Author:
Williams Craig,Wright Letitia J.
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder that is characterized by increased degradative and decreased synthetic processes. The pathogenetic factors that have been demonstrated to influence the progression of OA are cytokines and nitric oxide. This new information serves to further elucidate the factors involved in the etiology of osteoarthritis and will aid in the development of pharmacological tools to treat this disease. As our understanding of the pathogenesis of OA grows, so does our appreciation that it is not simply a disease of passive joint degeneration. Unfortunately, therapies aimed at modifying the progression of the disease remain frustratingly difficult to identify. Primary therapy for OA thus is still largely aimed at controlling the symptoms of the disease while minimizing drug side effects. New agents with the potential to slow disease progression are beginning to emerge however. These will be discussed along with the agents that should be used first line to control symptoms.