The potential roles of JAK/STAT signaling in the progression of osteoarthritis
Qingluo Zhou, Qun Ren, Linhui Jiao, Jishang Huang, Jun Yi, Jincai Chen, Jinliang Lai, Guanglin Ji, Tiansheng Zheng
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related chronic progressive degenerative disease that induces persistent pain and disabilities. The development of OA is a complex process, and the risk factors are various, including aging, genetics, trauma and altered biomechanics. Inflammation and immunity play an important role in the pathogenesis of OA. JAK/STAT pathway is one of the most prominent intracellular signaling pathways, regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Inflammatory factors can act as the initiators of JAK/STAT pathway, which is implicated in the pathophysiological activity of chondrocyte. In this article, we provide a review on the importance of JAK/STAT pathway in the pathological development of OA. Potentially, JAK/STAT pathway becomes a therapeutic target for managing OA.