Epigenetics of osteoarthritis: Histones and TGF-β1.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal and joint disorder. However, no disease-modifying therapy for OA is currently available, and the etiology of OA is poorly understood. Epigenetics has emerged as a new and important area of research on OA.

Expression Profiles of Six Atherosclerosis-Associated microRNAs That Cluster in Patients with Hyperhomocysteinemia: A Clinical Study.

The aim of this study is to discuss the hypothesis that expression of plasma atherosclerosis-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) in hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) patients could predict the presence of atherosclerosis from different channels. Six plasma miRNAs (miR-145, miR-155, miR-222, miR-133, miR-217, and miR-30) selected for our study have been confirmed as critical gene regulators involved in atherosclerosis and can be steadily determined in plasma. Expression of the above six plasma circulating miRNAs revealed significant upregulation of two miRNAs (miR-133 and miR-217) and downregulation of three miRNAs (miR-145, miR-155, and miR-222).

Transforming Growth Factor Beta1 being considered a novel biomarker in knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Associations between Transforming Growth Factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) with pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) have already been established. Therefore, TGF-β1, PDGF-BB and CTX-1 could be used as the potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of this disease.

Methods: 160 knee OA cases and 80 healthy controls were chosen.