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Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that affects cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.
Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over each other. It also absorbs shock of movement. In osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together.
The rubbing causes pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape.
Researchers from the University of Surrey identified a link between metabolism and osteoarthritis. Metabolic changes, caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, changes the genetic reprogramming of cells in the body and joints.
Such metabolic changes impact upon the cells ability to produce energy, forcing it to generate alternative sources to function.
The stress this places on cells leads to the overproduction of glucose, which when not used for energy transforms into lactic acid, which is difficult for the body to flush out.
Abnormal levels of this acid in the body leads to the inflammation of the joints and cartilage which impedes on movement and causes pain.
By identifying metabolic changes in cells, it is potentially possible to control or significantly slow down the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
