Researchers have shown that they can reverse osteoarthritis in mice. Could a treatment to reverse painful osteoarthritis in humans be on the horizon?
That’s the question that scientists hope to answer with more research.
Protein injection or a pill could regenerate cartilage
A protein, 15-PGDH, becomes more prevalent as we age. The protein is also associated with other aging changes, including muscle weakness and osteoarthritis, which affects over 32.5 million US adults, as of 2020, according to the CDC
Osteoarthritis develops with aging. It also happens from injuries and can affect multiple joints, leading to a significant decrease in quality of life for those in pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones that provides cushioning wears out.
For their study, researchers injected aged mice with a molecule drug that inhibits the production of 15-PGDH. The drug was injected into the rodent’s abdomen and directly into thinning knee cartilage.
They discovered that the older mice started to regenerate cartilage. Researcher Blau, Bhutani said, “Cartilage regeneration to such an extent in aged mice took us by surprise. The effect was remarkable.”
The researchers believe it might be possible to regenerate lost cartilage in humans. The potential treatment that could be given in pill form, or as an injection, could eliminate the need for surgeries such as knee or hip replacement. It could also mean there is a way to keep our muscles stronger as we age.
It could also mean there would be a way to prevent osteoarthritis that can occur after injuries.
Bhutani said in a press release: “Millions of people suffer from joint pain and swelling as they age. It is a huge unmet medical need. Until now, there has been no drug that directly treats the cause of cartilage loss. But this gerozyme inhibitor causes a dramatic regeneration of cartilage beyond that reported in response to any other drug or intervention”.
The inhibitor is prostaglandin E2, which was given in small doses to the mice to promote normal biological levels in the body. The study authors note that when levels of prostaglandin E2 are too high, it promotes inflammation and pain.
Helen Blau, a study co-author, said: “Phase 1 clinical trials of a 15-PGDH inhibitor for muscle weakness have shown that it is safe and active in healthy volunteers. Our hope is that a similar trial will be launched soon to test its effect in cartilage regeneration. We are very excited about this potential breakthrough. Imagine regrowing existing cartilage and avoiding joint replacement.”
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