Genetics and experimental models of crystal-induced arthritis. Lessons learned from mice and men: is it crystal clear?

Abstract

Genetic analysis has elucidated genes responsible for crystal formation and animal models have unveiled mechanisms in the development of crystal-induced arthritis. Future studies will hasten understanding of the pathology of crystal-induced arthritis and provide new therapies.

NOD2 controls the nature of the inflammatory response and subsequent fate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis BCG in human macrophages

“…The difference in the role of NOD2 in controlling mycobacterial growth is validated by doing a direct side by side comparison of mycobacterial growth in NOD2‐deficient human macrophages and macrophages from NOD2 knockout mice. This difference can be generally explained by the growing list of differences seen in the innate immune response of human versus mouse macrophages (Bogdan, 2001; Mestas and Hughes, 2004; Boot et al ., 2005; Reginato and Olsen, 2007; Rigamonti et al ., 2008; Gavrilin et al ., 2009; Amer, 2010). It is relevant that the NOD2 knockout mouse does not show any signs of abnormalities in the intestinal tract, which is inconsistent with the NOD2 mutations leading to Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease in humans (Pauleau and Murray, 2003).…”

Gout: An old disease in new perspective – A review

“…The mild form manifests as uric acid renal stones and arthritis. However, these enzymatic disorders constitute only less than 10% of cases of overproduction of urates [10].…”

Isolated pseudogout diagnosed on hip arthroscopy

“…[8][9][10][11] Calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition is more common in older women with osteoarthritis. It can also be related to haemochromatosis, hypomagnesaemia, hyperparathyroidism, hypophosphataemia, Wilson's disease and joint damage due to hypothyroidism.…”