Insulin-like growth factor- 1 in the pathogenesis of ostesarthitis

ABSTRACT

The destructive process of the articular cartilage in osteoarthritis has a complex pathogenesis. Although the view was originally held that only cartilage loss occurs in osteoarthritis, it has been shown that cartilage metabolism is also increased, leading to increased synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen. This increased anabolic activity is seen as an attempt to repair the cartilage damage and might slow net cartilage loss. It is therefore of interest to study the factors that stimulate cartilage synthesis. One of these could be insulin-like growth factor-1. Recent experimental and clinical studies provide evidence for the pathogenic role of insulin-related growth factor-1