Molecular Mechanisms Linking Osteoarthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease: Shared Pathways, Mechanisms and Breakthrough Prospects

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease mostly affecting the elderly population. It is characterized by cognitive decline that occurs due to impaired neurotransmission and neuronal death. Even though deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and aggregation of hyperphosphorylated TAU have been established as major pathological hallmarks of the disease, other factors such as the interaction of genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to the development and progression of AD. In general, patients initially present mild forgetfulness and difficulty in forming new memories. As it progresses, there are significant impairments in problem solving, social interaction, speech and overall cognitive function of the affected individual. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most recurrent form of arthritis and widely acknowledged as a whole-joint disease, distinguished by progressive degeneration and erosion of joint cartilage accompanying synovitis and subchondral bone changes that can prompt peripheral inflammatory responses. Also predominantly affecting the elderly, OA frequently embroils weight-bearing joints such as the knees, spine and hips leading to pains, stiffness and diminished joint mobility, which in turn significantly impacts the patient’s standard of life. Both infirmities can co-occur in older adults as a result of independent factors, as multiple health conditions are common in old age. Additionally, risk factors such as genetics, lifestyle changes, age and chronic inflammation may contribute to both conditions in some individuals. Besides localized peripheral low-grade inflammation, it is notable that low-grade systemic inflammation prompted by OA can play a role in AD pathogenesis. Studies have explored relationships between systemic inflammatory-associated diseases like obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and AD. Given that AD is the most common form of dementia and shares similar risk factors with OA—both being age-related and low-grade inflammatory-associated diseases, OA may indeed serve as a risk factor for AD. This work aims to review literature on molecular mechanisms linking OA and AD pathologies, and explore potential connections between these conditions alongside future prospects and innovative treatments.

Metabolic Dysregulation and Its Role in Postoperative Pain among Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

“…These mechanisms involve chronic low-grade inflammation due to the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, which promote the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases, aggrecanases, and cathepsins, leading to the breakdown of the cartilage extracellular matrix. These activities are accompanied by dysregulation of metabolic pathways, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can affect chondrocyte homeostasis and contribute to cartilage degeneration [10].…”

Investigating the potential neuroprotective benefits of taurine and Dihydrotestosterone and Hydroxyprogesterone levels in SH-SY5Y cells

“…It is distinguished by a range of brain abnormalities, notably neuroinflammation, and progressive neuronal loss. Consequently, individuals with AD commonly exhibit cognitive decline and memory problems ( Umoh et al, 2024 ). Although the exact pathogenesis of AD remains unclear, but the prevailing hypothesis suggests that the disease is initiated and driven by an increased accumulation of Aβ.…”