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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
07:09
In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
Tribological study of joint pathology
L S Berrien1, M J Furey, H P Veit
1Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg 24061-0238, USA.
Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering
|September 22, 2000
Summary
Products from joint inflammation, or synovitis, can damage cartilage. White blood cell lysate significantly increased cartilage wear and damage in laboratory tests, suggesting inflammation exacerbates osteoarthritis progression.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease affecting millions globally.
- Low-grade synovitis, characterized by increased white blood cells in synovial fluid, is common in OA.
- The impact of inflammatory cell breakdown products on cartilage has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of white blood cell lysate on articular cartilage wear and damage.
- To determine if products of joint inflammation contribute to cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis.
Main Methods:
- Bovine white blood cell lysate was added to normal bovine synovial fluid.
- In vitro tribological wear tests were conducted using both treated and untreated synovial fluid.
- Histological analysis examined cartilage damage, fibrillation, and proteoglycan content.
Main Results:
- White blood cell lysate increased cartilage wear by a factor of 2.6 compared to controls.
- Histology revealed significant cartilage damage, fibrillation, and proteoglycan loss in lysate-treated samples.
- Untreated control cartilage showed no significant damage or abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Products of joint inflammation, specifically white blood cell lysate, adversely affect articular cartilage.
- Enzymatic activity within the lysate is suspected to contribute to cartilage wear and damage.
- These findings suggest that synovitis may accelerate osteoarthritis progression.
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