Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of the Degenerative Processes of the Hip Joint Capsule and Acetabular Labrum

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Degenerative processes of the hip joint increasingly affect not only the articular cartilage but also periarticular structures such as the joint capsule and acetabular labrum. This study aimed to investigate the structural and molecular changes occurring in...

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Main Authors: Riana Maria Huzum, Bogdan Huzum, Marius Valeriu Hînganu, Ludmila Lozneanu, Fabian Cezar Lupu, Delia Hînganu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Diagnostics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/15/1932
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author Riana Maria Huzum
Bogdan Huzum
Marius Valeriu Hînganu
Ludmila Lozneanu
Fabian Cezar Lupu
Delia Hînganu
author_facet Riana Maria Huzum
Bogdan Huzum
Marius Valeriu Hînganu
Ludmila Lozneanu
Fabian Cezar Lupu
Delia Hînganu
author_sort Riana Maria Huzum
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background/Objectives</b>: Degenerative processes of the hip joint increasingly affect not only the articular cartilage but also periarticular structures such as the joint capsule and acetabular labrum. This study aimed to investigate the structural and molecular changes occurring in these tissues during advanced hip osteoarthritis. <b>Methods</b>: A combined analysis using immunohistochemistry (IHC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-computed tomography (microCT) was conducted on tissue samples from patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and from controls with morphologically normal joints. Markers associated with proliferation (Ki67), inflammation (CD68), angiogenesis (CD31, ERG), chondrogenesis (SOX9), and lubrication (Lubricin) were evaluated. <b>Results</b>: The pathological group showed increased expression of Ki67, CD68, CD31, ERG, and SOX9, with a notable decrease in Lubricin. SEM analysis revealed ultrastructural disorganization, collagen fragmentation, and neovascular remodeling in degenerative samples. A significant correlation between structural damage and molecular expression was identified. <b>Conclusions</b>: These results suggest that joint capsule and acetabular labrum degeneration are interconnected and reflect a broader pathophysiological continuum, supporting the use of integrated IHC and SEM profiling for early detection and targeted intervention in hip joint disease.
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spelling doaj-art-b207e2ebe4b049e687e24950c9b1c7e22025-08-20T03:35:58ZengMDPI AGDiagnostics2075-44182025-07-011515193210.3390/diagnostics15151932Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of the Degenerative Processes of the Hip Joint Capsule and Acetabular LabrumRiana Maria Huzum0Bogdan Huzum1Marius Valeriu Hînganu2Ludmila Lozneanu3Fabian Cezar Lupu4Delia Hînganu5Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Iasi, RomaniaDepartment of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Iasi, RomaniaDepartment of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, RomaniaDepartment of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, RomaniaDepartment of Mechanical, Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Faculty, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, RomaniaDepartment of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Degenerative processes of the hip joint increasingly affect not only the articular cartilage but also periarticular structures such as the joint capsule and acetabular labrum. This study aimed to investigate the structural and molecular changes occurring in these tissues during advanced hip osteoarthritis. <b>Methods</b>: A combined analysis using immunohistochemistry (IHC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-computed tomography (microCT) was conducted on tissue samples from patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and from controls with morphologically normal joints. Markers associated with proliferation (Ki67), inflammation (CD68), angiogenesis (CD31, ERG), chondrogenesis (SOX9), and lubrication (Lubricin) were evaluated. <b>Results</b>: The pathological group showed increased expression of Ki67, CD68, CD31, ERG, and SOX9, with a notable decrease in Lubricin. SEM analysis revealed ultrastructural disorganization, collagen fragmentation, and neovascular remodeling in degenerative samples. A significant correlation between structural damage and molecular expression was identified. <b>Conclusions</b>: These results suggest that joint capsule and acetabular labrum degeneration are interconnected and reflect a broader pathophysiological continuum, supporting the use of integrated IHC and SEM profiling for early detection and targeted intervention in hip joint disease.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/15/1932hip capsuleacetabular labrumosteoarthritisimmunohistochemistrySEMSOX9
spellingShingle Riana Maria Huzum
Bogdan Huzum
Marius Valeriu Hînganu
Ludmila Lozneanu
Fabian Cezar Lupu
Delia Hînganu
Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of the Degenerative Processes of the Hip Joint Capsule and Acetabular Labrum
Diagnostics
hip capsule
acetabular labrum
osteoarthritis
immunohistochemistry
SEM
SOX9
title Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of the Degenerative Processes of the Hip Joint Capsule and Acetabular Labrum
title_full Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of the Degenerative Processes of the Hip Joint Capsule and Acetabular Labrum
title_fullStr Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of the Degenerative Processes of the Hip Joint Capsule and Acetabular Labrum
title_full_unstemmed Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of the Degenerative Processes of the Hip Joint Capsule and Acetabular Labrum
title_short Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of the Degenerative Processes of the Hip Joint Capsule and Acetabular Labrum
title_sort immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of the degenerative processes of the hip joint capsule and acetabular labrum
topic hip capsule
acetabular labrum
osteoarthritis
immunohistochemistry
SEM
SOX9
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/15/1932
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