文摘
Purpose Aim of the study was the analysis of cytokine expression in ankle osteoarthritis (OA) hypothesizing age-dependent regulation patterns. Methods Forty-nine patients undergoing an arthroscopy of the ankle with different stages of chronic OA were prospectively included in a clinical trial comparing the group <18?years (n?=?9, ?15.1?±?2.0?years) with the older patients (?8?years, n?=?40, ?36.5?±?11.9). Lavage fluids were analysed by ELISA for levels of aggrecan, BMP-2/7, IGF-1/R, bFGF, CD105, MMP-13, and IL-1β. Additionally, clinical parameters and scores (FFI, CFSS, AOFAS) were evaluated and supplemented by radiographic scores [Kellgren–Lawrence Score (KLS) for conventional X-rays, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scoring System (AOSS) for MRI]. Results In contrast to distribution of gender and BMI (p?<?0.005), parameters characterizing the cartilage defect as ICRS grading, size, and duration of symptoms were not dependent on age. The incidence of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) was higher in the group <18?years (p?<?0.006), but the average degree of OCD grading was not different. KLS and AOSS were significantly higher in the group ?8?years (p?<?0.02). Correlating with the higher degree of OA in the elderly, clinical function measured by FFI and AOFAS was statistically significantly worse (p?<?0.05). Intra-articular concentrations of aggrecan (3.1-fold), bFGF (8.7-fold), BMP-7 (2.7-fold), and CD105 (1.5-fold) were statistically significantly higher in the group??8?years (p?<?0.03). Conclusions Confirming the hypothesis, increased synovial levels of aggrecan, bFGF, BMP-7, and CD105 were found in patients over 18?years. This correlated with a higher stage of OA determined by radiographic changes or deteriorated function and may offer starting points for new diagnostics and interventional strategies. Level of evidence II.