Metabolism of crystals within the joint.
Monosodium urate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) and basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals deposit in joints and surrounding tissues causing acute inflammation and chronic cartilage damage. A number of endogenous substances and physicochemical conditions affect their precipitation, growth and even dissolution, regulating their metabolism and inflammatory activity. We review how MSU and calcium crystals form within the joints and the various factor which regulate their formation.
Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
F
F
Oliviero
A
A
Scanu
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L
Punzi
D015210:Arthritis, Gouty; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D003460:Crystallization; D018450:Disease Progression; D006073:Gout / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D033461:Hyperuricemia / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D014527:Uric Acid; C020243:calcium phosphate; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate