Is CD163 ,a marker of OA activity and progression in early osteoarthritis: in 20 cases

The cell surface glycoprotein CD163 is a member of the cysteine-rich scavenger receptor family, highly specific for mononuclear phagocyte lineage. The aim of this study, to evalute a role of CD 163 macrophages in progression and joint destruction of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods:Twenty OA patients participated in this study . Mean age of patients was 68±8 years (range 46 to 75years) and Male to female ratio was 1.5 with 10.6±6.3 years mean duration of OA disease. Synovial biopsy samples from 20 osteoarthritis patients and 10 healthy controls were analyzed for CD163 expression (using immunohistochemistry methods) and synovial fluid samples (using ELISA method) were analyzed for production of soluble CD163 (sCD163 )in synovial fluid (SF)as well as sCD163 in serum.Results:The score of CD163 expression in the synovial intima (P<0.01), the sub intima (P<0.01) and periarticular area (P< 0.02) were increased in OA compared with healthy control group. Synovial fluid sCD163, and serum sCD163 level were increased in OA compared with healthy control group. Also, Synovial fluid and serum sCD163 show positively associated with ESR, CRP were P<0.02, P< 0.01and P<0.06, P< 0.06 respectively.The mean concentration of SF sCD163 was about 2 times higher than serum in OA (6.7 versus 2.9 mg/liter; p<0.01). There was no any correlation with clinical findings of patients and SF leukocyte numbers (P< 0.09) ConclusionThis study shows increased numbers of CD163 macrophages with an enhanced phagocytic infiltration which were discovered within degenerated synovium and periarticular tissue as well as local production of sCD163, SF sCD163 and global inflammation. Therefore, one future therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis could be appeared by these cells.

Keywords:

Osteoarthritis , Synovium , CD163 macrophage , soluble CD163