Gene protecting against osteoarthritis identified: study

CHICAGO, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Working in a mouse model of osteoarthritis, one of the most common problems associated with aging, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that a molecule, FoxO1, seems to be involved in the development of osteoarthritis and may be a useful treatment target.

The researchers found that when the mice in the experiments had elevated levels of the FoxO1 molecule, that was previously linked to diabetes, cancer and muscle atrophy, osteoarthritis's progress was slowed or even reversed. They believe the molecule interferes with cartilage damage and the development of arthritis by enhancing a process called autophagy in the arthritic joint.