β-NGF and β-NGF receptor upregulation in blood and synovial fluid in osteoarthritis

• Published in: Biological chemistry Vol. 398; no. 9; p. 1045
• Main Authors: Montagnoli, Claudia, Tiribuzi, Roberto, Crispoltoni, Lucia, Pistilli, Alessandra, Stabile, Anna Maria, Manfreda, Francesco, Placella, Giacomo, Rende, Mario, Cerulli, Giuliano G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 28-08-2017
• Subjects: Aged; Cell Count; Female; Humans; Male; Monocytes - cytology; Nerve Growth Factor - blood; Nerve Growth Factor - metabolism; Nerve Tissue Proteins - blood; Nerve Tissue Proteins - metabolism; Osteoarthritis - blood; Osteoarthritis - immunology; Osteoarthritis - metabolism; Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor - blood; Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor - metabolism; Synovial Fluid - metabolism; Up-Regulation; monocytes; p75NTR; β-NGF; TrKA; osteoarthritis
• ISSN: 1437-4315
• DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0280

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common form of non-traumatic joint disease. Previous studies have shown the involvement of β-NGF and its receptors TrKA and p75NTR in OA-related pain, but their role in its pathogenesis is still unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the amount of β-NGF and the expression levels of its receptors on cells isolated from synovial fluid and blood from OA patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty, in order to check any possible correlation with the disease staging. Our results show a progressive stage-related increase of β-NGF and its receptors both in serum and synovial fluid. Furthermore, with respect to control subjects, OA patients show an increased amount of inflammatory monocytes along with an increased expression of β-NGF, TrKA and p75NTR. In conclusion, our study suggests a stage-related modulation of β-NGF and its receptors in the inflammatory process of OA.