Cyclooxygenase-2 in synovial tissue and fluid of dysfunctional temporomandibular joints with internal derangement

Purpose: This study investigated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression i n temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial tissue and fluid from patients wit h internal derangement. Patients and Methods: Seventeen synovial tissue biopsy specimens and 16 syn ovial fluid samples mere obtained from patients (1 male and 11 female) duri ng arthroscopic TMJ surgery. The samples were frozen at -70 degreesC and, b y using Northern and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PC R) analysis, the levels of COX-2 RNA in relation to beta -actin RNA message levels were determined. Results: COX-2 RNA message was detected in 16 of 17 synovial tissue samples (94%) and 12 of 16 synovial fluid samples (75%) by using beta -actin RNA l evels in the same sample (either tissue or fluid) as an internal control. S amples were not quantified because of the same sample mass. Conclusion: COX-2, an important inflammatory mediator, is present in the TM J synovial tissue and fluid from patients with internal derangement. Theref ore, COX-2 antagonists may be indicated in the treatment of TMJ arthralgia. (C) 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.