Association of neutrophil extracellular traps with the development of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is defined as necrosis of osteocytes due to a non-traumatic ischemia of the femoral head. Iatrogenic glucocorticoid administration and habitual alcohol intake are regarded as risk factors. It has been suggested that glucocorticoid-induced activation of platelets contribute to the local blood flow disturbance of the femoral head. Both activated platelets and alcohol can induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). To determine the association of NETs with the development of idiopathic ONFH, surgically resected femoral heads of patients with idiopathic ONFH and osteoarthritis (OA) were assessed for existence of NET-forming neutrophils by immunofluorescent staining.
Source: American Journal of Pathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Source Type: research