The Latest Osteoarthritis Research
Causes
This body of research became fast-paced in the 1990s with the development
of new molecular biology techniques. Current research into the causes
of osteoarthritis is generally looking at how the following four factors
work alone or in tandem to produce this disease:
Body
One major part that they are examining is the cartilage. Researchers have
discovered that chemical changes that take place after the onset of osteoarthritis
cause a loss of two types of fibers: proteoglycans and collagen. Both
these fibers give resilience to cartilage. They have also found that in
osteoarthritis, enzymes called proteases (which destroy old cartilage
so it can be replaced by new growth) begin doing their job much faster
than is good for the body. Researchers are interested in knowing why this
happens in some people.
Another key question they are trying to answer is how our immune system
protects us from inflammatory types of arthritis. Inflammation, which
involves swelling, redness and heat, is one of the immune system's responses
to osteoarthritis. Studies have found that the presence of a group of
chemicals called prostaglandins results in inflammation. Aspirin interferes
with the production of prostaglandins, but it also interferes with other
important body systems, which is why it has very nasty side effects when
taken for long periods of time.
Heredity
Scientists are also looking into the heredity factors of arthritis, especially
ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. They have so far figured
out that people with HLA-B27, a genetic marker, are more likely to develop
ankylosing spondylitis than the general population.
Infection
In some forms of arthritis, infections can combine with a faulty gene
to set off one or more malfunctions in the immune system, a condition
called autoimmunity. This is caused by the production of T cells or autoantibodies.
Scientists are now studying why certain people make T cells, which cannot
distinguish between healthy parts and foreign invaders and start killing
the former. They are also studying how certain viruses, such as Epstein-Barr
or HIV, may also trigger some kinds of arthritis.
Environment
Researchers have always been intrigued by a variation of disease patterns
among countries, especially in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. This
body of research also covers a study of injuries that can lead to arthritis.
For example, football players, who are prone to knee injuries and resulting
osteoarthritis.
Treatments
Newer tests are being developed to aid doctors in diagnosing various types
of arthritis. Newer drugs are also on the research table to slow down
the immune system's response in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Pharmacists
are also studying the effects of various combination drugs and their side
effects. Meanwhile, research into treatments is also looking at:
• Magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis
• Improving access to care
• Sleep disturbances
• Functional status
• Pain Control Methods
• Exercise
Self-management
Researchers are also looking at what people with arthritis can do to help
themselves. For instance, it’s been proved that some aerobic exercises,
which are good for the heart, are also good for the joints.
Prevention
Doctors have long suspected that being overweight puts stress on the knees.
Recent studies have now confirmed that obesity increases the risk for
developing osteoarthritis of the knees and hip. A sedentary job can also
increase chances of developing osteoarthritis. Research in prevention
is also looking at diet, injuries, and social support patterns.
