Fighting oxidative stress to treat cartilage, brain and bone disease

KU Leuven researchers have discovered a novel mechanism that prevents oxidative stress and therefore provides protection against joint, brain and bone diseases. When the cells in our body have a normal metabolism, this results in the production of chemically reactive molecules that contain oxygen, also called reactive oxygen species. However, excessive accumulation of these substances damages the cells and tissues. This process is called oxidative stress. It is strongly associated with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, degenerative brain disorders, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, all of which occur frequently in elderly patients. A KU Leuven study from the Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre has now identified a novel key control mechanism that prevents oxidative stress. The research team focused on osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder.