Circulating and synovial levels of IGF-I, cytokines, physical function and anthropometry differ in women awaiting total knee arthroplasty when compared to men.
OBJECTIVE
Determine if gender differences in osteoarthritis relate to cytokine and growth factor levels.


METHODS
Cross-sectional comparison of serum and synovial concentrations of cytokines (IL-1alphabeta, TNF-alpha, IL-6), growth factors (IGF-I, TGF-beta, IRAP), physical performance and perceived function in total knee arthroplasty candidates (TKAC) (n=17) and healthy controls (n=21) was done.


RESULTS
Serum IGF-I values were reduced in female (TKAC 137.6+/-7.2; Controls 160.2+/-26.2) but not male TKAC (TKAC 182.6+/-18.4; Controls 184.0+/-18.4) (p<0.05).). Serum and synovial levels of cytokines and growth factors did not differ significantly by group or gender. Physical performance testing (SPW, TUG) revealed significant group and gender differences (p=0.001) with women demonstrating greater functional impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
A systemic, not local component to OA pathophysiology may exist for female TKAC. Male TKAC were less impaired, and their IGF-I levels differ little from Control values.
Pagura
Sonia M C
SM
Centre for Studies of Physical Function, Orthopaedic and Arthritic Institute, 43 Wellesley Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4Y 1H1. sonia.pagura@sw.ca
Thomas
Scott G
SG
Woodhouse
Linda J
LJ
Ezzat
Shereen
S
Marks
Paul
P
D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 / Q000097:blood; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000209:etiology; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D016138:Walking
D016207:Cytokines; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I