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The objective of this study was to examine the effects of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) expression induced by IL-1β in human synovial fibroblasts. Cells were enzymatically isolated from synovial tissue taken from patients undergoing joint replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting were used to assess the COX-2 gene and protein expression with the associated mechanisms. PGE2 and IL-8 secretion into the culture medium was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. COX-2 upregulation in synovial fibroblasts induced by IL-1β was significantly suppressed by EGCG in a dose-dependent manner. PGE2 and IL-8 secretion was also induced by IL-1β stimulation and significantly suppressed by EGCG. The mechanism was associated with the phosphorylation of IKKβ. EGCG may inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators, such as COX-2, PGE2, and IL-8, induced by IL-1β in human synovial fibroblasts. EGCG may be of value in the treatment of synovial inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to establish an animal model to investigate primary osteoarthritis of the lumbar facet joints after collagenase injection in rats and its effects on chondrocyte apoptosis. We hypothesized that osteoarthritic-like changes would be induced by collagenase injection and that apoptosis of chondrocytes would increase. Collagenase (1, 10, or 50 U) or saline (control) was injected into the lumbar facet joints. The histology and histochemistry of cartilage, synovium, and subchondral bone were examined at 1, 3, and 6 weeks after surgery. Apoptotic cells induced by 1 U of collagenase were quantified using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Degeneration of the cartilage and changes to the synovium and subchondral bone were dependent on both the doses of collagenase and the time after surgery. There were significantly more apoptotic chondrocytes in collagenase-treated joints than in control ( P < 0.001 at 1 and 3 weeks and P < 0.05 at 6 weeks). Thus, lumbar facet joints subjected to collagenase developed osteoarthritic-like changes that could be quantified and compared. This model provides a useful tool for further study on the effects of compounds that have the potential to inhibit enzyme-associated damage to cartilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to investigate the effect of activin A on matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) production and to identify the role of activin A in chondroprotection. SW1353 cells, a human chondrosarcoma cell line, were stimulated with interleukin (IL) 1α and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, and the concentrations of activin A, follistatin, and MMP-3 secreted into the culture media were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activin A was added to cell cultures in the presence of IL-1α or TNFα to determine its effect on the production of MMP-3 and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) (measured by Alcian blue assay). To study the mechanism responsible for the chondroprotective effects of activin A, the production of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and tissue inhibitor for metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) was examined by ELISA. Addition of IL-1α did not affect the production of activin A by cultured SW1353 cells. IL-1α and activin A inhibited the production of follistatin. Stimulation of SW1353 cells with activin A suppressed IL-1α-induced, but not TNFα-induced, MMP-3 expression. Activin A had no effect on the production of sGAG, IL-1ra, or TIMP-1, although it suppressed the induction of TIMP-1 and IL-1ra by IL-1α. This novel finding of MMP-3 inhibition by activin A suggests a new role of activin A in cartilage remodeling. Activin A may have therapeutic potential for preventing cartilage degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipoma arborescens is a rare entity of the synovium and frequently occurs in the joints. Lipoma arborescens involving the synovial sheaths of the tendons is exceedingly rare. We report a case of a 12-year-old girl with lipoma arborescence affecting the synovial sheaths of the peroneal, posterior tibialis, and flexor tendons. Identification of the typical features of fat tissues in the proliferative synovium on MRI may help in making a correct diagnosis. The clinical presentation and MRI findings are described, and the entity is briefly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snapping of the elbow joint can cause pain. We report a case of painful snapping elbow produced by an interposed meniscus in the radiohumeral joint in a 20-year-old man. The MR arthrogram demonstrated a meniscus-like tissue interposed between the radial head and humeral capitellum. The MR-arthrographic findings were well correlated with surgical findings. The location and appearance of the meniscus-like tissue was similar to that of meniscus in the knee joint. Histologic findings of the excised meniscus-like tissue showed a typical presentation of fibrocartilage. A meniscus may exist in the elbow joint and can be a rare cause of painful snapping elbow. MR arthrography is helpful for identifying the snapping tissue in the elbow joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Kimura’s disease rarely involves a location outside the head and neck. We report a case of Kimura’s disease in a young Asian man involving both elbows. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a soft-tissue mass of irregularly infiltrative strands in the subcutaneous fat accompanied with medial epitrochlear lymphadenopathy. The MRI appearance is described and the entity is briefly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A solitary intraosseous neurofibroma is rare and mostly occurs in the mandible. We report a case of a solitary intraosseous neurofibroma of the tibia. The radiographic findings were nonspecific and showed an eccentrically located, osteolytic lesion with a thin sclerotic border in the diaphysis of the left proximal tibia. The entity of intraosseous neurofibroma is briefly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is very rarely reported. It may occur at various sites. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of ectopic HCC of the diaphragm has been reported. We present another such case with invasion to the lung. Subtotal resection of the left hemidiaphragm, wedge resection of the lung (left lower lobe), and splenectomy were undertaken. Postoperative course was unremarkable; the patient received two courses of adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, VP-16, and bleomycin 1 month later. Follow-up computed tomography and ultrasound were performed 8 months later; there was no local recurrence or distal metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case study of intense segmentary lipomatosis of the ileum who presented with tiiulliple intussusceptions of the bowel. Clinical history of the patient; Results of physical nad laboratory examinations performed on the patient; Information on lipomatosis.