Detection of reactive oxygen species in synovial lavage fluids of patients with diseased temporomandibular joint

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the activity of reactive oxygen species in the synovial lavage fluid of patients diagnosed with articular temporomandibular joint disc derangement without reduction and to investigate the correlation between the level of reactive oxygen species and inflammation.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-five subjects diagnosed with articular temporomandibular joint disc derangement without reduction and 15 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Synovial lavage fluids from a superior joint space were collected and the level of reactive oxygen species was determined. Patients were divided into three subgroups based on the arthroscopic findings of the synovitis.
Results: Reactive oxygen species could be detected by fluorescence probe in both the patient and control groups. The detection rate of the reactive oxygen species in the patient group was significantly higher than in the control group. The levels of reactive oxygen species in the patient and control groups were 2.2nmol/mg protein and 4.2nmol/mg protein, respectively. The level of reactive oxygen species in synovial lavage fluid was significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.05). The synovitis score assessed by arthroscopy and the level of reactive oxygen species were also significantly associated (p<0.05). However, the detection rate of reactive oxygen species between the patient and control groups, among the three subgroups divided by synovitis score was not significantly different.
Conclusion: These results suggested that reactive oxygen species might play an important role in the pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint disorder.