Increased Expression of Adipokines in Patients With Frozen Shoulder

Background: Adipokines represent a spectrum of bioactive molecules that could modulate fibroblastic and inflammatory processes. The role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of frozen shoulder (FS), a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by chronic inflammation, remains obscure. Purpose: To evaluate whether adipokines contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms of FS and to evaluate any potential correlation of adipokines with patients’ symptoms. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Shoulder capsule specimens were obtained from 10 patients with FS and 10 patients with shoulder instability (control group). The specimens were dyed using hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically assessed with antibodies targeting adipokines, collagen I, collagen III, and tumor necrosis factor α. Immunoreactivity was graded from “no” to “strong” in a blinded manner. Reverse transcription–quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was conducted. Before the surgery, patient-reported frequency of pain, severity of pain, stiffness, and shoulder range of motion were documented. Results: In comparison with the control group, patients with FS had significantly greater pain frequency, pain severity, and stiffness and more limited shoulder range of motion ( P < .001). Hematoxylin and eosin- and Masson trichrome–stained samples from the FS group displayed hypercellularity and increased collagen fibers. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analyses indicated that expression of adipokines was significantly increased in FS capsules compared with the control group. The expression of collagen I, collagen III, and tumor necrosis factor α was also increased in FS capsules. No significant correlation was noted between adipokine expression and patient-reported outcomes in the control group, whereas in patients with FS, adiponectin expression was correlated with pain frequency ( r = 0.78; P = .01) and stiffness ( r = 0.73; P = .02). Visfatin was also correlated with pain frequency ( r = 0.70; P = .02). Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: This study indicated a potential role for adipokines in the pathogenesis of FS and demonstrated a correlation between adipokine expression and patients’ pain and stiffness.