Against depression and arthritis
A drug that can reverse osteoarthritis has been discovered
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
Osteoarthritis affecting cartilage is currently incurable, but American scientists have discovered a promising drug to slow down and even reverse a serious illness. This is achieved due to the fact that an existing drug for the treatment of depression blocks a certain pathway, which is also characteristic of osteoarthritis.
Article by Carlson et al. Paroxetine-mediated GRK2 inhibition is a disease-modifying treatment for osteoarthritis published in the journal Science Translational Medicine – VM.
From previous studies, scientists knew that increased expression and activity of the enzyme GRK2 leads to abnormal cell growth in heart and kidney diseases. It is known that osteoarthritis also occurs against the background of abnormal growth of cartilage cells (hypertrophy of chondrocytes), but the mechanism of this process has remained a mystery until now. Knowing about the role of GRK2 in heart and kidney diseases, scientists decided to study its effect on the development of osteoarthritis.
By observing patients with osteoarthritis or acute joint damage, scientists determined that they had elevated levels of GRK2. "We have discovered the central role of GRK2 in cartilage degeneration, when the enzyme promotes the destruction of the cartilage matrix, instead of supporting it," said the author of the work Fadia Kamal from University of Pennsylvania.
These conclusions are based on the results of two experiments. In the first, scientists modified GRK2 in the cartilage cells of mice, and in the second, they injected the animals with the GRK2 inhibitor paroxetine, a well–known antidepressant whose action is aimed at suppressing the same pathway.
In both cases, this not only prevented chondrocyte hypertension and stopped the progression of osteoarthritis, but also promoted cartilage regeneration.
Paroxetine could return cells to normal and protect the surface of cartilage, scientists explain.
In experiments with samples of cartilage affected by osteoarthritis from patients who underwent knee replacement surgery, the results were similar: experimental therapy reduced chondrocyte hypertension and cartilage degeneration.
The results indicate the potential of paroxetine as a new drug against osteoarthritis. Currently, scientists are planning to conduct clinical trials.
At the moment, the only option for the treatment of osteoarthritis is knee replacement surgery, but this is a complex and expensive operation. If paroxetine testing in people with osteoarthritis shows effectiveness, then millions of patients will have hope for a cure from the debilitating disease.
For example, only in the USA about 80% of people aged 65 receive a diagnosis or learn about the first signs of a developing disease. Given the prevalence of osteoarthritis risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, scientists predict only an increase in the incidence.
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