Key Gene May Increase Osteoarthritis Risk

Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Article Date: 10 Jan 2005 - 9:00 PDT



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Japanese scientists from the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research say a key mutant gene seems to raise the risk of osteoarthritis. The gene is a mutant form of asporin. According to the scientists, the more severe your osteoarthritis is, the more likely you are to have this mutant asporin gene.

You can read about this study in the journal Nature Genetics.

If your body produces new cartilage at a slower rate than it is losing it, the unprotected ends of bones rub together and cause inflammation.

The researchers say that asporin plays a role in balancing the production of new cartilage to the loss of it.

It is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from osteoarthritis.

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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