Neuromodulation as a Potential Disease-Modifying Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis traditionally focuses on local joint inflammation and pain.
• OA involves neuroplastic changes beyond the joint, affecting the nervous system and neuroimmune axis.
• Altered neuroimmune communication and autonomic dysfunction may underlie OA and its comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic potential of targeting the autonomic nervous system (ANS) for osteoarthritis (OA).
• To propose bioelectronic medicine as a novel treatment strategy for OA.
• To explore the role of ANS modulation in OA pathogenesis and comorbidity management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on OA pathogenesis and the autonomic nervous system.
• Analysis of neuroplastic changes and their impact on OA.
• Evaluation of bioelectronic medicine as a therapeutic approach.

Main Results:

• OA pathogenesis extends beyond local joint changes to include peripheral and central sensitization.
• Neuroplastic changes can alter physiological systems, including the neuroimmune axis.
• Autonomic dysfunction is implicated in OA and its comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Modulating the ANS may alter OA pathogenesis and reduce comorbidity impact.
• Blocking chronic nociceptive input can prevent maladaptive nervous system plasticity.
• Bioelectronic medicine warrants consideration as a novel OA therapeutic strategy.