Basic scienceInflammatory cytokines are overexpressed in the subacromial bursa of frozen shoulder
Section snippets
Tissue samples
We studied 14 patients undergoing arthroscopic capsular release for idiopathic frozen shoulder after conservative treatment failed. Inclusion criteria included global restriction of passive shoulder motion with normal findings on plain radiographs; no pathologic findings regarding the rotator cuff, labrum, long head of the biceps, or acromioclavicular joint on magnetic resonance imaging; and no risk factors such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or thyroid disease. The diagnosis of frozen
Inflammatory cytokines are increased in both joint capsule and subacromial bursa
We first assessed the mRNA expression levels of cytokines in both joint capsules and subacromial bursae. IL-1α levels in patients with frozen shoulder were elevated in both the joint capsule (1.5 ± 0.15, P < .05) and the subacromial bursa (2.3 ± 0.24, P < .05) compared with those in the control group (1.0 ± 0.01 in joint capsule and 2.0 ± 0.06 in subacromial bursa) (Fig. 1, A, left panel). However, expression levels of IL-1β were increased only in the joint capsule (4.3 ± 0.3, P < .05) compared
Discussion
It has generally been accepted that inflammation and fibrosis of the joint capsule together are the main source of pain and limited motion in frozen shoulder.11, 17, 23 Despite much research, the etiology and pathologic mechanisms that lead to the development of frozen shoulder are poorly understood, and there is no consensus on the optimal treatment.17, 21, 22, 26 Current efforts are focused on determining both an immunologic basis for frozen shoulder and the role of cell signaling and
Conclusions
We showed that IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 were expressed at significantly high levels in the subacromial bursae in patients with frozen shoulder. These findings imply that elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the subacromial bursa as well as joint capsule may contribute to generate pain in frozen shoulder and may be associated with the pathogenesis of inflammation evolving into fibrosis.
Acknowledgment
English-language editing was provided by Katharine O'Moore-Klopf, ELS (East Setauket, NY, USA).
Disclaimer
The authors, their immediate families, and any research foundations with which they are affiliated have not received any financial payments or other benefits from any commercial entity related to the subject of this article.
The biospecimens for this study were provided by the Keimyung Human Bio-Resource Bank, a member of the National Biobank of Korea, which is supported by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs.
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The authors obtained the approval of Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center Institutional Review Board (No. 11267).