Breakthrough in osteoarthritis: new protein therapy can regenerate cartilage and restore joint health – Muscle and fitness

From top athletes to those simply facing old age, Osteoarthritis affects approximately 20% of adults in the United Statesso a new approach to irradiating the disease has excited both the sporting community and those looking to lean into their longevity. The breakthrough has been confirmed by recent research, which shows that blocking a specific protein is the answer to a more flexible future.

In a new study Conducted by scientists at Stanford Medicine, the team found that blocking a protein known as 15-PGDH, a so-called ‘gerozyme’ that increases in volume with age, could be a game changer for our joints and cartilage. Previous experiments had shown that increasing levels of 15-PGDH slow or stop the regeneration of damaged muscles, nerves, organs and blood cells in mice. Now the experts wanted to know whether the same approach could help in the case of arthritis.

“Millions of people experience joint pain and swelling as they age,” says Nidhi Bhutaniwho was a senior author on the new paper. “It’s a huge unmet medical need. Until now, there has been no drug that directly treats the cause of cartilage loss. But this gerozyme inhibitor causes dramatic cartilage regeneration beyond that reported in response to any other drug or intervention.”

What this means for athletes and active men

In older animals, the scientists injected a 15-PGDH inhibitor into the abdomen and also directly into the joint. They found that in both cases the treatment led to regeneration of the cartilage of problem areas such as the knee. “The regeneration of cartilage in old mice surprised us,” says Bhutani. “The effect was remarkable.”

Can this therapy prevent arthritis after ACL injuries?

It is not only those who reach old age who can benefit from this treatment that may become available to people in the future. Of athletes who suffer ACL tears, approximately 50% develop osteoarthritis within 15 years. But with the gerozyme inhibitor, researchers found that the chance of developing arthritis after an ACL tear was significantly reduced. The findings indicate that an overall shift in gene expression after treatment, towards a more youthful cartilage composition, is possible without the involvement of stem or progenitor cells.

The future of osteoarthritis treatment

“The mechanism is quite striking and has really changed our perspective on how tissue regeneration can occur,” says Bhutani. “It’s clear that a large number of pre-existing cells in the cartilage are changing their gene expression patterns. And by targeting these cells for regeneration, we may have the opportunity to have a greater clinical impact.”

When can cartilage regeneration be available to humans?

So when might we see such a treatment become available? “Phase 1 clinical trials of a 15-PGDH inhibitor for muscle weakness have shown it to be safe and active in healthy volunteers,” Bhutani explains. “Our hope is that a similar study will be launched soon to test its effect on cartilage regeneration (in humans). We are very excited about this potential breakthrough. Imagine regrowing existing cartilage and avoiding joint replacement.”