Abstract
The chondrocyte, the only cellular component of adult articular cartilage, plays a key role in the
pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). The evolution of this process is very slow: the first changes involve
the cell-matrix morphofunctional unit known as chondron. In this study we analyzed the cartilage of
10 patients with primary osteoarthritis. The cartilage was retrieved during total knee replacement
(TKR) and maxillofacial surgery procedures. All patients presented an osteoarthritis of at least grade
III.
Whatever the cause of
possible damage, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations showed that at the beginning most
degenerative changes in articular cartilage involved the chondron unit, a concept first introduced by
Benninghoff. These changes generally go through three phases. During OA progression all degenerative
changes begin from the chondron, which is why it is extremely important to understand the molecular
anatomy and physiology of this pericellular microenvironment and its form, function and failure in adult
articular cartilage. It is also fundamental to understand the mechanism of adaptation of the cartilage
and bone disruptions, given the physiological relationship between these tissues, essential to maintain
normal joint structure and function.
Lingua originale | English |
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pagine (da-a) | 73-78 |
Numero di pagine | 6 |
Rivista | European Journal of Inflammation |
Volume | 9 |
Stato di pubblicazione | Pubblicato - 2011 |
Keywords
- articular cartillage
- chondrocite
- inflammation
- ostheoarthritis