Skeletal Muscle Wasting and Its Relationship With Osteoarthritis: a Mini-Review of Mechanisms and Current Interventions

Abstract

Purpose of Review Osteoarthritis (OA) is a subset of joint disorders resulting in degeneration of synovial joints. This leads to pain, disability and loss of independence. Knee and hip OA are extremely prevalent, and their occurrence increases with ageing. Similarly, loss of muscle mass and function, sarcopenia, occurs during ageing. Recent Findings Little is known about the impact of muscle wasting on OA progression; nevertheless, it has been suggested that muscle wasting directly affects the stability of the joints and loss of mobility leads to gradual degeneration of articular cartilage. The molecular mechanisms underlying muscle wasting in OA are not well understood; however, these are probably related to changes in gene expression, as well as epigenetic modifications. Summary It is becoming clear that skeletal muscle wasting plays an important role in OA development and/or progression. Here, we discuss mechanisms, current interventions, such as exercise, and potentially novel approaches, such as modulation of microRNAs, aiming at ameliorating OA symptoms through maintaining muscle mass and function.

Role of microRNA in muscle regeneration and diseases related to muscle dysfunction in atrophy, cachexia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis

“… 67 Likewise, miR-143 was demonstrated to regulate senescence of satellite cells and adult muscle stem cells via insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5), suggesting a link between OA and muscle. 68 Similarly, miR-181 was downregulated in sarcopenic muscle samples 69 and a further study has demonstrated that the inhibition of this miRNA attenuates OA in animal models. 70 Another miRNA, which suggests a link between muscle metabolism and OA, is the downregulation of miR-378 in elderly patients.…”

“…This specific miRNA is responsible for muscle metabolism, myogenesis, and autophagy. 68 Synovial samples taken from late-stage OA joints have identified changes in miR-378 expression. Interestingly, miR-378 has been proven to be a pro-bone regeneration molecule.…”

Association of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) with Muscle Strength in Community-Dwelling Elderly with Knee Osteoarthritis

“…In this study, in addition to muscle strength, nutritional status was also significantly associated with WOMAC. Recently, sarcopenia is considered an important prognostic factor for osteoarthritis, [25,26] especially knee osteoarthritis. Considering that one of the risk factors for sarcopenia is malnutrition, sarcopenia due to malnutrition continues and eventually affects the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.…”

Isolation, Activation, and Mechanism of Action of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Applications for Joint Repair

“…disorganized collagen fibers [26]. Finally, muscle tissue is also affected by inflammation produced in joint degeneration, showing fibrosis, collagen depositions, and muscle wasting [27]. Considering all this, it is clear that joint degeneration is not a sole cartilage disease.…”