MORPHOMETRIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF COXOFEMORAL JOINT TISSUES IN EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC COLITIS

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the microscopic, morphological, and morphometric alterations occurring within the coxofemoral joint tissues—specifically the hyaline cartilage, synovial membrane, and subchondral bone—under the conditions of experimentally induced chronic colitis. A total of 220 male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n=100) and an experimental group (n=120) subjected to rectal administration of 3% acetic acid to simulate chronic intestinal inflammation. Histological evaluations using Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson's Trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical profiling (CD68, Ki-67, Bcl-2) were carried out at day 14, 28, 45, 60, and 90 intervals. The results demonstrate progressive cartilage matrix degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, and chronic synovial hyperplasia driven by systemic endotoxemia and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. These findings provide solid morphometric criteria establishing a significant pathogenic link between chronic gut inflammation and secondary osteoarthritis.