Targeting the therapeutic potential of soluble epoxide hydrolase for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain
Osteoarthritis
For the first research visit (up to 4 weeks pre-surgery) participants will receive two questionnaires through the post to complete and return upon their visit to Academic Rheumatology. These will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and may also be completed on-site if preferred. On this visit, participants will be invited to take part in some pain phenotyping measurements performed by a trained member of the research team, which are not invasive and cause temporary discomfort. First, participants will be weighed and measured in order to calculate their BMI. Pain pressure threshold will be performed on the leg and the arm, this involves applying pressure to the site using a probe, when the participant begins to feel pain they push a button, the test is stopped and the pressure is recorded. The pain phenotyping measurements will last no longer than 45 minutes. All the equipment is owned and maintained by the Pain Centre Versus Arthritis. On the day of surgery, participants will be asked some brief questions on their current levels of pain and proceed with their surgery and care as normal. During the surgery, TK will collect samples of blood, synovial fluid, and joint tissue which was removed as part of the usual surgical procedure. Participants will be monitored following surgery as part of their routine care. At the 6-month post-surgery follow-up visit the pain phenotyping measurement will be repeated, and a fasted blood sample (20 ml) collected. Research visits will take place in the morning, and participants offered their preferred time where possible. Venipuncture may cause some mild discomfort, and participants will be monitored for 20 minutes and provided with refreshments after the blood sample has been collected.
1. Adult patients who attend Nottingham University Hospitals for total knee replacement surgery as treatment for osteoarthritis pain 2. Able to give informed consent 3. No prior history of knee surgery 4. Aged over 40 years (no upper age limit)
1. Also have symptomatic hip OA pain 2. Diagnosed with major psychiatric or neurological illness 3. Have active cancer 4. Have sensory dysfunction 5. Have other pain conditions, e.g. fibromyalgia 6. Currently using strong opioid or neuropathic treatments