title: Crystal-induced inflammation and cartilage degradation.
abstract: In the past year, there have been advances in our understanding of the induction of cartilage damage by calcium-containing crystals. Mechanisms of deposition and the biologic effects of crystals have been further characterized, as has the interaction between crystals and leukocytes. Studies of the clinical diagnosis of crystal deposition diseases suggest that accuracy with microscopy needs to be enhanced. Normal values for serum NTPPPHase have been established and optimal diagnostic imaging strategies for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease have been suggested. There are still no available drugs to inhibit deposition or effect reabsorption of calcium-containing crystals.
authors: Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors: G M
authors: GM
authors: McCarthy
mesh_terms: D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D003460:Crystallization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D002130:Calcium Phosphates; C485828:alpha-tricalcium phosphate; C485830:tetracalcium phosphate; C485838:calcium phosphate, monobasic, anhydrous; C020243:calcium phosphate; C485829:calcium phosphate, dibasic, anhydrous