miRNA-129-3P Expression in Synovial Fluid of Patients with Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the miRNA-129-3p expressions in the synovial fluid of patients with a primary knee osteoarthritis (OA), and thereby contribution to the elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms in OA pathophysiology. Methods: Patient group included 31 individuals with an advanced knee OA. A total of 13 patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture who had no cartilage damage, were chosen as a control group. Synovial fluid samples were collected during the total knee arthroplasty and an arthroscopic reconstruction. After the centrifugation, samples were stored in a -80 °C cooler. The miRNA-129-3p expressions were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using the RNU44 molecule as a reference. The 2-ΔΔCt method was used to calculate the expression of molecules. Statistical comparisons were undertaken by the Student’s t-test. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to determine the differences in the ratios or relationships between the categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 for all the cases. Results: In this study, the miRNA-129-3p, which we thought to be associated with the ciliogenesis, IL-17, and osteoprotegerin, was found 1.54 times higher in the synovial fluid of the patients compared to a control group (p<0.01). Conclusion: It is thought that the miRNA-129-3p may play a role in the OA pathophysiology. Extensive studies are required to use the miRNA-129-3p as a biomarker, or a treatment target for OA.