Planned cell death in joint cartilage disease

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease primarily affecting elderly populations.

• Mechanical stress and aging contribute to cartilage degeneration and joint damage in osteoarthritis.
• Extracellular matrix degradation occurs in chondrocytes, along with decreased chondrocyte viability.
• Osteoarthritis is associated with significant incidence and disability among affected individuals.
• Multiple patterns of programmed cell death, including apoptosis and others, may regulate chondrocyte survival and death.
• These forms of programmed cell death are linked to the onset and progression of osteoarthritis.

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