage, a thicker and less porous cortex, along with lower trabecular bone volume, were present in the lateral femoral and tibial condyles of RA individuals with valgus knee alignment. Observed subchondral trabecular microarchitectural alterations could be morphological factors contributing to different effects of surgical treatment and variable implant stability in individuals with RA, warranting further research. Full article