Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the biomarkers change in serum and the correlation with quantitative MRI markers by histopathologic evaluation of the cartilage in surgically-induced osteoarthritis(OA) rabbit model.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-six mature New Zealand rabbits were used. Eighteen rabbits were divided into six groups randomly and equally and subjected to surgery using the improved Hulth method. The other eighteen rabbits were also allocated into six groups randomly and equally which served as the control. At multiple time points after surgery, the BMP-2, CTX-II and COMP levels in the serum were analyzed by ELISA, and quantitative MRI was performed. Histopathology was examined with HE, and Mankin scores were assessed. The changes in the biochemical biomarkers and imaging markers in the OA groups were compared with those in the control groups using paired-samples T tests. The correlation of quantitative MRI markers with biomarkers and Mankin scores were analyzed. The analysis of Mankin scores was conducted with non-parametric wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results

The BMP-2 levels were increased at various times after surgery, and significant differences were observed between the OA and control groups(all the P values P=0.019, 0.004, 0.007, P=0.764). Significant differences in the COMP levels from W2 to W20 were observed between the OA and the control groups(PP=0.001, P=0.002, =0.001, PP=0.305)., while the correlation of T2* values with BMP-2, CTX-II and COMP was significant(P=0.043, 0.005 and 0.025 respectively). In addition, a positive correlation of T2 values and Mankin scores was observed(P<0.001).

Conclusion

With the relevance of the multiple time point analysis of the serum biomarkers and imaging markers compared with histological findings, BMP-2, CTX-II and COMP combined with T2 and T2* can be used to reflect and monitor OA progression potentially.