From algorithm to verification: based on network toxicology and machine learning, the immunomodulatory role of IGFBP1/MKI67/C9 in perfluorooctanoic acid-induced osteoarthritis was discovered, and a diagnostic model was constructed - Report - MDSpire

From algorithm to verification: based on network toxicology and machine learning, the immunomodulatory role of IGFBP1/MKI67/C9 in perfluorooctanoic acid-induced osteoarthritis was discovered, and a diagnostic model was constructed

  • By

  • Xinzhou Huang

  • Yongkun Wei

  • Yani Rao

  • Yue Wei

  • Hui Chen

  • Yunping Bao

  • May 28, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Immunomodulatory Effects of IGFBP1/MKI67/C9 in Osteoarthritis

Overview

This study identifies IGFBP1, MKI67, and C9 as key genes involved in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis linked to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure. The findings suggest these genes may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for OA, highlighting the impact of environmental pollutants on disease progression.

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that significantly affects the quality of life in millions of individuals. The role of environmental contaminants like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in OA pathogenesis is not well understood, making it crucial to explore their potential effects on disease mechanisms and progression.

Data Highlights

GeneExpression Change
IGFBP1Upregulated
MKI67Upregulated
C9Upregulated

Key Findings

  • 15 PFOA-related OA differentially expressed genes identified.
  • IGFBP1, MKI67, and C9 were determined as core genes through machine learning and WGCNA.
  • These genes were significantly upregulated in OA patients' synovial tissue.
  • Enrichment analysis indicated involvement in inflammatory, immune, and metabolic processes.
  • Immune infiltration analysis showed increased immune cell presence in OA samples.
  • The diagnostic nomogram achieved AUC of 0.903 in the training set and 0.939 in external validation.

Clinical Implications

The identification of IGFBP1, MKI67, and C9 as potential biomarkers for OA may assist in early diagnosis and understanding of the disease's immunological aspects. Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic implications of targeting these genes in OA management.

Conclusion

The study provides insights into the role of PFOA in altering the immune microenvironment in OA, with IGFBP1, MKI67, and C9 emerging as promising diagnostic biomarkers.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  3. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
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  5. Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management - NCBI Bookshelf
  6. Long-term effectiveness of intra-articular injectables in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis | Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Springer Nature Link
  7. Association of Osteoarthritis with Perfluorooctanoate and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in NHANES 2003–2008 - PMC
  8. Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management - NCBI Bookshelf
  9. Long-term effectiveness of intra-articular injectables in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis | Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Springer Nature Link
  10. Association of Osteoarthritis with Perfluorooctanoate and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in NHANES 2003–2008 - PMC

Original Source(s)

From algorithm to verification: based on network toxicology and machine learning, the immunomodulatory role of IGFBP1/MKI67/C9 in perfluorooctanoic acid-induced osteoarthritis was discovered, and a diagnostic model was constructed

  • by Xinzhou Huang, Yongkun Wei, Yani Rao, Yue Wei, Hui Chen, Yunping Bao

  • May 28, 2026

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