Bone marrow lesions: plugging the holes in our knowledge using animal models

Hansen, RT; Chenu, C; Sofat, N; Pitsillides, AA

Abstract

Bone marrow lesions (BMLs), which are early signs of osteoarthritis (OA) that are associated with the presence, onset and severity of pain, represent an emerging imaging biomarker and clinical target. Little is known, however, regarding their early spatial and temporal development, structural relationships or aetiopathogenesis, because of the sparsity of human early OA imaging and paucity of relevant tissue samples. The use of animal models is a logical approach to fill the gaps in our knowledge, and it can be informed by appraising models in which BMLs and closely related subchondral cysts have already been reported, including in spontaneous OA and pain models. The utility of these models in OA research, their relevance to clinical BMLs and practical considerations for their optimal deployment can also inform medical and veterinary clinicians and researchers alike. Bone marrow lesions (BMLs) are considered possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets in osteoarthritis, but human studies of BMLs have important limitations. In this Review, the authors explore the utility and potential of animal models in BML research.

Citation

Hansen, R., Chenu, C., Sofat, N., & Pitsillides, A. (2023). Bone marrow lesions: plugging the holes in our knowledge using animal models. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-023-00971-z

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 18, 2023
• Online Publication Date: May 24, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Feb 13, 2024
• Print ISSN: 1759-4790
• Publisher: Nature Research
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-023-00971-z
• Keywords: DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE; KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS IMPACT; MAGNETIC-RESONANCE IMAGES; CARTILAGE VOLUME LOSS; MR-IMAGING FINDINGS; EDEMA-LIKE LESIONS; CYST-LIKE LESIONS; ON-A-CHIP; SUBCHONDRAL BONE; CANINE MODEL