MOLECULAR ASPECTS IN THE CHARACTERIZATION AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF HUMAN OSTEOARTHRITIS

Research in the field of osteoarthritis concentrates on hyaline cartil age as an important part of the joint as a functional unit (hyaline ca rtilage, subchondral bone, synovia, joint capsules, ligaments and musc les). To withstand biomechanical stress, hyaline cartilage contains a highly organised network of tissue-specific collagens, which is filled with proteoglycans and several noncollagenous matrix proteins. The va rious components intensively interact with each other and with the cho ndrocytes, the cellular element of the cartilage. Various approaches i n experimental osteoarthritis research are presented. Despite intensiv e research activities and many interesting results, the basic mechanis ms of induction and progression of osteoarthritis are still unclear. R esults of the basic sciences must be utilised for clinical problems. W hat is needed are markers of osteoarthritis which can identify the pre clinical stages of osteoarthritis and can be used to monitor the cours e of the disease. A valid marker of osteoarthritis would be an importa nt tool in evaluating the different forms of therapy in osteoarthritis .