REVIEW - Animal models of osteoarthritis: lessons learned while seeking the Holy Grail

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Animal Models of Osteoarthritis: Lessons Learned While Seeking the 'Holy

Grail'

Medscape Rheumatology

Posted October 2006

t G, Ameye; n F, Young

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Difficulties in studying osteoarthritis in humans that

stem from both the low sensitivity of diagnostic tools and the low

availability of diseased tissues explain why research on animal models

remains highly dynamic. This review will summarize the recent advances in

this field.

Recent Findings: With regard to the etiology of osteoarthritis, synovial

macrophages mediate osteophyte formation, whereas increased ligament laxity

could be responsible for spontaneous osteoarthritis in guinea pigs. The

concomitant changes in subchondral bone and cartilage reported in several

models, and the structure-modifying effects of some bone inhibitors have

confirmed the importance of bone in osteoarthritis. With regard to cartilage

pathobiology, ADAMTS-5 is the major aggrecanase responsible for cartilage

destruction, whereas inadequate control of oxidative stress and decreased

expression of transforming growth factor-β receptors could predispose to

osteoarthritis. New models include a postmenopausal rat model, the groove

model and a joint-specific bone morphogenetic receptor-deficient mouse. The

iodoacetate model was also validated as the first pain model of

osteoarthritis.

Summary: In view of the multiple animal models available, there is a need to

reach a consensus on one or several gold standard animal model(s). New

studies indicate that important differences in therapeutic response exist

between young and old animals, and between spontaneous and surgical models,

suggesting that not all models are adequate models of osteoarthritis.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543899

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