Changes in the local regulation of insulin-like growth factors I and II and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in osteoarthritis of the canine stifle joint secondary to cruciate ligament rupture.

Objectives: To investigate changes in concentrations of insulin-like growth factors I (IGF-I) and II (IGF-II) and the expression of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP) in synovial fluids from dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA) of the canine stifle joint secondary to cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture.

Study Design: Prospective study with synovial fluid sampling from diseased and contralateral unaffected joints at 0, 1.5, and 5 months.

Sample Population: Eleven dogs with unilateral CCL deficiency, with unaffected contralateral joints.

Methods: IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations in synovial fluids were estimated by radioimmunoassay at 0, 1.5, and 5 months; Western ligand blotting was performed for intact IGFBPs at 0, 1.5, 5, and 9 months. Both stifle joints were radiographed at 0, 7, and 13 months.

Results: The IGF system is altered after CCL rupture and during development of early OA. Mean IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations in index stifle joints at study entry were 201.6 microg/mL and 345.7 microg/mL, respectively, compared with 57.7 microg/mL and 79.4 microg/mL, respectively, for contralateral joints. Index joint IGF concentrations increased after surgical treatment and then declined, although they remained higher than contralateral joints. Index joints had increases in IGFBP-3 and -4, and a decrease in IGFBP-2 expression compared with contralateral joints.

Conclusions: Although IGF concentrations are increased in canine OA, alterations in IGFBP profiles may limit the tissue availability of IGF.

Clinical Relevance: Manipulation of the IGF system may provide an opportunity for novel treatments of OA in dogs.