title: Slow-acting, disease-modifying osteoarthritis agents.
abstract: There is evidence to suggest that tetracyclines have benefit beyond their antimicrobial activity. The ability to inhibit metalloproteinase activity may provide a disease-modifying effect in OA, and available data suggest that further investigation is warranted. Controlled, double-blind, prospective clinical studies have not been completed. The canine cruciate ligament transection model studies are frequently cited as the most convincing in vivo evidence of a benefit of oral tetracycline therapy for the treatment of OA. Until more evidence becomes available, the use of tetracyclines as therapeutic agents for OA should be considered investigational.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: McNamara
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Todhunter
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012898:Autacoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010426:Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D012898:Autacoids; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D013754:Tetracyclines; C013786:A73025; D010426:Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid