AVALIAÇÃO DA OSTEOARTRITE: Análise Radiológica e Comportamental em Modelo Experimental

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative osteoarticular disease that causes pain, stiffness, and limited joint function, being one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly. The aim of the study was to radiologically characterize experimental OA in rats and correlate these findings with behavioral analyses. The interest in this study arose from the need to deepen knowledge about the experimental model, especially in the comparison between male and female animals. This model is widely used in pre-clinical research due to its low cost, reliable pain response, predisposition to disease, and rapid induction. Additionally, genetic stability ensures the consistency of results, which underscores the importance of this research. A total of 29 rats were used, divided into six groups, including healthy males and females, and groups subjected to the experimental OA protocol, with and without treatment with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). On experimental days 0, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28, behavioral and motor tests (weight bearing, rotarod, and Von Frey) as well as radiological exams were conducted. The results showed that after 28 days, there was an improvement in forced ambulation capacity and nociceptive threshold between the groups, with no statistically significant difference between treated and untreated groups, nor between males and females. The main radiological findings included reduced joint space, bone sclerosis, and marginal osteophytes. It was concluded that radiographic findings may have little correlation with the symptoms presented by the animals, especially when related to behavioral motor tests.