Thesis (M. D. S.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Rhode Island, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 189-201).

Sixteen horses with at least one arthritic joint were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=8) was fed a control ration at 1% BW in grain. The treatment group (n=8) was fed an isocaloric diet similar to the control diet with additional n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the form of two pelleted supplements. Coastal hay was fed free choice, and both groups consumed their respective diet for 90 days. On d 0, 30, 60, and 90 synovial fluid was collected from one arthritic joint on each horse, and blood samples were collected every 15 days. Synovial fluid was analyzed for Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-1, and white blood cell concentration, and plasma was analyzed for fibrinogen and Prostaglandin E2. Force plate analysis was used to determine changes in weight distribution throughout the trial. Fatty acid analysis revealed the main n3 supplied by the supplements was docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3). Treatment horses consumed 9.3 g docosahexaenoic acid daily, while control horses consumed only 0.42 g daily. A reduction in concentrate intake also allowed treatment horses to consume 25.45 g less of linoleic acid (C18:2n6)per day. Excluding hay, the n6:n3 ratio of the treatment diet was 5:1 compared to the control diet with a ratio of 11:1. Analysis of plasma fatty acid profiles revealed treatment horses experienced an increase in plasma docosahexaenoic acid, along with a decrease in linoleic acid (C18:2n6). Total plasma n6:n3 ratio of treatment horses was 23:1, as opposed to 27:1 in the control horses. Treatment horses had significantly lower synovial fluid white blood cell concentration and plasma Prostaglandin E2 (P < 0.05). A trend towards decreased fibrinogen (P = 0.076) was also seen in the treatment horses. Synovial fluid TNF-α and IL-1 concentrations were not obtained due to problems with the assay kits or procedures. Force plate data from seven horses was analyzed. No significant increase in weight placed on arthritic limbs (P = 0.12) was seen. This data provides further evidence that a decrease in the n6:n3 ratio of the diet and plasma can lead to a decrease in the production of inflammatory compounds in arthritic joints.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2001. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains v, 76 p. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 38-42).

Thesis (MDSc)--University of Queensland, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Although a substantial amount is known about the pathogenesis of osteoarthrosis, its aetiology and in particular the role that mechanical factors play, remains unclear. One particular hypothesis suggests that cartilage adapts mechanically so that it may transmit, without sustaining damage, the stresses to which it is predominantly subjected, and that damage to the cartilage is caused by infrequent high stresses in excess of the predominant level. As a corollary, it was suggested that highly stressed cartilage should be stiffer than lowly stressed cartilage. A survey of the mechanical properties of normal articular cartilage from unembalmed cadaveric knee and ankle joints was undertaken to test this hypothesis. For this purpose, a specially developed indentation test apparatus was commissioned. Tests of the machine's measurement capabilities indicate that coefficients of variation of 2.14% and 1.20% for indentation and cartilage thickness measurement could be expected. The maximum percentage errors in the calculated creep modulus value which could result from these typical measurement errors, were 4.2% and 2.9% respectively. Creep modulus values, calculated from these measurements, were used in topographical comparisons of cartilage stiffness. The stiffest areas of cartilage in the knee joint were the femoral condyles and areas of the tibia covered by the menisci. Cartilage on the patellar surfaces of the femur and in areas exposed by the menisci was significantly softer. Cartilage from the ankle joint was considerably stiffer than cartilage from the knee. Comparisons between the cartilage stiffness and levels of stress which act in the knee and ankle joints during normal ambulatory activity, showed the stiffest areas of cartilage to be subjected to the greater stresses. Correlations of averaged data values indicated a significant (p < 0.01) direct relationship between cartilage stiffness and stress. This relationship and the consistency with which osteoarthrotic lesions were found in areas subjected to damaging patterns of stress supported the hypothesis under examination. The lack of correlation found between the proteoglycan content and cartilage stiffness suggested that structural rather than compositional factors may be more important in influencing the compressive stiffness of normal articular cartilage.

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published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

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