A way to prevent joint wear with age has been found

Scientists have discovered that a specific protein-enzyme — 15-PGDH — interferes with cartilage restoration in joints as people age, and blocking it can reverse wear and tear. In old mice, after suppression of this protein, worn cartilage thickened, and the development of osteoarthritis following injury was prevented. The study was published in the journal Science.

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, in which cartilage gradually deteriorates and is almost unable to recover on its own. Scientists at Stanford University (listed by the Russian Ministry of Justice as an undesirable organization in Russia) found that the enzyme 15-PGDH increases with age and interferes with the function of molecules responsible for tissue repair.

When this protein was blocked, cartilage in elderly mice was restored, and in young animals, osteoarthritis did not develop even after ligament rupture. Moreover, the tissue was repaired by existing cartilage cells — chondrocytes — themselves, without the involvement of stem cells.

The effect was also tested on samples of human cartilage taken from patients during knee replacement surgery: inflammation was reduced and tissue elasticity was increased.

According to the study's lead author, Stanford University stem cell specialist Helen Blau, a 15-PGDH inhibitor has already undergone human trials for other indications and raised no safety concerns. In the authors' opinion, this could accelerate the method's path to clinical application.