[Current views on the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis]

Degenerative joint disease is the most common joint pathology and the main cause of disability of elderly people in developed countries. It is caused by imbalance between degeneration and regeneration of articular cartilage accompanied by pathological changes of other joint structures. No generally recognizable description of the pathogenetic pathway of osteoarthritis (OA) exists so far, however recent studies have widened the knowledge of the underlying pathology. In this review views regarding the role of genetic and mechanical factors in OA pathogenesis were presented. The role of pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines (IL-1, TNF-alfa, IL-6), lipid mediators, NO, reactive oxygen species, were discussed. The contribution of adipokines (fat tissue derived hormones with cytokine activity) to the pathogenesis of degenerative joint disease was also described. The role of synovial membrane, articular cartilage, subchondral bone and such structures as osteophytes and infrapatellar fat pad in development of osteoarthritis were presented as well.