Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Progression and Protection of Osteoarthritis

Objective: Osteoarthritis is a common disease of the joint cartilage. Since the molecular pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is not clearly understood, early diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic agents have not been developed. Methods and Results: In recent years, there are several studies to elucidate the molecular aspects based on mouse genetics by using a stress-induced mechanical load model. Chondrocyte hypertrophy, which is usually seen in growth plate chondrocyte, is also induced in articular cartilage and involved in the onset of osteoarthritis. Additionally, signal molecules involved in inflammatory cytokine and matrix proteinase are expected to be target molecules for the fundamental treatment of early osteoarthritis. Some additional signal molecules, transcription factors and compounds have been reported to be involved in cartilage homeostasis. Conclusion: This review sheds light on the current status of various signal molecules for the management of osteoarthritis.