New findings in osteoarthritis pathogenesis: therapeutic implications

Abstract

This review focuses on the new perspectives which can provide insight into the crucial pathways that drive cartilage-bone physiopathology. In particular, we discuss the critical signaling and effector molecules that can activate cellular and molecular processes in both cartilage and bone cells and which may be relevant in cross talk among joint compartments: growth factors (bone morphogenetic proteins and transforming growth factor), hypoxia-related factors, cell-matrix interactions [discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) and syndecan 4], signaling molecules [WNT, Hedgehog (Hh)]. With the continuous progression of our knowledge on the molecular pathways involved in cartilage and bone changes in osteoarthritis (OA), an increasing number of potentially effective candidates for OA therapy are already under scrutiny in clinical trials to ascertain their possible safe use in an attempt to identify molecules active in slowing or halting OA progression and reducing joint pain. We then review the principal molecules currently under clinical investigation.

Genomic Analysis and Differential Expression of HMG and S100A Family in Human Arthritis: Upregulated Expression of Chemokines, IL-8 and Nitric Oxide by HMGB1

“…There is significant focus on the therapeutic intervention of HMGB1 (Pulsatelli et al, 2013). A drug such as Atrovastatin (Lipitor) reduces increased levels of hyperlipidemia and HMGB1 in the serum ( Jin et al, 2012).…”

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis

“…Nevertheless, to date there is still no definitive solution to reproducibly replicate the load-bearing capacity and durability of native joint cartilage [1, 2, 4]. Consequently, new therapeutic options based in the use of MSC have been initiated.…”

The study of effects of “Chondrolife” combined cream-gel in the spontaneous pain sensitivity experiment

“…The preference should be given to the local treatment over the systemic therapy, especially in case of a mild or moderate pain, and when only a few joints are involved [13].…”

“…A ccording to various studies the frequency of pain in the knee joints in the presence of radiographic osteoarhthritis ranged from 40 to 80%, and increase in the frequency of pain was observed in people aged over 50 years [1,13].…”