Exercise improves subchondral bone microenvironment through regulating bone-cartilage crosstalk

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Articular cartilage degeneration is a hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent joint disease causing pain and reduced quality of life.
• OA development is linked to disruptions in the subchondral bone microenvironment.
• Understanding the bone-cartilage interface is crucial for maintaining joint homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of exercise on the subchondral bone microenvironment.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of exercise-mediated bone-cartilage crosstalk in OA.
• To provide a theoretical foundation for preventing and treating degenerative bone diseases through exercise.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on biomechanical and biochemical crosstalk between bone and cartilage.
• Analysis of studies investigating the effects of exercise on the subchondral bone microenvironment.
• Synthesis of current research on exercise's role in OA pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Exercise positively influences the subchondral bone microenvironment.
• Biomechanical and biochemical crosstalk between bone and cartilage plays a key role in exercise's effects.
• Exercise can modulate factors contributing to OA development.

Conclusions:

• Exercise is a critical factor in maintaining subchondral bone health and preventing OA.
• Targeting bone-cartilage crosstalk offers a promising therapeutic strategy for OA.
• Further research into exercise mechanisms can guide OA prevention and treatment.