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New thoughts on the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis: One more step toward new therapeutic targets

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Abstract

Osteoarthritis is considered an illness in which a complex interaction between the tissues of the joint plays a significant role in the initiation and/or progression of this pathophysiology. We do not yet completely understand all the factors that are responsible for initiating the degradation and loss of the articular tissues. This paper summarizes the novelties of three such mechanisms. The first one points to some factors involved in the regulation of one growth factor family, the bone morphogenetic proteins, the second, the regulation of prostaglandin E2 synthesis, and the third the factors involved in subchondral bone remodeling, all of which could be very significant events for osteoarthritis. This paper should help the reader better understand the most recent advances regarding the roles of these factors in this disease process, and how new therapeutic targets may be identified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Notre-Dame Hospital, 1560 Sherbrooke Street East, H2L 4M1, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    Johanne Martel-Pelletier PhD

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  1. Johanne Martel-Pelletier PhD
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  2. Daniel Lajeunesse PhD
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  3. Hassan Fahmi PhD
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  4. Ginette Tardif PhD
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  5. Jean-Pierre Pelletier MD
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Correspondence to Johanne Martel-Pelletier PhD.

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Martel-Pelletier, J., Lajeunesse, D., Fahmi, H. et al. New thoughts on the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis: One more step toward new therapeutic targets. Curr Rheumatol Rep 8, 30–36 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-006-0022-6

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