Synovial Fluid HMGB-1 Levels are Associated with Osteoarthritis Severity.

Background: Recent data have shown that enhanced cytokine production in knee osteoarthritis (OA) synovium are believed to promote pathological OA. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) as a well-known pro-inflammatory cytokine may influence the development of knee OA. The purpose of this study is to analyze the amount of and location of HMGB-1 in OA synovium and to compare it with controls who are afflicted with acute meniscal or cruciate ligament tears.