J Bone Metab.  2018 May;25(2):65-72. 10.11005/jbm.2018.25.2.65.

Differential Role of Transforming Growth Factor-beta in an Osteoarthritic or a Healthy Joint

• van der Kraan PM

• KMID: 2413367
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11005/jbm.2018.25.2.65

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine that plays an important role in both normal joints and joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA), the most common joint disease. However, the role of this pleiotropic cytokine in a normal healthy joint is very different from its role in an OA joint. In a normal synovial joint, active TGF-β is only present after joint loading and only for a short period. In contrast, permanent and high levels of active TGF-β are detected in OA joints. Due to this difference in levels and exposure period of joint cells to active TGF-β, the function of TGF-β is strikingly different in normal and OA joints. The consequences of this difference in TGF-β levels on joint homeostasis and pathological changes in OA joints are discussed in this review.

Keyword

Cytokines; Osteoarthritis; Transforming growth factor beta

MeSH Terms

Cytokines
Homeostasis
Joint Diseases
Joints*
Osteoarthritis
Transforming Growth Factor beta
Cytokines
Transforming Growth Factor beta