الفهرس 
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Abstract
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal disability in the world, OA is the most prevalent type of arthritis. OA is a progressive degenerative disease of the entire joint which affects the whole joint (bone, muscles, ligaments and synovium). In industrialized societies OA is the leading cause of physical disability, impaired quality of life and increase in health care usage. It is not just a weight-loading disease but is also a multifactorial degenerative joint disease involving metabolic and biochemical factors & genetic factors.
Studies have shown that visfatin may contribute to the destruction of cartilage and bone in the disease process of arthritis.
Visfatin (NAMPT) is a member of the adipocytokine family and was initially defined as PBEF 1 (Pre-B cell colony enhancing factor 1) causing enhancement of B cell precursors maturation. Studies have showed that visfatin may be implicated in OA development via degradation of ECM and attraction of inflammatory cells. High levels of serum visfatin promote cartilage loss through increase in matrix degradative enzymes expression and inhibition of proteoglycans synthesis and down-regulation of aggrecans. Visfatin was found in OA cartilage synovial membrane.
The aim of this study was to assess role of visfatin in primary knee OA.
The present study conducted on two groups, the first group consisted of 30 patients with primary knee OA based on the clinical and radiological criteria of the ACR. All patients were subjected to complete knee clinical examination. Western Ontario and Mcmaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess severity of self-reported physical function limitation, pain, and stiffness. Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used to assess functional activities. Disease severity was assessed by radiological KL grading system.
The second group consisted of 30 apparently healthy control subjects; matched regarding age and sex. Serum visfatin level was assessed in both groups.