Carbohydrate-Binding Protein May Potentially Promote Inflammation in Osteoarthritis

(Newswire.net — February 27, 2017) Orlando, FL — It is not a secret that in the United States, and probably other areas around the world, osteoarthritis is highly prevalent. This condition doesn’t just cause pain but also inflammation. Researchers have been trying to determine the technique in not just fighting inflammation but also addressing its root cause.

Carbohydrate-binding protein may potentially promote inflammation in osteoarthritis. There is an estimated number of 27 million individuals in the United States who suffer from osteoarthritis, especially in the elderly population.

Osteoarthritis is believed to be caused by the wear and tear in the joint cartilage. It affects the joints in the knees, hips, and spine. According to the scientists from the MedUni Vienna Department of Orthopedics, increased levels of proteins called galectins can be found in individuals with osteoarthritis.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Immunology, the researchers from the MedUni Vienna Department of Orthopedics were able to identify galectin-1 function for the first time worldwide. They were also able to establish that inflammation in the affected cartilage may be controlled by this carbohydrate-binding protein. The remarkable study was also featured in the Nature Reviews Rheumatology Journal.

According to Stefan Tögel, who is concerned with the glycobiology of orthopedic diseases at the University Department of Orthopedics, for the first time the study has demonstrated that it is galectin-1 that triggers inflammation instead of the inflammation triggering the secretion of this protein.

In humans, galectin-1 is an example of a carbohydrate-binding protein. In cases of osteoarthritis, such a protein is believed to be over-expressed in the joint cartilage. Researchers also revealed that the more of this protein is secreted, the greater the degeneration of the joint.

It is important to note that galectin-1 may promote inflammation by simply triggering inflammatory factor release via the NF-kB signaling pathway. This then contributes to joint destruction.

More research studies are still being conducted to determine if the galectin-1 may be utilized as a part of preventive treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.

Osteoarthritis may be a complete struggle to face on a daily basis. There are medications and pain management options available that are believed to help ease arthritis pain and inflammation.

One of these pain management options is glucosamine, which is a naturally-occurring substance in the body. Glucosamine is believed to help repair cartilage damage as well as help to enhance overall joint health.

Glucosamine is widely believed to be helpful not just among individuals with arthritis but also for athletes.

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