Cartilage role in joint pathologies

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Degeneration

Osteoarthritis is a common joint pathology, it is often characterized by the gradual degeneration of joint tissues, including cartilage. This degeneration occurs due to a combination of factors, including aging, wear and tear, and genetic predisposition. As cartilage breaks down, joints may experience pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune Attacks

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to their decay. This autoimmune response leads to inflammation in the synovium, the membrane that surrounds joints, ultimately damaging cartilage and contributing to joint deformities.

Cartilage Repair Mechanisms

Due to the lack of blood supply, cartilage has limited regenerative capacity, making its repair challenging. However, the body still employs certain mechanisms to attempt healing in more severe cases. Defects in the tissue can be replaced by stem cells that later differentiate into chondrocytes repairing damaged cartilage. Unfortunately, this repair process often falls short, resulting in compromised cartilage integrity. Consequently, degeneration eventually occurs in the restored cartilage tissue and proceeds continuously.

Whether it's the gradual degeneration seen in osteoarthritis or the autoimmune attacks in rheumatoid arthritis, disruptions in cartilage function significantly impact joint well-being. While the body possesses some inherent repair mechanisms, ongoing research into innovative approaches for cartilage regeneration is quite promising.