Two-Drug Combination Reverses Arthritis in Rats

RandomFactor writes:

Research published in the journal Protein and Cell shows a combination of two experimental drugs reversing the effects of osteoarthritus in rats (as well as in human cartilage cell cultures).

"What's really exciting is that this is potentially a therapy that can be translated to the clinic quite easily," says Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, lead author and a professor in Salk's Gene Expression Laboratory. "We are excited to continue refining this promising combination therapy for human use."

Affecting 30 million adults, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the United States and its prevalence is expected to rise in coming years due to the aging population and increasing rate of obesity. The disease is caused by gradual changes to cartilage that cushions bones and joints. During aging and repetitive stress, molecules and genes in the cells of this articular cartilage change, eventually leading to the breakdown of the cartilage and the overgrowth of underlying bone, causing chronic pain and stiffness.

This could be welcome news indeed for the 630 Million people worldwide (15% of the population) that suffer from the condition, and whose only options now are pain relievers or joint replacement surgery.

Previous research had pinpointed two molecules, alpha-KLOTHO and TGF beta receptor 2 (TGFI^2R2), as potential drugs to treat osteoarthritis. IKLOTHO acts on the mesh of molecules surrounding articular cartilage cells, keeping this extra-cellular matrix from degrading. TGFI^2R2 acts more directly on cartilage cells, stimulating their proliferation and preventing their breakdown.

Individually, the two molecules only moderately curb osteoarthritis. However"

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