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Calcium crystal deposition diseases: lessons from histochemistry
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Park Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. imasuda@mcw.edu
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|April 23, 2004
Summary
Immunohistochemical studies reveal key roles for chondrocyte differentiation and specific proteins in calcium crystal deposition disease pathogenesis. Further research will clarify the human relevance of in vitro mineralization findings.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Advances in molecular biology and biochemistry are identifying key factors in calcification.
- Immunohistochemical studies have significantly advanced understanding of calcium crystal deposition disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the pathogenesis of calcium crystal deposition disease.
- To highlight the contributions of immunohistochemical and histologic studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of immunohistochemical studies.
- Analysis of histologic findings related to calcium crystal deposition.
- Evaluation of in vitro data on mineralization and calcification.
Main Results:
- Histologic findings suggest hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes is crucial for calcium crystal deposition.
- Specific proteins have been identified as potentially playing direct or indirect roles in calcium crystal formation.
- In vitro studies indicate certain factors are key in cartilage mineralization and calcification.
Conclusions:
- The pathogenesis of calcium crystal deposition disease involves chondrocyte differentiation and specific proteins.
- Future research is needed to validate the human relevance of in vitro findings regarding mineralization and calcification in cartilage.