Expression of leptin, leptin receptor, and connective tissue growth factor in degenerative disk lesions in the wrist

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Frank Unglaub - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Vulpius Klinik, Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Maya B. Wolf - , Vulpius Klinik, Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Markus W. Kroeber - , Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna (Author)
  • Adrian Dragu - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Stephan Schwarz - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Thomas Mittlmeier - , University of Rostock (Author)
  • Oliver Kloeters - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Raymund E. Horch - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify whether leptin and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) occur in the degenerative fibrocartilage disk and whether cartilage cells express leptin receptors. Methods: The study included 23 patients diagnosed with degenerative articular disk tears of the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) (Palmer type 2C). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on ulna length: 1 group consisted of patients with an ulna-positive variance (group A), and the other group included patients with ulna-negative or -neutral variance (group B). After arthroscopic debridement of the TFC, histologic sections of biopsy specimens were prepared. The biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed, and the quantity of leptin- CTGF-, and leptin receptor-positive cells was assessed. Results: Cells positive for leptin, leptin receptor, and CTGF were found. The number of cells positive for leptin was significantly increased in specimens of patients with an ulna-negative variance (group B). In contrast, no significant difference was found for leptin receptor and CTGF in biopsy specimens of patients with ulna-positive or ulna-negative/neutral variance. The inner, middle, and outer zones of the disk do not express significantly different quantities of marker-positive cells. Conclusions: Degenerative fibrocartilage disk tissue cells exhibit leptin receptors and are exposed to the markers leptin and CTGF, providing evidence of a local paracrine system and regenerative processes. Cells of disks from patients with an ulna-neutral/negative length express significantly higher numbers of leptin-positive cells. Level of Evidence: Level II, diagnostic study.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)755-760
Number of pages6
JournalArthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery
Volume27
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2011
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 21550759
ORCID /0000-0003-4633-2695/work/145698737

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas