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Background. Studies revealed that metabolic factors might contribute substantially to osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. There has been an increasing interest to understand the relationship between knee OA and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The purpose of this study was to explore the association between metabolic syndrome and knee osteoarthritis using meta-analysis. Methods. Databases, including PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, were searched to get relevant studies. Data were extracted separately by two authors and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Results. The meta-analysis was finished with 8 studies with a total of 3202 cases and 20968 controls finally retrieved from the database search. The crude pooled OR is 2.24 (95% CI = 1.38–3.64). Although there was significant heterogeneity among these studies, which was largely accounted for by a single study, the increase in risk was still significant after exclusion of that study. The pooled adjusted OR remained significant with pooled adjusted OR 1.05 (95% CI = 1.03–1.07, p < 0.00001). No publication bias was found in the present meta-analysis. Conclusions. The synthesis of available evidence supports that metabolic syndrome increases the risk for knee osteoarthritis, even after adjustment for many risk factors.

Resveratrol, a natural phenolic compound, provides neuroprotective effects, however, the specific mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to examine the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol on spinal cord injury (SCI) and the potential molecular mechanisms of action. A rat model of SCI was induced using Allen's method, and resveratrol (100 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 1 day following surgery. The recovery of neurological function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan scoring system and an inclined plane test. The concentrations of pro‑ and anti‑inflammatory factors were measured using ELISA. The expression and location of autophagy markers were measured using western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. The results suggested that resveratrol administration resulted in functional improvement of locomotor activity and reduced neuroinflammation following the induction of SCI. In addition, autophagy was activated following SCI, as demonstrated by the significantly increased ratio of microtubule‑associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)‑II/LC3‑I and expression of Beclin‑1 in the injured spinal cord. Of note, the enhancement of phosphorylated (p)‑AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the reduction of p‑mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) following SCI indicated that the SCI‑induced activation of autophagy was associated with the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Resveratrol treatment further enhanced the activation of autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway following SCI. By contrast, the autophagic inhibitor, 3‑methyladenine, partially inhibited the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol treatment. Together, these findings suggested that resveratrol promoted functional recovery and inhibited neuroinflammation through the activation of autophagy mediated by the AMPK/mTOR pathway following SCI.

Rationale: Discoid meniscus is an anatomical congenital anomaly more often found in the lateral meniscus. A discoid medial meniscus is a very rare anomaly, and it is difficult to diagnose a bilateral discoid medial meniscus because not all the discoid medial menisci are symptomatic. Herein, we report 2 cases of bilateral discoid medial meniscus. Patients concerns: Case1: a 23-year-old man presented with complaints of pain and occasional clicking of the right knee for 6 years, the left knee was asymptomatic. Case 2: a 51-year-old woman had a 1-month history of pain and a feeling of “giving away” in both knees. Diagnoses: Based on physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, they were diagnosed with bilateral discoid medial meniscal tears. Interventions: Case 1: partial meniscectomy and reshaping were performed for the torn discoid medial meniscus of the right knee only. Case 2: partial medial meniscectomy and reshaping were performed for the torn discoid medial meniscus on both knees. Outcomes: The postoperative pain and the recovery of joint function were observed. The average follow-up time of 2 patients was 1 year. The Lysholm score of 2 patients was improved from 55 to 95 and 40 to 90 respectively. The pain of knee joint was relieved and the symptoms of disharmony were obviously improved. Lessons: We recommend preservation of the discoid medial meniscus in asymptomatic patients. Meniscectomy and reshaping for injured discoid medial meniscus produces promising short-term results.