A new treatment that blocks an aging-related protein restored lost cartilage in old mice and helped prevent arthritis after knee injuries. Human cartilage samples showed similar signs of regeneration, raising hopes for a future drug that could repair joints instead of replacing them.
  • pageflight@piefed.socialEnglish
    17·
    16 hours ago

    When they compared cartilage from young and old mice, they found that levels of 15-PGDH approximately doubled with age. To test the idea, researchers treated older mice with a small molecule drug that blocks 15-PGDH activity. [And cartilage regrew.]

    Sounds very promising! I couldn’t figure out the peer-reviewed-ness status.

    • masterclass@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      8 hours ago

      Yeah but while PGE2 promotes cartilage repair, it also plays roles in inflammation, fever, and gastrointestinal issues. If PGE2 levels rise too high or in the wrong context, it could cause unwanted inflammation or side effects similar to NSAIDs (e.g. stomach irritation).