Cholesterol metabolism related genes in osteoarthritis

Cholesterol homeostasis plays a significant role in skeletal development and the dysregulation of cholesterol related mechanism has been shown to be involved in the development of cartilage diseases including osteoarthritis (OA). Epidemiological studies have shown an association between elevated serum cholesterol levels and OA. Furthermore, abnormal lipid accumulation in chondrocytes as a result of abnormal regulation of cholesterol homeostasis has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of OA. Although, many in vivo and in vitro studies support the connection between cholesterol and cartilage degradation, the mechanisms underlying the complex interactions between lipid metabolism, especially HDL cholesterol metabolism, and OA remain unclear. The current review aims to address this problem and focuses on key molecular players of the HDL metabolism pathway and their role in OA pathogenesis. Understanding the complexity of biological processes implicated in OA pathogenesis, such as cholesterol metabolism, may lead to new targets for drug therapy of OA patients.

Automated summary

Cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for skeletal development, and dysregulation in cholesterol-related mechanisms can lead to cartilage diseases like osteoarthritis (OA). Studies have linked elevated serum cholesterol levels to OA, and abnormal lipid accumulation in chondrocytes due to disrupted cholesterol homeostasis has been implicated in OA development. However, the precise mechanisms linking cholesterol metabolism, particularly HDL cholesterol metabolism, to OA remain unclear, and further research is needed to uncover new therapeutic targets for OA patients.