1,25(OH)D promotes chondrocyte apoptosis and restores physical function in rheumatoid arthritis through the NF-κB signal pathway.

We explored the modulatory effect of 1,25(OH)D on chondrocytes and physical function in rats with RA and its mechanism underlying the regulation of NF-κB signal pathway. RA patients and healthy volunteers were selected. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish RA models.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of articular cartilage reveals significant epigenetic alterations in Kashin-Beck disease and osteoarthritis.

Objective: To determine genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of knee cartilage from patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Method: Knee cartilage was collected from 14 grade III KBD patients, 5 primary OA patients and 13 healthy subjects. The genome-wide methylation profiles of 5 KBD cartilage, 5 OA cartilage and 5 normal cartilage were determined by Illumina HumanMethylation450 array.

Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles of hip articular cartilage between non-traumatic necrosis and osteoarthritis.

Hip cartilage destruction is consistently observed in the non-traumatic osteonecrosis of femoral head (NOFH) and accelerates its bone necrosis. The molecular mechanism underlying the cartilage damage of NOFH remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a systematically comparative study of gene expression profiles between NOFH and osteoarthritis (OA).