Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Osteoarthritis

Understanding osteoarthritis to better treat it

Osteoarthritis currently affects nearly 600 million people worldwide, and the number of cases is expected to rise by 60 to 100% by 2050, depending on the joint. It is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability in adults. Yet, there is currently no curative treatment available to reduce the progression of cartilage degradation: the treatment remains mainly symptomatic, up until joint replacement surgery is considered.

Our laboratory conducts fundamental and translational research on the pathophysiological mechanisms of osteoarthritis, with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets.

At the core of the disease, articular cartilage undergoes progressive degeneration in which low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress play a central role, particularly through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our work focuses on NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), a major contributor to ROS production. We have demonstrated that Nox4 deletion protects cartilage from osteoarthritic degradation in a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model, by restoring cartilage homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress and synovial inflammation.

Our current research, conducted through complementary in vitro and in vivo approaches, aims to deepen our understanding of NOX4's role and to explore the therapeutic potential of its inhibition in osteoarthritis.