Cytokines and Chemokines Involved in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis

• Main Authors: Vilim Molnar, Vid Matišić, Ivan Kodvanj, Roko Bjelica, Željko Jeleč, Damir Hudetz, Eduard Rod, Fabijan Čukelj, Trpimir Vrdoljak, Dinko Vidović, Mario Starešinić, Srećko Sabalić, Borut Dobričić, Tadija Petrović, Darko Antičević, Igor Borić, Rok Košir, Uršula Prosenc Zmrzljak, Dragan Primorac
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: osteoarthritis; cytokines; chemokines; pathogenesis; inflammation; biomarker
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9208
• ISSN: 1661-6596; 1422-0067

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability worldwide. Although commonly referred to as a disease of the joint cartilage, osteoarthritis affects all joint tissues equally. The pathogenesis of this degenerative process is not completely understood; however, a low-grade inflammation leading to an imbalance between anabolic and katabolic processes is a well-established factor. The complex network of cytokines regulating these processes and cell communication has a central role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Concentrations of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were found to be altered depending on the osteoarthritis stage and activity. In this review, we analyzed individual cytokines involved in the immune processes with an emphasis on their function in osteoarthritis.