The study, led by Robert Terkeltaub, M.D., of the VA San Diego Healthcare System, is published in the July issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism. These findings ultimately may provide pharmaceutical researchers with promising targets for an entirely new generation of drugs to treat the disease.
Mitochondria are vital structures within the cells of the human body.
Oxygen-dependent electron transport in the mitochondria helps produce energy in the cell. Dr. Terkeltaub's research team found that nitric oxide, a potentially harmful free-radical gas found in the body, can significantly disturb the ability of mitochondria to consume oxygen and produce energy in chondrocytes. Nitric oxide and other free radicals are implicated as factors in several degenerative diseases. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints.