Abstract

Background: A number of pathophysiological conditions, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and inflammatory joint disorders, are characterized by the presence of systemic inflammation. Although previous research has produced a wealth of literature regarding the mild inflammation in patients with Grade 2 Knee Osteoarthritis (G2KOA), there is insufficient explanation for the change in nitric oxide levels along with markers of systemic inflammation and lipid peroxidation. Aim: Thus, the objective of this study was to measure the levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Nitric Oxide (NO) in G2KOA subjects and to establish their relationship to the likelihood of future cardiovascular disorders. Methodology: In this study, 30 patients of either gender suffering from G2KOA (aged 35 to 50) and 30 healthy normal individuals (as controls) were taken. The above mentioned parameters were measured using standardized techniques and were compared for patients and controls using the Student’s t-test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Result: Apart from the pain, the MDA in erythrocytes and CRP levels in plasma of G2KOA patients were significantly high (P<0.001 & P<0.05) and the levels of plasma NO were significantly low (P<0.001) and were inversely correlated with the levels of MDA and CRP. Conclusion: Based on the findings it can be said that the combined effect of oxidative stress and inflammation leading to the endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in increasing the future cardiovascular complications risk in G2KOA characterized by increased CRP and MDA and decreased nitric oxide. As a matter of routine examination in G2KOA patients, these markers need to be tested for early detection and prevention of cardiac disorders.

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