Metalloproteomic analysis of hemophilic arthropathy synovial tissue: insights into metal overload and pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND

Hemophilic arthropathy (HA) is a joint disease characterized by local iron overload stemming from erythrocyte rupture and closely linked to synovial lesions. However, the precise molecular characteristics of clinical HA synovial samples remain to be defined.

OBJECTIVES

To gain insight into HA synovial tissue lesions, we utilized a metalloprotein strategy to compare the metal and protein spectra of HA with those of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

We collected synovial samples from patients with HA, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Tissue metal and protein profiles were obtained by metallomics and proteomics, respectively. Finally, metalloproteomics strategies compared metal content, proteins, metalloproteins, and the life processes involved.

RESULTS

Our metallomics analysis revealed an explicit increase in heavy metal content, particularly arsenic and mercury, in HA synovial samples. Through proteomics, we delineated specific metalloproteins and identified correlations between metals and pathways.

CONCLUSION

These findings yield valuable insights into the pathogenesis of HA and offer potential therapeutic targets for conditions characterized by iron overload.