A Review of Translational Animal Models for Knee Osteoarthritis

Table 2

Summary of contributions to osteoarthritis knowledge.

Mouse	Mutations in structural proteins can lead to OA [6]. Single-nucleotide polymorphism associated with increased risk in human populations leads to increased OA in a mouse model [7].
Rat	Novel therapies shown to reduce pain [26, 120, 121]. Feasibility of new cartilage restoration techniques demonstrated [117–119].
Rabbit	Hyaluronic acid (HA) more effective earlier in disease process [19]. HA reduces inflammatory cytokine and metalloproteinase expression in synovium but not cartilage [128]. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid superior to low MW [126]. Infliximab may be efficacious in OA [129].
Guinea pig	Structural alterations occur in the meniscus and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) prior to development of OA [31–33]. Collagen and proteoglycan content increases prior to development of OA and then decreases once OA is evident [34]. Diet reduction reduces severity of OA lesions [96].
Dog	OA progression differs based on inciting event [48, 52, 59]. ACL transection leads to severe damage compared to meniscal release and groove creation [48]. Oral therapy reduces metalloproteinase expression in the joint and reduces cartilage lesions [53–55]. Biomarkers in synovial fluid had high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing OA [46].
Sheep/goat	Knee joint remodels to reduce acute increase in joint pressure from meniscectomy [61]. Exercise exacerbates OA changes after meniscectomy [62, 63]. Meniscal allograft reduces cartilage damage [65].
Horse	Single traumatic event can lead to OA [69]. Short-term immobilization has minimal effects on joint health, but long-term immobilization reduces bone mineral density [154–156]. Chondrocyte implantation feasible in single surgery [157].