Research Team Reveals Two Biomarkers That Directly Contribute to Spine Osteoarthritis

(Newswire.net — May 8, 2017) Orlando, FL — Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritic conditions. In the United States alone, there are millions of people who suffer from it. This condition affects various parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, and spine.

A research team reveals two biomarkers that directly contribute to spine osteoarthritis. This painful and debilitating condition has changed the lives of many people from around the world. While it is highly prevalent, its cure has not been discovered yet.

The Krembil Research Institute reveals that there is a pair of tissue biomarkers that directly contribute to the degeneration of the joint linked with spine osteoarthritis. The study was the first to demonstrate that the increase levels of these biomarkers can cause collagen depletion, cartilage destruction, and inflammation.

The study was published in the Journal Clinical Investigation Insight.

Dr. Mohit Kapoor, Senior Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute reveals that these identified biomarkers are involved in the increase of inflammation actively. It is also linked with the destructive activities in the cartilage of the spine.

Dr. Kapoor is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Kapoor specializes in arthritis research.

In Canada, osteoarthritis affects around 3 million people. It is characterized by the breakdown of protective cartilage in the body’s hand, knee, spine, and hip joints.

In the study, the researchers had the tissue biopsies of participants undergoing decompression or discectomy at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre at Toronto Western Hospital.

The research team consists of Dr. Kapoor who spearheaded the study, Dr. Akihiro Nakamura, a post-doctoral fellow, and Dr. Y. Raja Rampersaud, a clinical expert and spine surgeon. They tried to investigate the role, function, as well as the signaling mechanisms of microRNA-181a-5p and microRNA-4454, which are the two tissue biomarkers.

The research team discovered that the biomarkers are involved actively in the increase in inflammation as well as destruction of the cartilage. Through detecting these biologically active molecules in the tissue biopsies, healthcare providers would have a tool in knowing the stage of spine osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis hinders many people from working and living normally on a daily basis. There are pain medications available, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There are also safe alternatives, such as the use of glucosamine.

Glucosamine is widely believed to have the ability to repair cartilage damage as well as enhance overall joint health. This natural remedy is believed to be safer since it doesn’t cause side effects like pharmaceutical drugs do.

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