Bone and Osteoarthritis

Bone and Osteoarthritis places emphasis on the molecular and cellular events that lead to osteoarthritis, stressing the role of subchondral bone, which distinguishes this from other books on the disease.

A novel aspect is the attention given to the possible epigenetic basis, together with a discussion of the genetics predisposing to osteoarthritis.

Detailed analyses are given of the role of the synovium, of the molecular mechanisms that lead to degradation of the cartilage matrix, of the hypertrophy of the cartilage cell, of the anabolic and catabolic roles of cytokines, may lead to novel approaches to clinical treatment, utilizing anabolic mediators or molecules that target steps in the disease process. Also discussed are animal models and how mechano-responsiveness is compromised by mechanical injury.

Orthopedics and rheumatology have become close conceptually, as advances in bone and joint biology have enabled bench and translational scientists, as well as practitioners, to approach clinical problems comprehensively. Because bone plays a role in initiating osteoarthritis, therapeutic approaches focusing on bone tissue are included in the discussion of novel treatments. The general topic of osteoarthritis is therefore a timely subject for a series on bone biology.

This book, intended for clinicians, researchers and students, provides information that will orient the novice and update the specialist. No other book treats the relationship of bone to osteoarthritis in similar fashion or provides a comparable underpinning of joint pathophysiology.

Orthopedics and rheumatology, while separate specialties, have become close conceptually because advances in bone and joint biology enable practitioners to approach clinical problems comprehensively. This is especially true for the bench and translational scientists. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the role played by bone in the development of osteoarthritis, including targeting bone as a potential therapeutic approach.

The molecular and cellular approaches toward the relationship of joint and bone problems distinguish this from other books on osteoarthritis or skeletal medicine. Emphasis on genetics and on newer viewpoints and approaches, exemplified by the possible effect of subchondral bone on osteoarthritis, gives a wider viewpoint to the reader and may make possible novel approaches to solving a clinical problem. The book will therefore also interest experienced specialists, thereby broadening readership. Authors are internationally recognized experts in their field.

Topics discussed include the role of bone in osteoarthritis, ranging from basic cell and molecular biology to genetics and biomechanics. How this information may be used for new treatment approaches will also be covered.

This book, intended for students, researchers and clinicians, provides information that enables the novice to become oriented and the practitioner to update knowledge. No other book combines information on the relationship of bone to the development of osteoarthritis, or treats the pathophysiology of joints in the same way. This volume, like the others in Topics in Bone Biology series, encompasses aspects of many specialties, including rheumatology, orthopedics, endocrinology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics, nursing and chiropractic medicine.

Series Editors of Topics in Bone Biology are: Professors Felix Bronner, PhD - University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA, and Dr Mary C. Farach-Carson, PhD - the Department of Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA. In this fourth volume, the Series Editors are joined by a co-editor with special expertise in the volume topic, Dr Richard F. Loeser, MD, the Robert S. Katz, MD - Joan and Paul Rubschlager Presidential Professor of Osteoarthritis Research in the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology with a conjoint appointment in the Department of Biochemistry, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA.