Nitric oxide synthases and osteoarthritis.
The production of nitric oxide (NO) by chondrocytes is increased in human osteoarthritis. The excessive production of NO inhibits matrix synthesis and promotes its degradation. Furthermore, by reacting with oxidants such as superoxide anion, NO promotes cellular injury and renders the chondrocyte susceptible to cytokine-induced apoptosis. Thus, NO produced by activated chondrocytes in diseased cartilage may modulate disease progression in osteoarthritis and should therefore be considered a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Scher
Jose U
JU
The Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine/New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, 301 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA.
Pillinger
Michael H
MH
Abramson
Steven B
SB
D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II