Development of a Lubricant Therapy to Prevent Development of Osteoarthritis after Acute Injury of Synovial Joints

Purpose. The prevention of early-onset osteoarthritis after traumatic joint injury remains a clinical challenge and may be associated with the poor lubricant quality of the synovial fluid in the injured joint. Scope. The aims of the studies here were to test whether the pathological accumulation of a specific substance found in joint fluid following an injury mediated altered synovial fluid lubrication of articular cartilage and whether modulation of lubricating molecules could restore lubrication function and prevent cartilage wear. Major Findings. Through studies in year 1, we have delineated the time-dependent changes in lubricant molecules and function of joint fluid post-injury in a rabbit model as well as early, mid, and late changes post-injury in human synovial fluid. Progress and Significance. Collection and analysis of human synovial fluid is ongoing Aim 1a, and we have completed most of the analysis of rabbit synovial fluid Aim 1b. From this data, the time-dependent relationship between joint fluid molecules and function could be determined.