Dynamic thiol-disulphide homeostasis in grade 3-4 gonarthrosis

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to determine thiol-disulphide homeostasis, which plays a vital role and to investigate the relationship among homeostatic parameters and disease. Methods: In this prospective study, we enrolled 38 patients with osteoarthritis (31 females and 7 males) and 38 healthy controls (30 females, 8 males volunteers). Diagnosis of osteoarthritis was made according to the American College of Rheumatology Criteria. The severity of osteoarthritis was assessed and classified according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. Results: The mean age was 63.8 (range; 53-74) years in the osteoarthritis group and 65.6 (range; 55-75) years in the control group. There were no significant differences between the patients and controls in respect to age, gender and body mass index (p > 0.05). Serum albumin (p = 0.605) and total protein levels (p = 0.605) between patients and controls were similar. In the osteoarthritis group disulphide/ native thiol percent ratios and disulphide/ total thiol percent ratios were found to be statistically higher (p = 0.002 and p = 0.002; respectively) and native/ total thiol percent ratios were significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Thiol-disulphide homeostasis is weakened in osteoarthritis, and the balance shifts to the disulphide bond formation side. Substitution of thiol deficiency and correction of thioldisulphide imbalance may be beneficial in the managing treatment of the disease. Further studies may be needed for evaluating articular fluid thiol-disulphide homeostasis.