Cambridge scientists lead new study into hip fracture
A scientific team in Cambridge are to investigate the theory that patients who develop osteoarthritis may be protected against developing the brittle bone disease, osteoporosis.
The team at the Department of Medicine at the University of Cambridge clinical school, led by Dr Nigel Loveridge, have just been awarded a two-year grant of £75,173 from leading medical research charity the Arthritis Research Campaign.
They will examine the role of certain biological growth factors in bone, believed to be formed during the development of osteoarthritis, which are also helpful in preventing osteoporosis.
"Osteoarthritis of the hip and fracture of the hip are major causes of disease and reduced quality of life in the elderly," explained Dr Loveridge. "However, they differ in that hip fracture is associated with a decreased amount of bone - osteoporosis - while osteoarthritis leads to increased bone mass.
"The skeleton is constantly being renewed to remove damaged bone, to make sure it is sufficiently strong to withstand the stresses of everyday movement. This process is controlled by cells which live within the bone itself, and are able to sense differences in the amount of stress put on the bone during daily activity."
The team plans to measure differences in the number and longevity of these cells in people who have undergone hip replacements, to find out the effects on the rates of bone removal and replacement.
"We will examine, in particular, the roles of certain biochemical growth factors believed to be formed during the development of osteoarthritis, which are also helpful in preventing osteoporosis," added Dr Loveridge. "With the understanding we hope to gain from this study, new approaches to preventing hip disease could be developed."
The Arthritis Research Campaign is the fifth biggest medical research charity in the UK, and exists to find the cause of and cure for arthritis and all forms of rheumatic disease. Cambridge is a major centre for ARC-funded research, with the charity currently pumping in more than £1.6m.
