Project Materials

SERUM CALCIUM CONCENTRATION IS INVERSELY ASSOCIATED WITH RADIOGRAPHIC KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

THE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent type of arthritis. It is typified by the gradual deterioration of joint cartilage, which results in discomfort, stiffness, and reduced functionality.

Although age, obesity, and joint damage are recognised risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA), the precise aetiology of the condition is still complex and poorly understood.

There is growing evidence that the pathophysiology of OA may involve systemic variables, including dietary and metabolic issues. Serum calcium content is one such factor that has drawn more attention in recent research.

A crucial mineral, calcium is involved in many physiological functions, such as nerve activity, muscular contraction, and bone production.

It is commonly known that the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol, the body’s active form of vitamin D, closely regulate calcium homeostasis. Skeletal health and other physiological processes may be significantly impacted by any disruptions in calcium metabolism.

According to recent research, the onset and progression of OA may be linked to changes in calcium metabolism, more especially, blood calcium concentration.

Specifically, an increasing amount of data indicates that blood calcium levels and the prevalence or severity of knee OA as assessed by radiographic evaluation are inversely correlated.

These results have raised curiosity about calcium’s possible involvement in the aetiology of OA and its consequences for clinical treatment.

There are multiple conceivable explanations for the correlation between serum calcium levels and knee OA. First of all, a lack of calcium can compromise the joint’s structural integrity, resulting in cartilage deterioration and the onset of osteoarthritis. Calcium is a crucial element in bone mineralisation.

Second, apoptosis and chondrocyte metabolism are two biological functions that are influenced by calcium signalling pathways. These pathways may be modified by disturbances in calcium homeostasis, leading to the pathogenic alterations seen in OA.

Moreover, a calcium deficit may lead to an inflammatory environment within the joint, which would accelerate the onset of osteoarthritis. Calcium has also been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative qualities.

The association between serum calcium levels and knee OA has been investigated in a number of epidemiological research to far. There is a need for more research since, whereas some studies have found substantial connections, other investigations have produced contradictory findings.

Furthermore, cross-sectional designs, small sample numbers, and insufficient control for possible confounders like age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity have hampered most previous research.

Therefore, to fully understand the nature of the relationship between serum calcium levels and knee OA, a thorough analysis with a larger sample size and a strict methodology is necessary.

The current study uses a cross-sectional analysis of a clearly defined community-based population in order to fill in these gaps in the literature. The main goal is to use rigorous statistical analysis and standardised criteria for diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) to examine the relationship between blood calcium concentration and radiographic knee OA.

We predict that the presence and severity of knee OA will be inversely correlated with lower serum calcium levels. In order to assess the consistency of the association across various demographic and clinical characteristics, we will also investigate potential effect modifiers and conduct subgroup analyses.

The results of this study could help guide clinical management strategies and offer important insights into the pathophysiology of knee OA. Maintaining ideal blood calcium levels may play a preventative or therapeutic function in knee OA if a significant inverse correlation is verified.

This would have significant public health ramifications since treatments aimed at enhancing calcium metabolism could lessen the severity of knee OA and enhance the lives of those who are impacted.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A common and crippling ailment, knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterised by the gradual deterioration of joint cartilage, which causes pain, stiffness, and a reduction in function. Although there are many contributing factors to knee OA, current research has indicated a possible link between