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Osteoarthritis is a morbid and costly condition affecting an increasingly larger segment of the population with a lack of effective treatment options. The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis is poorly understood; cell senescence is deemed to be contributory. Senescence of joint tissues particularly chondrocytes, synoviocytes (fibroblasts), and adipocytes is implicated in the pathogenesis through the production of senescence-associated proteins. Senescence-associated proteins are cytokines, matrix degradation enzymes, and chemokines that contribute to an inflammatory milieu which leads to the propagation of senescence. Senescence-modifying therapies include senolytics which eliminate senescent cells and senomorphics which inhibit the senescence-associated protein production of senescent cells. Treatments being investigated include novel agents as well as agents previously used in other conditions in rheumatology and other fields.
Cite this article as: Surmachevska N, Rubio J. Senescence in osteoarthritis: Overview of mechanisms and therapeutics. Eur J Rheumatol. 2024;11(suppl 1):S3-S6.