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Aging and osteoarthritis: an inevitable encounter?

Hugle, T. and Geurts, J. and Nuesch, C. and Muller-Gerbl, M. and Valderrabano, V.. (2012) Aging and osteoarthritis: an inevitable encounter? Journal of aging research, Vol. 2012 , 950192.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A6056160

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Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major health burden of our time. Age is the most prominent risk factor for the development and progression of OA. The mechanistic influence of aging on OA has different facets. On a molecular level, matrix proteins such as collagen or proteoglycans are modified, which alters cartilage function. Collagen cross-linking within the bone results in impaired plasticity and increased stiffness. Synovial or fat tissue, menisci but also ligaments and muscles play an important role in the pathogenesis of OA. In the elderly, sarcopenia or other causes of muscle atrophy are frequently encountered, leading to a decreased stability of the joint. Inflammation in form of cellular infiltration of synovial tissue or subchondral bone and expression of inflammatory cytokines is more and more recognized as trigger of OA. It has been demonstrated that joint movement can exhibit anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore physical activity or physiotherapy in the elderly should be encouraged, also in order to increase the muscle mass. A reduced stem cell capacity in the elderly is likely associated with a decrease of repair mechanisms of the musculoskeletal system. New treatment strategies, for example with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are investigated, despite clear evidence for their efficacy is lacking.
Faculties and Departments:03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Biomedizin > Division of Anatomy > Musculosceletal Research (Müller-Gerbl)
UniBasel Contributors:Müller-Gerbl, Magdalena
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
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Last Modified:10 Apr 2015 09:14
Deposited On:26 Apr 2013 07:01

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