Analysis and selection of experimental models of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the work is to examine relevant literature on different patterns of experimental osteoarthritis and choose the most acceptable one for providing its preclinical investigation. Methods and results. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the common forms of joint disease. OA is mainly in the head of the top five causes of disability. Notwithstanding a great number of revealed predisposing factors and the involvement of mechanical distress, the exact pathogenesis of OA is still a subject of investigation. Particularly the earliest changes are largely unknown, because they appear long before clinical manifestation, and that is why they are not able to be studied in humans. The great number of OA researches is devoted to the methods of early detection and developing strategies of its treatment. Animal experimental models help in investigating mechanisms of OA development and finding morphological, physiological criteria for strict diagnosis of OA. Conclusion. It was settled that small animal experimental models of OA are more suitable for preclinical investigations of OA pathogenesis: its genetic and molecular mechanisms; large animal experimental models of OA allow to investigate biomechanical changes of the joint and to provide intraarticular interventions. Methods which are necessary for perfect investigation of the joint are also described in the article.

Keywords

• Osteoarthritis
• Pathogenesis
• Experimental animal model
• Articular cartilage
• Subchondral bone