title: Crystals, inflammation, and osteoarthritis.
abstract: Calcium pyrophosphate and apatite crystals are common in osteoarthritic knee effusions. One or the other crystal was found in 60 percent or more of cases. These crystals offer the potential for mechanical effects in cartilage but are also often phagocytized by synovial cells. A low-grade inflammation with release of proteases and other mediators of inflammation may be an important factor in the pain and joint damage of osteoarthritis. Crystal-associated changes may merit specific attention in any future approach to therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Schumacher
mesh_terms: D001031:Apatites / Q000032:analysis*; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate / Q000032:analysis*; D003460:Crystallization; D011756:Diphosphates / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D007719:Knee Joint; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D001031:Apatites; D011756:Diphosphates; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate