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Sympathosensory interactions - Possible relevance in osteoarthritis
Zsuzsa Jenei-Lanzl1, Susanne Grässel2, Hans-Georg Schaible3
1Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt 60528, Germany; Division for Biochemistry of Joint and Connective Tissue Diseases, Department of Orthopedics, University of Ulm, Ulm 89081, Germany.
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Sympathosensory interactions influence osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Understanding these connections, from peripheral to central levels, is key to managing OA and its comorbidities through a new biopsychosocial model.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rheumatology
- Physiology
Background:
- The sympathetic and sensory nervous systems play recognized roles in osteoarthritis (OA) development and progression.
- Interactions between these systems are known, but their specific nature during OA progression is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review scientifically proven or putative sympathosensory interactions at peripheral, spinal, and central levels in OA.
- To describe the mechanisms of interaction and factors influencing coupling.
- To discuss the clinical relevance of these interactions within a new biopsychosocial OA model.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing scientific literature.
- Analysis of direct and indirect sympathosensory coupling.
- Examination of signaling and cross-signaling mechanisms.
- Introduction of a novel biopsychosocial OA model.
Main Results:
- Sympathosensory interactions occur at peripheral, spinal, and central levels.
- Specific factors and mechanisms govern the coupling between these systems.
- These interactions are linked to chronic inflammation, pain, sleep deprivation, and stress in OA.
Conclusions:
- Sympathosensory interactions are integral to OA progression and its associated comorbidities.
- A new biopsychosocial model highlights the cycle of inflammation, pain, and autonomic imbalance in OA.
- Understanding these interactions offers potential therapeutic targets for OA management.
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