In some cases, arthritis may develop at an early age due to high loads or injuries in athletes.
Until now, treatments have been limited to relieving symptoms with anti-inflammatories and painkillers, or to complex surgeries to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one. But researchers at Stanford University have made a breakthrough in this field, developing a drug that not only relieves pain but also treats its root cause by stimulating the growth of new cartilage.
The essence of the discovery lies in combating the molecular cause of joint aging, not just the consequences (pain and decreased function). Scientists have discovered that a protein called 15-PGDH accumulates with age within damaged joints, acting as a "biological brake" that inhibits regeneration. The higher its levels, the less cartilage cells can repair themselves, leading to increased inflammation and accelerated destruction of joint tissue.
The new drug works as a small molecule that acts as a "high-precision blocker," binding to the 15-PGDH protein and neutralizing its effects. With this "brake" released, the level of prostaglandin E2 increases in joint tissue, a substance that gives cartilage cells a powerful boost to regenerate.
Then the cartilage cells receive the clear command: "Rebuild!" and begin to produce collagen and the rest of the tissue components, forming new, healthy cartilage capable of performing the joint's function without pain.
Animal trials have shown remarkable results; when the drug was injected into the knees of elderly mice with worn cartilage, researchers observed a halt to the destruction and the beginning of regeneration . The treatment also demonstrated the ability to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis after artificial injury, opening new avenues for treating these chronic conditions in humans.
