Editorial [Hot Topic: Osteoarthritis and Its Treatment (Guest Editor: Demitrios H. Vynios)]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the oldest and most common type of arthritis characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. It affects middle-aged and older people, and can range from very mild to very severe. The cost of OA treatment in economy exceeds $100 billion per year in US. Research has proved that there are many factors causing OA; ageing, obesity, joint injuries, work-related activity, being the most known among others. In addition, genetics has a role in the development of OA, particularly in the hands. Treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on decreasing pain and improving joint movement, and may include: a) Exercises to keep joints flexible and improve muscle strength, b) Many different medications to control pain, including corticosteroids and NSAIDs, c) Naturocetic compounds, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been recently applied, d) Heat/cold therapy for temporary pain relief, e) Joint protection to prevent strain or stress on painful joints, f) Surgery (sometimes) to relieve chronic pain in damaged joints and g) Weight control to prevent extra stress on weight-bearing joints. Recent research has been focused on the identification of the mechanisms of cartilage destruction, prevention and genetics of OA, as well as gene therapy approaches. This special issue of Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Allergy Agents is dedicated to Osteoarthritis and Its Treatment. Emphasis has been placed on the recent developments in Osteoarthritis' basic knowledge and the new pharmacotherapies employed for its treatment. Prominent leaders in this field have provided a current perspective and a comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge about OA. I would like to thank all the authors for generously contributing their time and expertise in the preparation of this publication. I greatly appreciate the honor given to me by the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Bahar Tunctan, in entrusting me the responsibilities to serve as a Guest Editor of this special issue and for his unlimited collaboration in all steps necessary to prepare this issue. I would like to acknowledge Bentham Science Publishers for their assistance in bringing this issue to publication. From my personal point of vantage, I am thankful and amply rewarded for extending my knowledge on the field during the process of reading and editing the articles.