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Pyroptosis: A Novel Intervention Target in the Progression of Osteoarthritis
Xingyu Chang1, Yuchen Kang2, Yuxuan Yang1
1The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic joint diseases and is gradually becoming the main cause of disability and joint pain in the elderly worldwide. Pyroptosis is a regulated programmed cell death triggered by inflammasomes. It leads to cell swelling, lysis, and bioactive molecule secretion. Studies found that the damaged chondrocytes in OA joints had morphological characteristics of pyroptosis, and the cytokines associated with pyroptosis in synovial fluid increased, indicating that pyroptosis may have certain impacts on the pathological progression of OA. This review briefly summarizes the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis and the epidemiology and pathogenesis of OA. Furthermore, we discussed the role of pyroptosis in articular cartilage and synovium during OA and reviewed the progress of pyroptosis-related molecules in the targeted therapy of OA joints, hoping to provide feasible directions for the diversified treatment of OA.
Insights
Osteoarthritis (OA) involves pyroptosis, a cell death process. Targeting pyroptosis offers new therapeutic strategies for this common joint disease, improving pain and disability in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cell Biology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic joint disease causing significant disability and pain, particularly in the elderly.
- Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory programmed cell death pathway regulated by inflammasomes, leading to cellular lysis and release of inflammatory mediators.
- Evidence suggests chondrocyte pyroptosis and increased pyroptosis-related cytokines in synovial fluid are implicated in OA pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis.
- To summarize the epidemiology and pathogenesis of OA.
- To discuss the role of pyroptosis in OA and explore pyroptosis-related molecules for targeted OA therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pyroptosis mechanisms.
- Review of OA epidemiology and pathogenesis.
- Analysis of studies linking pyroptosis to OA joint tissues (cartilage and synovium).
- Survey of current research on pyroptosis-targeted therapies for OA.
Main Results:
- Chondrocytes in OA joints exhibit pyroptotic morphology.
- Elevated levels of pyroptosis-associated cytokines are found in OA synovial fluid.
- Pyroptosis plays a significant role in the pathological progression of OA.
- Several pyroptosis-related molecules show potential for targeted OA therapy.
Conclusions:
- Pyroptosis is a key factor in OA development and progression.
- Targeting pyroptosis pathways presents a promising avenue for novel OA treatments.
- Further research into pyroptosis-specific molecules could lead to diversified therapeutic strategies for OA.
