Investigating Cortical Neurochemical Concentrations in Painful Knee Osteoarthritis using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Motivation: Alterations in the brain are suggested to contribute to chronic arthritis pain, however there is limited research on the specific neurochemicals and brain regions involved in this process. Goal(s): We aimed to identify neurochemicals and brain regions associated with chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis to understand the brain’s contribution to this condition. Approach: We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare neurochemical levels in four pain-related brain regions between cohorts of patients with painful knee osteoarthritis and healthy controls. Results: Significantly lower levels of GABA and myoinositol in the anterior cingulate cortex in the knee osteoarthritis group suggests potential disrupted inhibitory processes and neuroinflammation. Impact: Patients with painful knee osteoarthritis exhibited significantly lower levels of GABA and myoinositol in the anterior cingulate cortex compared to healthy controls. These findings illuminate the anterior cingulate cortex as a potential therapeutic target for knee osteoarthritis pain management.