Molecular response to cartilage damage identified

New research has identified the molecular response to cartilage damage and suggested that this could explain why people who have suffered injuries to joint cartilage are at an increased risk of suffering from osteoporosis.

An international team of rheumatologists and biotechnologists published their findings in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Led by Dr Francesco Dell'Accio, a clinician scientist fellow of the Arthritis Research Campaign based at Barts and the London, the scientists managed to identify the full-genome characterisation of the molecular response of adult human articular cartilage to mechanical injury.

The team said they had compared the gene expression profile of cartilage cells before and after a mechanical injury to identify any changes.

In total, 690 genes were found to react to the injury. In particular, genes associated with cell signalling, wound healing, and skeletal development, were identified.

However, Dr Dell'Accio stressed that it was still not clear if the responses supported cartilage repair or could be targeted to prevent future osteoporosis risk.

Dr Dell'Accio said more investigation was needed "to optimally target the respective pathways to promote joint surface cartilage defect repair or to stop further joint surface breakdown, thereby preventing the development of posttraumatic OA".

Recent related stories:

People's expectations influence recovery from whiplash
15 May 2008
Early human tests of new rheumatoid arthritis drug provide encouraging results
14 May 2008
T cell research hints at causes of autoimmune diseases
14 May 2008
Women who smoke and possess a genetic mutation 'more at risk from rheumatoid arthritis'
14 May 2008
Breastfeeding 'could reduce rheumatoid arthritis risks'
13 May 2008
Scientist claim few chronic pain sufferers develop opioid addictions
13 May 2008
Obese hip replacement patients 'more likely to suffer complications'
13 May 2008

Want to know more?