Unravel the mechanism of joint pain

The joint fluids of patients with osteoarthritis contain elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines induce the expression of proteases in cartilage cells, which will lead to progress of joint destruction. Dr. Ohtsuki found that mechanical strain attenuates inflammatory cytokine-induced expression of matrix-degrading enzymes, which was published in Experimental Cell Research journal.

According to the article, cyclic mechanical strain attenuated expression of proteases such as ADAMTS4, ADAMTS9, and MMP-13 in chondrocytes. This effect is likely due to activation of a mechanosensitive protein TRPV1. TRPV1 can be a potential therapeutic target in treating osteoarthritis.

Mechanical strain attenuates cytokine-induced ADAMTS9 expression via transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1. Exp Cell Res 2019; 383(2):111556. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111556.

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Takahashi Lab at Okayama University uses principles of physiology, cellular and molecular biology, and biophysics. The purpose of the lab is to develop science and medicine by unveiling the mechanisms of diseases through collaborations with scientists, epidemiologists, and corporate alliances. The alliance includes Harvard University, Boston University, Tokyo University of Science, and PD Aerospace, Ltd.