Table 1 This table summarizes the basis, time of onset, advantages and disadvantages of each of the OA models discussed in this paper
From: Pros and cons of mouse models for studying osteoarthritis
Model type | Model name and basis | Time of onset | Pros | Cons | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spontaneous | Naturally occurring—occurs as a result of wear and tear over the subject’s life | ~ 4–6 months old | Most natural progression No specially trained personnel required No specialized equipment needed | Long progression time Low incidence High cost Variability in severity and onset | |
Spontaneous | Genetically modified—occurs as a result of natural wear and tear over the subject’s life with higher susceptibility due to genetic selection | ~ 18 weeks old | Natural progression High incidence No specially trained personnel required Possibility of assessing impact of genetics in OA development and possible therapeutic targets | Low generalizability High cost Possibility of confounding symptoms as a result of genetic alterations Variability in severity and onset | |
Surgically induced | ACL transection—joint instability | ~ 3–10 weeks depending on method | High incidence Rapid progression Useful in assessing therapies | Need specially trained surgeon Risk of infection | |
Surgically induced | Medical meniscectomy—joint instability | ~ 4 weeks post-surgery | High incidence Rapid progression Useful in assessing therapies | Need surgeon Risk of infection | |
Chemically induced | Mono-iodoacetate—joint inflammation and chondrotoxicity | ~ 6 weeks from injection | High incidence Rapid progression Useful for studies in pain behavior | Progression not similar to natural progression in humans Only useful for studying pain behavior | |
Chemically induced | Collagenase—joint inflammation and collagen breakdown | ~ 3 weeks from injection | High incidence Useful for studies in pain behavior Useful for studies in potential therapies Most rapid progression | Progression not similar to natural progression in humans | |
Non invasive induction | Intra-articular tibial plateau fracture—trauma to the knee and joint destabilization | ~ 8–10 weeks post injury | Useful in replicating acute traumatic OA (i.e. from accidents) Rapid progression Severity of the lesions can be altered to compare effects of different Forces. Low risk of infection Repeatable | Need specialized equipment Not useful in modeling chronic onset OA | |
Non-invasive induction | Cyclic articular cartilage tibial compression—repeated trauma to the knee and joint destabilization | ~ 8–10 weeks post injury | Highly effective for studying chronic overuse Injuries. Low risk of infection Repeatable | Need specialized equipment Lengthy induction Several cycles needed Not effective for studying acute PTOA | |
Non-invasive induction | Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture via tibial compression overload—single powerful trauma and joint destabilization | ~ 8–16 weeks post injury | Single traumatic load is enough to induce OA Rapid progression Lower risk of infection Repeatable | Need specialized equipment |