DNA and neutrophil extracellular traps release, novel potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of joint Damage In Hemophilia

Abstract

Background and aims: Hemarthroses cause major morbidity in hemophilia resulting in chronic hemophilic synovitis (CHS), osteochondral degeneration and arthropathy. Although the initial events causing joint damage remain uncertain, iron and monocytes-induced inflammation are known players in this process. The role of neutrophils, major immune blood cells infiltrated in synovium after bleeding is unknown. Neutrophils release extracellular DNA traps (NETs), microbicides structures containing DNA fibers with bound granular enzymes as elastase. During chronic inflammation, a cytotoxic effect of NETs has been associated with tissue damage in lung, kidney, skin and joints. Our aim is to elucidate the role of neutrophils in CHS by studying the formation of synovial NETs and its correlation with joint damage....