Intersections Between Mitochondrial Metabolism and Redox Biology Mediate Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review will cover foundational studies and recent findings that established key concepts for understanding the importance of redox biology to chondrocyte mitochondrial function and osteoarthritis pathophysiology after injury.

Recent findings: Articular chondrocyte mitochondria can be protected with a wide variety of antioxidants that will be discussed within a framework suggested by classic studies. These agents not only underscore the importance of thiol metabolism and associated redox function for chondrocyte mitochondria but also suggest complex interactions with signal transduction pathways and other molecular features of osteoarthritis that require more thorough investigation. Emerging evidence also indicates that reductive stress could occur alongside oxidative stress. Recent studies have shed new light on historic paradoxes in chondrocyte redox and mitochondrial physiology, leading to the development of promising disease-modifying therapies for posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

Keywords: Arthritis; Cartilage; ETC; Electron Transport; Glutathione; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Nrf2; Osteoarthritis; Oxidative Distress; Oxidative Stress; Posttraumatic; Redox; Reductive Stress; Thiol.