Which elements are involved in reversible and irreversible cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the entire joint. Different treatment strategies for OA have been proposed and tested clinically without the desired efficacy. One reason for the scarcity of current chondroprotective agents may be the insufficient understanding of the patho-physiology of the joint and whether the joint damage is reversible or irreversible. In this review, we compile emerging data on cellular and pathological aspects of OA, and ask whether these data could give clue to when cartilage degradation is reversible and whether a point-of-no-return exists. We highlight different stages of OA, and speculate whether different intervention strategies (e.g. DMOAD vs. SMOADs) may only be efficacious at distinct stages of OA.
Bay-Jensen
Anne-Christine
AC
Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, Herlev, Denmark. acbj@nordicbioscience.com
Hoegh-Madsen
Suzi
S
Dam
Erik
E
Henriksen
Kim
K
Sondergaard
Bodil Cecillie
BC
Pastoureau
Philippe
P
Qvist
Per
P
Karsdal
Morten A
MA
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020127:Recovery of Function
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents