Estrogen and osteoarthritis.
In menopausal women and the elderly, populations most often affected by osteoarthritis (OA), estrogen levels are lower than normal, which suggests that estrogen may be an important regulator of OA. Estrogen can influence chondrocyte function on multiple levels by interacting with cellular growth factors, adhesion molecules, and cytokines. Nevertheless, findings regarding a correlation between estrogen and OA are inconsistent and inconclusive and range from estrogen protecting against OA to cartilage damage mediated by high levels of estrogen and higher binding to estrogen receptors. In this review, we summarize current in vivo and in vitro research and discuss future directions for analyses of the role of estrogen in OA.
Gokhale
Jayashree A
JA
Musculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA.
Frenkel
Sally R
SR
Dicesare
Paul E
PE
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000502:physiology; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000502:physiology; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000502:physiology; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D004967:Estrogens; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I