Medical College of Wisconsin
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Crystals, inflammation, and osteoarthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2011 Mar;23(2):170-3

Date

12/21/2010

Pubmed ID

21169842

Pubmed Central ID

PMC3154781

DOI

10.1097/BOR.0b013e3283432d1f

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-79951575788 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   81 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) and basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals are common components of osteoarthritic joint fluids and tissues. Why these crystals form and how they contribute to joint damage in osteoarthritis remain unclear. With renewed interest in inflammation as a key component of osteoarthritis the role of calcium-containing crystals in this common disease warrants re-examination.

RECENT FINDINGS: There is ample evidence supporting a pathogenic role for inflammation in osteoarthritis, and the innate immune system likely participates in this inflammatory process. Recent work reinforces the almost universal existence of calcium-containing crystals in tissues from patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. Calcium-containing crystals may contribute to inflammation in osteoarthritis tissues through their direct interactions with components of the innate immune system, as well as by inducing or amplifying other inflammatory signals.

SUMMARY: There is increasing evidence that calcium-containing crystals contribute to osteoarthritis and their inflammatory properties may mediate detrimental effects through innate immunity signals. Calcium-containing crystals may thus represent important therapeutic targets in osteoarthritis.

Author List

Rosenthal AK

Author

Ann K. Rosenthal MD Associate Dean, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Calcium Pyrophosphate
Humans
Inflammation
Osteoarthritis
Synovial Fluid