Experimental Model of Type II Diabetes-induced Osteoarthritis in Rats of Wistar Strain

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been suggested to predispose to osteoarthritis (OA) leading to T2DM-induced OA. Hence this study aims to develop an experimental model for T2DM-induced OA in order to advance research on diabetes-osteoarthritis conditions. Male Wistar rats (N=40) were divided into control and experimental T2DM group. T2DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Rats with fasting blood glucose levels >200 mg/dL on day 4 post-induction were considered diabetic. Glucose levels were subsequently monitored on days 7, 14, 21, 28 post-induction. Feasible osteoarthritis markers; joint swelling diameter, gait test (Stride length and paw dimension), arthritis index, histological evaluations and MANKIN osteoarthritis scores were done; Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and Bonferroni post-hoc test, p < 0.05. Data obtained from T2DM group showed significantly higher blood glucose levels on days 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 compared with controls. T2DM group experienced increased joint swelling, arthritis index, and decreased stride length, paw width, and paw area. Histological analysis revealed significant knee joint deterioration, including synovium derangement, cartilage abnormalities, and higher MANKIN osteoarthritis scores in the T2DM group compared to controls. This study shows an experimental T2DM-induced OA model in Wistar rats with signs and symptoms consistent with diabetes-induced osteoarthritis in human.