Angiogenesis in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: an update on mechanisms and research advances

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a chronic degenerative disorder characterized by condylar cartilage degeneration, abnormal subchondral bone remodeling, and synovial inflammation. Its pathogenesis is complex, and effective clinical interventions remain limited. In recent years, the critical role of angiogenesis in TMJOA pathogenesis has garnered increasing attention. During TMJOA progression, angiogenesis interacts dynamically with bone metabolism, playing a key role in the imbalance of subchondral bone remodeling, amplification of synovial inflammation, and acceleration of cartilage degradation. Understanding the specific mechanisms of angiogenesis in TMJOA is of great significance for developing novel therapeutic strategies. This article systematically reviews the core regulatory network of angiogenesis in the pathological mechanisms of TMJOA and prospects future research directions, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for mechanistic studies and clinical translation in TMJOA.