Circulating and synovial levels of IGF‐I, cytokines, physical function and anthropometry differ in women awaiting total knee arthroplasty when compared to men

Purpose: Determine if gender differences in osteoarthritis relate to cytokine and growth factor levels.

Methods: Cross‐sectional comparison of serum and synovial concentrations of cytokines (IL‐1αβ, TNF‐α, IL‐6), growth factors (IGF‐I, TGF‐β, IRAP), physical performance and perceived function in total knee arthroplasty candidates (TKAC) (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 21) was done.

Results: Serum IGF‐I values were reduced in female (TKAC 137.6 ± 7.2; Controls 160.2 ± 26.2) but not male TKAC (TKAC 182.6 ± 18.4; Controls 184.0 ± 18.4) (p < 0.05). Serum and synovial levels of cytokines and growth factors did not differ significantly by group or gender. Physical performance testing (SPW, TUG) revealed significant group and gender differences (p = 0.001) with women demonstrating greater functional impairment.

Discussion: A systemic, not local component to OA pathophysiology may exist for female TKAC. Male TKAC were less impaired, and their IGF‐I levels differ little from Control values.