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Raman spectroscopy detection of molecular changes associated with two experimental models of osteoarthritis in rats
Renato Aparecido de Souza1, Murilo Xavier, Nilton Maciel Mangueira
1Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisa em Ciências da Saúde (GEP-CS), Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sul de Minas Gerais, Campus Muzambinho. Estrada de Muzambinho, km 35, Caixa Postal 02, 37890-000, Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil, tatosouza2004@yahoo.com.br.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying Raman spectroscopy in probing the molecular changes in terms of collagen deposition and tissue remodeling associated with two well-established experimental models of osteoarthritis (OA) in knee of rats. In order to evaluate alterations in the articular surface area, the menisci-covered tibial region was assessed into three groups as follows: control (joint preserved) and two models of experimental knee OA: collagenase-induced model (n = 8) and treadmill exercise-induced model (n = 8). Each group was examined for molecular changes using spectral parameters related to cartilage, subchondral bone, and bone tissues. A significant increase of Raman ratios related to mineralization and tissue remodeling was found (p < 0.05), suggesting that both models were successful for inducing OA in rats. The significantly lower phenylalanine content and higher crystallinity in the treadmill exercise-induced model of OA than collagenase-induced model of OA (p < 0.05) indicated that the OA pathogenesis was model-dependent. Thus, this work suggests that the Raman spectroscopy technique has potential for the diagnosis and detection of cartilage damage and monitoring of subchondral bone and bone in OA pathogenesis at the molecular level.
Insights
Raman spectroscopy effectively detects molecular changes in osteoarthritis (OA) models. This technique shows promise for diagnosing cartilage damage and monitoring bone remodeling in OA pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Spectroscopy
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown and bone remodeling.
- Current diagnostic methods for OA often lack molecular-level detail.
- Experimental models are crucial for understanding OA pathogenesis and evaluating diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy for detecting molecular alterations in experimental rat knee osteoarthritis models.
- To investigate collagen deposition and tissue remodeling using Raman spectroscopy.
- To compare molecular changes between collagenase-induced and treadmill exercise-induced OA models.
Main Methods:
- Raman spectroscopy was applied to analyze cartilage, subchondral bone, and bone tissues.
- Three groups of rats were studied: control, collagenase-induced OA, and treadmill exercise-induced OA.
- Spectral parameters related to mineralization and tissue remodeling were quantified.
Main Results:
- Both OA models demonstrated significant increases in Raman ratios associated with mineralization and tissue remodeling (p < 0.05).
- The treadmill exercise-induced OA model showed significantly lower phenylalanine content and higher crystallinity compared to the collagenase-induced model (p < 0.05).
- These findings indicate successful induction of OA and model-dependent pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Raman spectroscopy is a feasible technique for probing molecular changes in OA.
- The study highlights the potential of Raman spectroscopy for early diagnosis and monitoring of OA at the molecular level.
- This technique can aid in differentiating OA pathogenesis based on specific molecular signatures.