Abstract
(1) Background: Osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head is a disabling disease for which limited treatment options exist. Identifying therapeutic targets of its evolution could provide crucial insights into multi-targeted approaches. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the histopathological features of patients with non-traumatic femoral head (NTFH) and post-traumatic femoral head (PTFH) ON to produce a fresh vision for clinical use. (2) Methods: We got biopsies from patients with different ON stages, according to the ARCO system. Samples from multi-organ donors were used as controls. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed on the osteochondral unit. (3) Results: The PTFH group displayed several fibrotic reactions, a small stem cell pool and a lower international cartilage repair society (ICRS)-I score than NTFH, which instead presented intact cartilage similar to the controls. Immunostaining for collagen I and autotaxin confirmed these features in the PTFH group, which displayed top levels of MMP-13 involved in cartilage loss and reduced CB-2 in the underlying bone. Both groups manifested a similar pattern of apoptotic and pain mediators. (4) Conclusions: The different histopathological features suggest a multi-disciplinary and multi-targeted approach for ON. Further studies are necessary to measure the effect size to gain clinical evidence.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 3945 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-14 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Applied Sciences (Switzerland) |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 6 2020 |
Keywords
- Multi-targeted approach
- Osteochondral unit
- Osteonecrosis
- Tissue remodelling and repair
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Materials Science(all)
- Instrumentation
- Engineering(all)
- Process Chemistry and Technology
- Computer Science Applications
- Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes