Osteoarthritic change is delayed in a Ctsk-knockout mouse model of osteoarthritis

Several studies have shown that cathepsin K (CTK) is overexpressed in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage and subchondral bone. However, it has not been well established whether CTK expression is harmful or beneficial. We undertook this study to investigate the direct involvement of CTK in OA development using Ctsk-knockout (Ctsk(-/-)) mice in a joint instability-induced model of OA.

We analyzed the natural course of the phenotype of 25-week-old Ctsk(-/-) mice. OA development was evaluated with a modified Mankin histologic score up to 8 weeks after surgery was performed to destabilize the knee in Ctsk(-/-) and Ctsk(+/+) mice. Histologic analysis was used to evaluate expression of CTK, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), ADAMTS-5, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) proteins in chondrocytes, synovial cells, and osteoclasts. Bone architecture was analyzed by histomorphometry.

Bone mineral content and bone volume were higher in Ctsk(-/-) mice at 25 weeks, whereas OA did not develop spontaneously in either Ctsk(-/-) or Ctsk(+/+) mice. In a model of destabilization-induced OA, OA progression was significantly delayed in Ctsk(-/-) mice. CTK was overexpressed in chondrocytes and synovial cells of knee joints developing OA in Ctsk(+/+) mice. MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 were less strongly expressed in chondrocytes of Ctsk(-/-) mice, and MMP-13 was less strongly expressed in synovial cells. TRAP-positive osteoclasts were overexpressed in Ctsk(-/-) mice.

These results indicate that CTK plays crucial direct roles in the early to intermediate stage of OA development. CTK-positive chondrocytes and synovial cells may be a possible target to prevent disease progression in OA.