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Tissue Collection and RNA Extraction from the Human Osteoarthritic Knee Joint
Published on: July 22, 2021
Concentrations of trace elements in osteoarthritic knee-joint effusions
M Krachler1, W Domej, K J Irgolic
1Institute for Analytical Chemistry, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Austria.
Biological Trace Element Research
|October 29, 2000
Summary
Osteoarthritic knee joint fluid has lower concentrations of many elements than serum. Essential and nonessential elements showed significant differences and correlations between joint fluid and serum.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease.
- Elemental imbalances may play a role in OA pathogenesis.
- Synovial fluid analysis can provide insights into joint health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare elemental concentrations in synovial fluid and serum of OA patients.
- To investigate correlations between elemental levels and OA.
- To explore the relationship between inflammation markers and elemental concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for elemental analysis.
- 18 elements were measured in synovial fluid and serum from 16 OA patients.
- 99mTc HDP bone scintigraphy assessed knee region hyperperfusion.
Main Results:
- Synovial fluid elemental concentrations were generally lower than serum concentrations.
- Significant differences were observed for essential (Ca, Cu, Mg, Zn) and nonessential (Ba, Be, Bi, La, Sb) elements.
- Positive correlations were found between synovial fluid and serum for Cu, Mg, Cs, Li, Rb, and Sr.
Conclusions:
- Elemental composition differs significantly between osteoarthritic synovial fluid and serum.
- Specific elements show strong correlations, suggesting systemic influences on joint fluid composition.
- No correlation was found between elemental concentrations and inflammation as indicated by bone scintigraphy.

