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New Genetic Marker for Osteoarthritis - Study Links Estrogen Receptor to Osteoarthritis in Both Men and Women
June 26, 2003Among patients with osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease, postmenopausal women are the most prevalent. This fact has led to many hypotheses about the role of sex hormones in the cause and effects of OA.
Medical researchers at Erasmus MC in the Netherlands recently uncovered a compelling connection between a variation in gene for the estrogen receptor alpha and OA of the knee-in men as well as in women. Published in the July 2003 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, their study makes an important contribution to what could lead to early detection and treatment of OA, with the potential to spare many older patients the fate of disability. While affirming genetic influences as an important factor in the development of OA, this study calls for further research into the impact of estrogen on disease pathology.
The collaborative study of the departments of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology&Biostatistics focused on a large population-based sample of OA patients-1,483 in total-all Caucasian, all over the age of 55, and almost equally representing both genders. Each participant received radiographs of both knees to confirm disease presence and assess level of joint damage. To strengthen the radiographic evidence, two hallmarks of OA-joint space narrowing, due to cartilage loss, and osteophytosis, formation of bony outgrowths-were also evaluated. Each participant then received DNA tests to identify specific gene variants (or alleles) suspected of a role in OA, including the estrogen receptor alpha allele PX.
Among the study's participants, women carrying the allele PX gene had more than a two-fold increased risk for severe OA, determined by knee radiographs, compared with women without this estrogen receptor variant. What's more, the findings were similar for men.
The estrogen receptor alpha allele PX was also strongly associated with pronounced osteophytosis among participants of both sexes, but not joint space narrowing-even though estrogen receptors are found on cartilage as well as bone cells. "It has been suggested that estrogen exerts its protective effect on articular cartilage in particular," notes research team spokesperson Dr. Andre G. Uitterlinden, "but this finding suggests that bone metabolism plays a role. However, as ours is an 'association study' it does not establish 'cause and effect'. Therefore, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear and need further study."
Most significantly, this study reveals a new genetic marker for osteoarthritis, in both men and women. Estrogen, however, remains an intriguing risk factor in a disease afflicting the elderly in near epidemic proportions.
John Wiley & Sons
The estrogen receptor alpha allele PX was also strongly associated with pronounced osteophytosis among participants of both sexes, but not joint space narrowing-even though estrogen receptors are found on cartilage as well as bone cells. "It has been suggested that estrogen exerts its protective effect on articular cartilage in particular," notes research team spokesperson Dr. Andre G. Uitterlinden, "but this finding suggests that bone metabolism plays a role. However, as ours is an 'association study' it does not establish 'cause and effect'. Therefore, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear and need further study."
Most significantly, this study reveals a new genetic marker for osteoarthritis, in both men and women. Estrogen, however, remains an intriguing risk factor in a disease afflicting the elderly in near epidemic proportions.
John Wiley & Sons
Arthritis Current Events and Arthritis News RSSMultiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive
A string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of vitamin D has renewed interest in this multi-purpose nutrient, increased awareness of the huge numbers of people who are deficient in it, spurred research and even led to an appreciation of it as "nature's antibiotic."
Can EP4 agonist alleviate gastric lesions?
Over 300 million patients use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the world to treat pain, arthritis, fever and other diseases. Nearly 30% of the users suffer from gastric lesions and bleeding.
Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system.
Penn Study Provides First Clear Idea of How Rare Bone Disease Progresses
An international team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is taking the first step in developing a treatment for a rare genetic disorder called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), in which the body's skeletal muscles and soft connective tissue turns to bone, immobilizing patients over a lifetime with a second skeleton.
Aileron collaborates study in Nature: Stapled peptides inhibit Notch1 transcription factor
This research validates the potential for Stapled Peptides to modulate key intracellular biological targets, such as transcription factors, that have not been addressable with current small molecule or biologic drug modalities.
Researchers find new way to attack inflammation in Graves' eye disease
A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease experienced rapid improvement of their symptoms - and improved vision - following treatment with the drug rituximab.
Common Pain Relievers May Dilute Power of Flu Shots
With flu vaccination season in full swing, research from the University of Rochester Medical Center cautions that use of many common pain killers - Advil, Tylenol, aspirin - at the time of injection may blunt the effect of the shot and have a negative effect on the immune system.
Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery
The meniscus is a rubber-like, crescent moon-shaped cartilage cushion that sits between the leg and thigh bone. Each knee has two menisci: one on the inside of the knee joint and one on the outside.
Study finds link between childhood physical abuse and arthritis
Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers.
Pain thresholds linked to inflammation and sleep problems in arthritis patients
Despite recent advances in anti-inflammatory therapy, many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients continue to suffer from pain.
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