Showing papers by "Lei Wei published in 2017"

Proximal fibular osteotomy: a new surgery for pain relief and improvement of joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of proximal fibular osteotomy as a new surgery for pain relief and improvement of medial joint space and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods From January 2015 to May 2015, 47 patients who underwent proximal fibular osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis were retrospectively followed up. Preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing and whole lower extremity radiographs were obtained to analyse the alignment of the lower extremity and ratio of the knee joint space (medial/lateral compartment). Knee pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale, and knee ambulation activities were evaluated using the American Knee Society score preoperatively and postoperatively. Results Medial pain relief was observed in almost all patients after proximal fibular osteotomy. Most patients exhibited improved walking postoperatively. Weight-bearing lower extremity radiographs showed an average increase in the postoperative medial knee joint space. Additionally, obvious correction of alignment was observed in the whole lower extremity radiographs in 8 of 47 patients. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that proximal fibular osteotomy effectively relieves pain and improves joint function in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis at a mean of 13.38 months postoperatively.

Targeted designed variants of alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) attenuate cartilage degeneration in a rat model of osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection.

Abstract: The study was performed to evaluate whether targeted alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) variants have a similar or enhanced function at wild-type (wt)-A2M to attenuate cartilage degeneration in vivo. In and ex-vivo experiment, bovine cartilage explants (BCE) were incubated with TNF-α and IL-1β with or without wt-A2M or A2M variants. Cartilage catabolism was measured in culture supernatant by sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG). In an in-vivo experiment, 2-month-old male Wistar rats (n = 77) were randomly divided into seven groups and treated with different doses of A2M or its variants by intra-articular injection at 24 hours and day 14 after anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), receiving (1) ACLT/PBS; (2) ACLT/wt-A2M (0.153 mg); (3) ACLT/CYT-108 A2M (0.153 mg); (4) ACLT/CYT-108 A2M (0.077 mg); (5) ACLT/CYT-98 A2M (0.153 mg); (6) ACLT/CYT-98 A2M (0.077 mg); or (7) sham/PBS. The joints and synovial lavage were collected 8 weeks after surgery. Fluorescence molecular tomography was used to monitor inflammation in vivo using probes ProSense and MMPSense at 24 hours, and weeks 2, 4, and 6 after surgery. The cartilage damage was quantified using Osteoarthritis Research Society International score and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, -13, collagen (Col) X, Col 2, Runx2, and aggrecan (Acan) were detected by immunohistochemical analysis (IHC), ELISA, and RT-PCR. A2M variants inhibited catabolism in the BCE model by up to 200% compared with wt-A2M. ProSense and MMPSense were dramatically increased in all groups after surgery. Supplemental A2M or its variants reduced ProSense and MMPSense compared with the PBS treatment. Less cartilage damage, lower MMP-13 and Col 2 degraded product, and stronger Col 2 synthesis were detected in animals treated with A2M or its variants compared with PBS-treated animals. A2M and its variants enhanced Col 2 and Acan synthesis, and suppressed MMP-3, MMP-13, Runx2, and Col X production. A2M-108 variant demonstrated less cartilage damage compared with wt-A2M and A2M-98 variant. The targeted variants of A2M have a chondroprotective effect similar to wt-A2M. However, A2M-108 variant has enhanced function to attenuate cartilage degeneration compared with wt-A2M.

Correlation of insulin-like growth factor 1 and osteoarthritic cartilage degradation: a spontaneous osteoarthritis in guinea-pig.

Abstract: Objective The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis centers on the imbalance between catabolic and anabolic processes in cartilage metabolism. Insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been shown to have anabolic effects in cartilage in vitro. This study aim to determine whether IGF-1 on cartilage is associated with loss of chondrocyte and extracellular matrix breakdown using the Hartley guinea pig model. Materials and methods Cartilage from the medial and lateral tibial plateau of 6-month and 12-month old Hartley guinea pigs were used for this study. Histological analysis was performed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and toluidine blue staining. Safranin-O staining was used to quantify proteoglycan (PG) loss and the extent of cartilage damage by Modified Mankin score. Distribution of IGF-1 was demonstrated with in situ hybridization techniques. IGF-1 mRNA levels were assessed using Real-time PCR. Results Histological loss of chondrocytes, and cartilage matrix and decreased IGF-1 distribution were demonstrated in a temporal and spatial manner. Compared to the 6-month old samples, the 12-month specimens had significantly cartilage degeneration and less cartilage matrix and PGs staining. Decreased level of IGF-1 was also observed in the 12-month samples. These observations were more pronounced in the medial tibial plateau when compared to the lateral plateau. Conclusions The decreased level of IGF-1 may play a critical role for maintaining the balance between catabolic and anabolic processes in cartilage metabolism during the development of osteoarthritis. Thus, the increase of IGF-1 may be applicable to developing OA therapy.

CCDC178 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through modulation of anoikis.

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumors with high rate of recurrence and metastasis. Coiled-coil domain-containing protein 178 (CCDC178) has been reported to be mutated in HCC, whereas its role in physiological and pathologic process, including in human cancer, remains largely unknown. Here, we found that CCDC178 is upregulated in HCC tissues and its overexpression is correlated with pathological stage (P=0.003). CCDC178 deficiency reduced the anchorage-independent growth and anoikis resistance of HCC cells, and inhibited the HCC metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, CCDC178 associated with BRCA1-associated protein 2 (BRAP2), a negative regulator of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, and promoted its degradation. Moreover, CCDC178 deficiency impaired the ERK activation, which is dependent on BRAP2. In conclusion, we identify CCDC178 as a novel candidate oncogene involved in anoikis resistance and HCC metastasis, and raise the possibility that CCDC178 may be a new therapeutic target for HCC.

Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 Accelerates Cartilage Defect Repairing by Recruiting Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Promoting Chondrogenic Differentiation .

Abstract: Chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a powerful chemoattractant for the localization of CXCR4-positive bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into the bone marrow. We studied the effects of SDF-1 on the cartilage defect repair by recruiting BMSCs and promoting its chondrogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Chemotaxis analysis with Transwell plate showed that SDF-1 could recruit BMSCs through SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and Western blot results suggested that the levels of type II collagen and GAG were increased after incubating BMSCs with SDF-1 compared with the without SDF-1 group. More positive BrdU-labeled BMSCs were detected at the cartilage defect region in the SDF-1 + poly [lactide-co-glycolide] (PLGA) scaffold group (SP) in which those animals showed a smooth and transparent cartilage tissue with a strong staining of toluidine blue and type II collagen compared with the no-SDF-1 groups. ICRS score suggested that the repair effect in the SDF-1 + PLGA-treated animals was improved compared with PLGA scaffold group alone at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery; the repair effect from the SDF + PLGA-treated animals was significantly improved compared with the PLGA alone at 12 weeks after surgery. Our in vitro and in vivo results indicated the following: (1) SDF-1 could recruit the BMSCs into cartilage defect area. (2) SDF-1 induces BMSCs expressing type II collagen and GAG, which may accelerate the BMSCs transforming into chondrocytes under the cartilage microenvironment in vivo. (3) PLGA scaffold attached with SDF-1 remarkably promoted the cartilage defect repairing. The defected cartilage was filled with transparent cartilage 12 weeks after the surgery, which shared a similar structure with the adjacent normal cartilage. Taken together, this research provides a new strategy for cartilage defect repairing.

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Enterococcus faecalis Isolates from Mineral Water and Spring Water in China

Abstract: Enterococcus faecalis is an important opportunistic pathogen which is frequently detected in mineral water and spring water for human consumption and causes human urinary tract infections, endocarditis and neonatal sepsis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity of E. faecalis from mineral water and spring water in China. Of 314 water samples collected from January 2013 to January 2014, 48 samples (15.3%) were contaminated E. faecalis. The highest contamination rate occurred in activated carbon filtered water of spring water (34.5%), followed by source water of spring water (32.3%) and source water of mineral water (6.4%). The virulence gene test of 58 E. faecalis isolates showed that the detection rates of asa1, ace, cylA, gelE and hyl were 79.3%, 39.7%, 0%, 100%, 0% respectively. All 58 E. faecalis isolates were not resistant to 12 kinds of antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin, linezolid, quinupristin / dalfopristin, vancomycin, gentamicin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline). Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR classified 58 isolates and three reference strains into nine cluters with a similarity of 75%. This study is the first to investigate the prevalence of E. faecalis in mineral water and spring water in China. The results of this study suggested that spring water could be potential vehicles for transmission of E. faecalis.

Protective Effects of Geniposide on Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Abstract: Background Geniposide (GEN) is the major ingredient of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis , which has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities and is widely used to treat ischemia disease. Inflammation and apoptosis play an important role in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The current study was conducted to explore the effects of geniposide on hepatic I/R injury and its potential molecular mechanism in mice. Methods Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the sham group (sham), the hepatic I/R injury group (IRI) and the GEN groups (low, middle, and high). In the GEN and IRI groups, hepatic IRI by was induced by means of clamping the left and median liver lobes for 30 minutes with noninvasive endoclips. The GEN groups were pretreated with GEN (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) at 30 minutes before ischemia by use of intraperitoneal injection. Rats in the IRI group and sham group were administrated with same dosage of saline at the same time. After reperfusion for 6 hours, the hepatic pathology and the expression of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST aspartate aminotransferase, LDH lactic acid dehydrogenase, PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, m-TOR, Bax, BCL-2, interleukin (IL)-6, MCP-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were examined. Results Compared with the sham group, the IRI group had higher expression of ALT, AST, LDH, Bax, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α and lower expression of BCL-2, PI3K, p-AKT, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), with more inflammatory cell infiltration, cellular swelling, and vacuolar degeneration. Compared with the IRI group, the GEN group had lower expression of ALT, AST, LDH, Bax, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α and higher expression of BCL-2, PI3K, p-AKT, and mTOR, with less inflammatory cell infiltration, cellular swelling, and vacuolar degeneration. There were no differences in the expression of AKT among several groups. Conclusions GEN can protect rats against hepatic I/R injury and partly relies on suppressing inflammation and apoptosis by inducing the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Paclitaxel induces autophagy in gastric cancer BGC823 cells

Abstract: This paper explores the connection between paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent, and gastric cancer cells. In this experiment, it is demonstrated that paclitaxel triggers autophagy and inhibits proliferation of gastric cancer cells. An 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect cell viability and the IC50 of paclitaxel. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of P62, and to measure the protein expression of autophagy. Immunofluorescence was used to reveal the appearance of punctate structures in the cytoplasm-this ultrastructure associated with autophagy was observed by microscopy. Electron microscopy revealed the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes, a typical structure of autophagy. In conclusion, our research indicates that paclitaxel may influence gastric cancer BGC823 cells by way of inducing autophagy.

Synovial inflammation plays a greater role in post-traumatic osteoarthritis compared to idiopathic osteoarthritis in the Hartley guinea pig knee.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of stromal cell-derived factor-1’s (SDF-1) involvement in the pathogenesis of idiopathic versus post-traumatic OA by comparing differences in synovial membrane morphology, SDF-1 synovial fluid (SF) concentrations, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) SF concentrations. Thirty-six 3-month-old Hartley guinea pigs were obtained and divided into 6 groups. Upon sacrifice, India Ink staining was used to evaluate gross morphology, Safranin O/Fast green staining was used to assess cartilage damage, H/E staining was employed to visualize the synovium, and SF samples were obtained for biochemical analyses. Sandwich ELISA was used to quantify the SF concentrations of SDF-1 and MMP-13. 12 month-old, idiopathic OA guinea pigs and 5.5 month-old ACLT animals had comparable cartilage damage when evaluated by the Modified Mankin Score. SDF-1 and MMP-13 concentrations were not statistically different between the two groups. The synovial membrane of the 5.5 month ACLT group had severe synovitis compared to the idiopathic OA group. In this study, it was found that synovial inflammation, independent of cartilage morphology, SDF-1 concentration, and MMP-13 concentration, was markedly different between idiopathic and post-traumatic OA. These results highlight the differing morphological and biochemical profiles of post-traumatic versus idiopathic osteoarthritis and calls for a more thorough examination of the sole of the synovial membrane in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Implantable and Biodegradable Macroporous Iron Oxide Frameworks for Efficient Regeneration and Repair of Infracted Heart.

Abstract: The construction, characterization and surgical application of a multilayered iron oxide-based macroporous composite framework were reported in this study. The framework consisted of a highly porous iron oxide core, a gelatin-based hydrogel intermediary layer and a matrigel outer cover, which conferred a multitude of desirable properties including excellent biocompatibility, improved mechanical strength and controlled biodegradability. The large pore sizes and high extent of pore interconnectivity of the framework stimulated robust neovascularization and resulted in substantially better cell viability and proliferation as a result of improved transport efficiency for oxygen and nutrients. In addition, rat models with myocardial infraction showed sustained heart tissue regeneration over the infract region and significant improvement of cardiac functions following the surgical implantation of the framework. These results demonstrated that the current framework might hold great potential for cardiac repair in patients with myocardial infraction.

Association of DNMT3b gene variants with sporadic Parkinson's disease in a Chinese Han population.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation, have been implicated in the development of this disease. Genetic variants of DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b), one of the most important DNA methyltransferases, were shown to be associated with PD in a Brazilian population. However, it is unclear whether genetic variants of DNMT3b increase the risk of PD in the Chinese Han people. The present study aimed to investigate the association of the DNMT3b variants rs2424913, rs998382 and rs2424932 with PD in a Chinese Han population. METHODS We studied 487 Chinese Han patients with sporadic PD and 485 healthy age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched controls. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and the individual genotypes were determined using the SNaPshot method. RESULTS We found that the rs2424932 and rs998382 variants were significantly associated with an increased risk of PD compared to the controls [rs2424932: odds ratio (OR) = 1.632, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.108-2.406, p = 0.013; rs998382: OR = 1.612, 95% CI = 1.103-2.382, p = 0.014]. Subgroup analysis suggested that female patients carrying the rs2424932 or rs998382 variants were more likely to develop PD than female controls (rs2424932: OR = 3.863, 95% CI = 2.004-7.445, p < 0.001; rs998382: OR = 3.679, 95% CI = 1.943-6.964, p < 0.001). Haplotype analysis indicated that the three variants comprised one block and that the Trs2424913 -Crs998382 -A rs2424932 haplotype was correlated with an increased risk of PD (p = 0.0046), especially for Chinese Han females (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study strongly suggest that DNMT3b variants are associated with PD in the Chinese Han people, especially females.

Ilioinguinal approach versus Stoppa approach for open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of displaced acetabular fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of open reduction and internal fixation through ilioinguinal approach and Stoppa approach for the treatment of displaced acetabular fractures. Methods Case-controlled trials (CCTs) published from January 2010 to August 2015 that compared the ilioinguinal approach and Stoppa approach in the management of displaced acetabular fractures were retrieved from the databases of Cochrane Library, Pubmed, CNKI, and so on. Methodological quality of the trials was critically assessed. Statistical software RevMan 5.0 was used for data analysis. Results Eight articles were included in the meta-analysis. Through comparing the efficacy and safety of ilioinguinal approach and Stoppa approach in the treatment of displaced acetabular fracture, statistical significance was found in the average operation time [WMD = 68.29, 95% CI (10.52, 126.05), p CI (9.30, 275.23), p RR = 0.63, 95% CI (0.17, 2.37), p > 0.05], the early complications rate [ RR = 0.89, 95% CI (0.33, 2.40), p > 0.05], the late complications rate [ RR = 0.91, 95% CI (0.27, 3.01), p > 0.05], and Harris hip score good function rate [ RR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.25, 1.10), p > 0.05]. Conclusion Though both techniques can obtain satisfactory clinical functions in the treatment of displaced acetabular fractures, Stoppa approach is superior to the ilioinguinal approach in terms of operation time and intraoperative blood loss.

Establishment of rat ankle post-traumatic osteoarthritis model induced by malleolus fracture.

Abstract: Malleolar fracture, which is present in 37–53% of human ankle osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common type of fracture in the ankle joint. In spite of this, no rat animal model has been developed for this type of injury to date. Here, we established a rat ankle post-traumatic OA (PTOA) model induced by malleolar fracture; this model will be useful in ankle OA research. Two-month-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into 2 groups (n = 19 per group): 1) malleolus articular fracture, dislocation, and immediate reduction on the right joints and 2) malleolus articular fracture on the right ankle. The contralateral ankle joints were used as controls. The fracture and healing processes were confirmed and monitored by radiography. Changes in inflammation were monitored in vivo by fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). Cartilage damage and changes in expression of OA-related genes were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 8 weeks post-surgery. X-rays showed that all fractures were healed at 8 weeks post-surgery. A reproducible, mild to moderate degree of OA cartilage damage with reduced aggrecan was detected by histology in all animals in both groups but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Decreased Col-II and increased Col-X and MMP-13 levels were detected by qPCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA and FMT from both groups cartilage. Malleolus articular fracture alone induces ankle OA with lesions on the central weight bearing area of the tibiotalar joint in rats. This model will provide a reproducible and useful tool for researchers to study ankle OA.

Association of IGF1 gene polymorphism with Parkinson's disease in a Han Chinese population

Abstract: Background Accumulating evidence suggests that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) plays an important role in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. However, it is not clear if IGF1 polymorphism contributes to PD risk. Methods We performed a case-control study in a Han Chinese population that included 512 sporadic PD cases and 535 matched controls. All participants were genotyped for rs972936 using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. Serum IGF1 levels of 61 de novo, drug-naive PD patients, and 55 age- and sex-matched controls were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Genotype frequency of rs972936-CC was significantly associated with increased PD risk (P = 0.009), especially in males (P = 0.024) and late-onset patients (P = 0.013). Serum IGF1 levels were significantly increased in de novo, drug-naive PD patients compared with controls (P = 0.036), but were not correlated with motor dysfunction in PD patients (P = 0.220). Conclusions Our study shows that rs972936 polymorphism may increase susceptibility to PD, especially in males and late-onset patients. Further, high serum IGF1 levels may be a potential diagnostic biomarker for PD in the Han Chinese population, but does not correlate with more severe motor dysfunction.

Quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone flap transplantation in the treatment of femoral neck fracture for Chinese young and middle-aged patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Purpose: To compare the efficacy of quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone flap transplantation combined with hollow compression screw fixation versus AO hollow compression screw fixation in the treatment of femoral neck fracture for Chinese young and middle-aged patients. Methods: Case-controlled studies (CCTs) were used to compare the two operative methods in the treatment of femoral neck fractures. Data were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, Pubmed Database, CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Database.Wanfang Data published during the period of January 2005 to December 2014. Methodological quality of the trials was critically assessed, and relevant data were extracted. Statistical Software Revman 5.0 was used for data-analysis. Results: Eight articles were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that there was statistical significance in the rate of fracture healing [OR = 5.43, 95% CI (2.89, 10.20), p < 0.05], the rate of good function of hip joint [OR = 5.12, 95% CI (3.21, 8.17), p < 0.05], the rate of femoral head necrosis [OR = 4.21, 95% CI (2.02, 8.76), p < 0.05], the time of fracture healing [WMD = -46.85, 95% CI (-65.13, -28.56), p < 0.05] between the two groups. Conclusions: For the treatment of femoral neck fractures, the transplantation of quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone flap combined with hollow compression screw; fixation is superior to the AO hollow compression screw fixation in terms of the rate; of fracture healing, the rate of good function of hip joint, the rate of femoral head; necrosis and the time of fracture healing. Key words: Femoral neck fractures; Quadratus femoris muscle; Myocutaneous flap; Fracture fixation; Meta-analysis

Ilizarov technique and limited surgical methods for correction of post-traumatic talipes equinovarus in children.

Abstract: Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using Ilizarov invasive distraction technique combined with limited surgical operations in the treatment of post-traumatic talipes equinovarus in children. Methods Eighteen cases of post-traumatic deformed feet in 15 patients who received the treatment of Ilizarov frame application, limited soft-tissue release or osteotomy were selected in this study. After removal of the frame, an ankle–foot orthosis was used continuously for another 6–12 months. Pre- and post-operatively, the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) score was employed to evaluate the gait and range of motion of the ankle joint. Radiographical assessment was also conducted. Results Patients were followed up for 22 (17–32) months. Ilizarov frame was applied for a mean duration of 5.5 (4–9) months. When it was removed, the gait was improved significantly in all the patients. The correction time was 6–8 weeks for patients who underwent soft-tissue release and 8–12 weeks for those with bone osteotomy. At the last follow-up assessment, the differences between pre- and post-operative plantar-flexion angle, dorsiflexion, motion of ankle joint and talocalcaneal angle were significant (all P < 0.05). The observed complications included wire-hole infection in one foot, toe contracture in one, residual deformity in three, recurrence of deformity in two and spastic ischaemia in one foot. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Ilizarov technique combined with limited surgical operation can be considered as an efficient and successful method for correction of post-traumatic talipes equinovarus in children.

Clinical research on correction of ankle arthritis-related factor levels via urea

Abstract: Objective To investigate the reliability of urea as the internal reference of ankle irrigating fluid in correction of synovial fluid and related factor concentration dilution times, and to further determine the factor expression level in synovial fluid. Patients and methods A total of 91 patients, including 20 cases of non-posterior median foot lesions and 71 cases of unilateral ankle osteoarthritis, were enrolled in this study. AOFAS score, Takakura staging and visual analogue pain scale were given; the venous blood was collected and the ankle fluid and irrigating fluid were obtained from the affected side via puncture. The urea in serum, synovial fluid and irrigating fluid was quantified using an AU5800 biochemical instrument (Beckman Coulter). Statistical analysis was performed for the correlation between urea in serum and synovial fluid; the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IGF-1 and HELIX-II in irrigating fluid quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were further corrected. Results There was a good linear relationship between urea contents in synovial fluid and serum (R2=0.89), and the regression slope was 0.927. The levels and ratio of urea in serum and synovial fluid were independent of Takakura staging or pain degree. The expressions of IL-1β (p=0.000), IGF-1 (p=0.000) and HELIX-II (p=0.010) were significantly increased in synovial fluid in patients with ankle osteoarthritis. There was no significant difference in expression of IL-1β (p=0.514), and TNF-α was not detected in synovial fluid. Conclusions This study confirmed the dynamic stability of urea in the ankle fluid, and it is not affected by the progression of arthritis, age and other factors, which is the standard internal reference of correcting ankle irrigating fluid dilution times. The occurrence mechanism of ankle osteoarthritis may be different from that of other osteoarthritis, and IL-6 and IGF-1 are associated with the progression of the disease. Increased HELIX-II is an independent factor of predicting cartilage injury.