Basic calcium phosphate deposition in the joint: a potential therapeutic target in osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
Basic calcium phosphate crystals are responsible for a number of clinical syndromes. The study of basic calcium phosphate crystal deposition diseases has been hindered by a lack of readily available, accurate, diagnostic tests. Recent data have provided further understanding of the mechanisms by which basic calcium phosphate crystals induce inflammation and degeneration within the joint, as well as their potential role in other conditions such as cancer and atherosclerosis.


RESULTS
New information on the effects of basic calcium phosphate crystals on matrix metalloproteinases and mitogenesis further supports a role for basic calcium phosphate crystals in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Phosphocitrate remains the most promising of the potential therapeutic agents, which could antagonize the effects of basic calcium phosphate crystals, although other therapies have also been examined.


CONCLUSIONS
Further work is needed to clarify the exact role basic calcium phosphate crystals play in the development of osteoarthritis.
O'Shea
Finbar D
FD
Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
McCarthy
Geraldine M
GM
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000494:pharmacology; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002951:Citrates / Q000494:pharmacology; D003460:Crystallization; D006801:Humans; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*
D001685:Biological Factors; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D002951:Citrates; C014148:phosphocitrate; C020243:calcium phosphate