Reversing osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis may be reversible according to a new study from SAHMRI and the University of Adelaide, which blames a “gremlin” cell for the condition rather than wear and tear.

Researchers have reversed the condition in mice — and in more good news, human trials are already underway of a drug, based on hunches it may help with the condition without knowing exactly how and why.

Current treatment manages symptoms rather than addressing the underlying degeneration of cartilage and other tissues in joints, and there is no cure for the progressive condition.

Now researchers have discovered a novel population of stem cells – marked by the Gremlin 1 gene – responsible for progression of osteoarthritis.

Read the full story in The Advertiser here.