Changes in the Acute-Phase Protein Concentrations and Activities of Some Enzymes in Pigs Following the Repair of Experimentally Induced Articular Cartilage Defects Using Two Types of Biocement Powder.

Simple Summary: Articular cartilage reconstruction is aimed at the restoration of damaged joint cartilage. The use of bone cement is one type of method applicable for this reconstruction. The potential use of repair techniques must be evaluated by pre-clinical and clinical studies in animal models, including the assessment of some biochemical parameters. Acute-phase proteins are a class of proteins whose concentrations increase in response to injury or inflammation. They may serve as useful biomarkers for the evaluation of post-operative complications, as well as to reflect the extent of surgical trauma. Information regarding their usefulness after cartilage reconstruction are still limited. Similarly, little is known about the response of the organism to various reconstruction techniques and various biomaterials used for the repair of defects. This paper provides important information about the changes in the concentrations of acute-phase proteins and the activity of serum enzymes in pigs within the first 30 days following the repair of experimentally induced articular cartilage defects using tetracalcium phosphate/nanomonetite cement powder (C cement) and cement powder containing aminoacids (CAK cement). Marked inflammatory responses with increased acute-phase proteins concentrations were observed following the reconstruction of articular cartilage defects using both types of biocement powder. The results suggest, that the tetracalcium phosphate/nanomonetite cement powder without amino acids would be more suitable for possible cartilage repair in the human population. Abstract: The objective of the study was to assess the usefulness of acute-phase proteins (APPs) and serum enzymes in the evaluation of post-operative state after cartilage reconstruction in an animal model (Sus scrofa domesticus). Fifteen clinically healthy female pigs were evaluated during the first 30 days after the repair of experimentally induced articular cartilage defects using two types of biocement powders. Animals were divided into groups according to the type of biocement powder used: CAK-with amino acids (n = 6), C-without amino acids (n = 6) and the control group (Ctr) was without biocement (n = 3). The concentrations of selected APPs-serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and the activities of some serum enzymes-creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) were measured one day before the surgery and on days 7, 14, and 30 after the surgical intervention. The most significant changes during the evaluated period were observed in the concentrations of SAA (p < 0.001) and Hp (p < 0.001), with marked increase of values 7 days after surgery. There was a numerical, but not statistically significant, difference between CAK, C and Ctr groups (p > 0.05). Marked variations were observed also in the activities of the evaluated enzymes, with the most significant changes in the activity of AP in the CAK group (p < 0.001). Presented results suggest possible usefulness of some APPs and serum enzymes in the evaluation of post-operative inflammatory state after the reconstruction of articular cartilage defects.