Ahmed J. Al. Hamdawi
Branch of Medical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of AL-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
Ajil A. Alzamily
Branch of Medical Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of AL-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
Ishan Abdul Abbas AL Salman
Branch of Surgery Medicine, College of Medicine, University of AL-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, along with meniscus and collateral ligament tears, are among the most common knee injuries. These injuries significantly impact knee stability and mobility, often leading to osteoarthritis and limiting physical activity. The ACL provides critical stability to the knee, and its injury is frequently associated with structural and functional changes detectable via MRI and clinical imaging. Inflammation and healing in ACL injuries can be evaluated using biochemical markers. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-20 (IL-20) levels with the risk and progression of ACL injuries. Materials and Methods: The study included 120 participants, comprising 60 patients with ACL injuries and 60 healthy controls (67 males and 53 females) aged 18–75 years. The participants were recruited from Al-Furat Al-Awsat Private Hospital and the Royal Private Hospital in Iraq's Al-Diwaniyah Governorate between November 2022 and November 2023. MCP-1 and IL-20 levels were measured using Elabscience ELISA kits in the Department of Medical Chemistry at Al-Qadisiyah University College of Medicine. Biochemical markers were assessed before and six weeks after ACL repair. Results: Patients with ACL injuries exhibited significantly higher MCP-1 levels in comparison to both pre- and post-reconstruction levels (P < 0.05). Post-surgical MCP-1 levels remained significantly elevated compared to the control group (P < 0.001). IL-20 levels showed non-significant increases following surgery (P > 0.05); however, significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed between the patient and control groups. Conclusion: Elevated MCP-1 levels suggest its strong association with inflammation and the risk of ACL injuries. IL-20 appears to contribute to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and MCP-1, which exacerbate joint inflammation and cartilage degradation. These findings indicate that IL-20 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis, particularly in patients with ACL injuries and the elderly, where it promotes cartilage destruction and joint degradation. Monitoring these biomarkers could aid in understanding disease progression and tailoring therapeutic interventions for ACL injury patients.
Keywords: Injury ACL, MCP-1, and IL-20.
