BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess inflammatory
cytokines levels in synovial fluid (SF) before and after
electroacupuncture (EA) treatment and to explore whether these
biomarkers are associated with function of
rotator cuff tear (RCT) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recruited 54 patients with RCT and separated them into an EA group and a control group. The SF
biomarker levels were detected at baseline and at 6-week and 6-month follow-up. The symptomatic severity was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES). We also investigated the correlation between symptomatic severity and
biomarker levels in SF of the shoulder joint. RESULTS The reductions in VAS and improved functional score (ASES and Constant-Murley score) were significantly different between the 2 groups, and SF
biomarker concentrations were significantly lower in the EA group. IL-1ß levels were significantly negatively correlated with Constant-Murley score (r=-0.73, P=0.04) and ASES score (r=-0.59, P<0.001) and positively correlated with VAS scores (r=0.81, P=0.004).
IL-6 levels were significantly negatively correlated with Constant-Murley score (r=-0.67, P=0.03) and positively correlated with VAS score (r=0.7, P=0.01). MMP-1 levels were significantly negatively correlated with ASES score (r=-0.57, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The
biomarkers in SF were directly associated with
shoulder pain and shoulder function in
rotator cuff tear. EA, as a safe and effective
conservative therapy, obviously decreased the level of inflammatory
cytokines in RCT patients, accompanied by a reduction in
shoulder pain and improved function.