In a study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, Dr. Kapoor and his team used an experimental model of osteoarthritis. They discovered that PPARD – a factor that governs genes that respond to inflammation and joint destruction – is critical to keep the disease under control. When PPARD function was lost, joint inflammation and cartilage destruction increased. These two effects, when combined, accelerated the progression and severity of osteoarthritis.
This study suggests that medications capable of promoting PPARD function may be effective for osteoarthritis. These anti-inflammatory drugs are already approved for treating diseases like diabetes. As such, they represent an accessible option for improving the quality of life for people with OA.
