Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered one of the most common arthritic diseases characterized by progressive degradation and abnormal remodeling of articular cartilage. Potential therapeutics for OA aim at restoring proper chondrocyte functioning and inhibiting apoptosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) showed anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity in many models of various diseases, acting mainly via alleviation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, little is known about cytoprotective effects of TUDCA on chondrocyte cells. The present study was designed to evaluate potential effects of TUDCA on interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tunicamycin (TNC)-stimulated NHAC-kn chondrocytes cultured in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Our results showed that TUDCA alleviated ER stress in TNC-treated chondrocytes, as demonstrated by reduced CHOP expression; however, it was not effective enough to prevent apoptosis of NHAC-kn cells in either normoxia nor hypoxia. However, co-treatment with TUDCA alleviated inflammatory response induced by IL-1β, as shown by down regulation of Il-1β, Il-6, Il-8 and Cox2, and increased the expression of antioxidant enzyme Sod2. Additionally, TUDCA enhanced Col IIα expression in IL-1β- and TNC-stimulated cells, but only in normoxic conditions. Altogether, these results suggest that although TUDCA may display chondoprotective potential in ER-stressed cells, further analyses are still necessary to fully confirm its possible recommendation as potential candidate in OA therapy.

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition affecting many joints, including the hip. The treatment of advanced hip osteoarthritis (HOA) involves total hip arthroplasty (THA). Atrophy of abductor muscles is often diagnosed in patients with HOA. This review presents a number of studies evaluating changes that occur in the gluteus medius (GMED) and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) as a result of HOA and THA. MyotonPRO is a portable and non-invasive device that allows for the assessment of muscle quality. This review aimed to collect studies assessing changes in GMED and TFL following HOA and THA and to determine whether MyotonPRO can be used for this assessment. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed, for relevant articles published between 2012 and 2024. A total of 37 articles were included in our review. Qualified papers evaluated changes in the lower limb muscles, including TFL and GMED, as a result of HOA and THA using MyotonPRO and other methods. Results: In this article, we emphasize the influence of the tested muscles on HOA and the postoperative course after THA using MyotonPRO. We have shown that myotonPRO was used to assess muscle changes due to knee OA and GMED and TFL in other groups of patients. Conclusions: This is the first review of the literature to indicate a new direction of research using myotonPRO. The use of MyotonPRO will allow for the more detailed development of rehabilitation programs for patients with HOA and after THA.

Background/Objectives: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are among the most commonly used surgical treatment methods. A growing number of studies assess the changes in the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the literature to determine how the biomechanical properties of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint change as a result of ARCR and RSA, and whether MyotonPRO was used in this group of patients. Methods: A review of the international scientific literature was conducted in September 2025. The study was based on searches of the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A final total of 32 articles were included in the review. Results: In this article, we have shown that ARCR and RSA procedures cause changes in the biomechanical properties of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. We also demonstrated that MyotonPRO has been used in this group of patients in a limited number of studies. However, the studies confirm that it is a reliable tool for examining upper limb muscles. Conclusions: This literature review demonstrates a new direction in research using MyotonPRO. Using this device in muscle testing in patients after ARCR and RSA will allow for a better understanding of the changes that occur in muscles as a result of these procedures, as research in this area is new and incomplete.