MORPHOMETRIC CHANGES OF COXO-FEMORAL JOINT TISSUES IN EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC COLITIS

Abstract

Background: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, represent severe global healthcare challenges. Extraintestinal manifestations affect up to 30-40% of patients, frequently involving major weight-bearing joints like the hip joint (coxofemoral joint). Systemic endotoxemia, pro-inflammatory cytokine storms (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6), and microcirculatory disturbances lead to secondary joint degeneration. However, the precise step-by-step morphometric and histochemical alterations in the joint cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovial membrane require deeper investigation.