Review Article

Aging and Osteoarthritis: An Inevitable Encounter?

Table 1

Age-related mechanisms triggering OA.

MechanismConsequence

Oxidative stressCell senescence
Apoptosis/autophagyReduced regeneration capacity
Matrix protein modification (e.g., glycosylation)Reduced elasticity, fluid content, stability
Nonenzymatic collagen cross-linkingImpaired crack-bridging potency
SarcopeniaReduced joint stability
Loss of proprioceptionMicrotrauma, Charcot-like arthropathy
Joint laxityMicrotrauma
SynovitisInflammatory cytokine production
Increased osteon densityBone stiffness
Reduced circulating progenitor cells (e.g., MSC)Impaired regeneration capacity