The use of polycarbonate-urethane as an acetabular shell bearing surface: a 5-year prospective study.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical performance of a polycarbonate-urethane liner as a bearing material inside a cobalt-chrome acetabular shell.

Methods: Between December 2007 and July 2011, this material combination was used in 27 total hip replacement patients, most of whom had an indication of osteoarthritis. This report focuses on the first 5-year results of the clinical use of this material combination in the TriboFit® Hip System.

Vimentin fragments are potential markers of rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts.

Objectives: To study the protein expression differences between primary fibroblasts explanted from synovial membranes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Fibroblast cultures were obtained from 10 patients with RA and 5 patients with OA. After two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, proteins were excised and identified using peptide mass fingerprint.

Interleukin 17 inhibits progenitor cells in rheumatoid arthritis cartilage.

Mesenchymal stem cells are known to exert immunomodulatory effects in inflammatory diseases. Immuneregulatory cells lead to progressive joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukins (ILs) are the main players.