Scientists discover chromosome link to development of osteoarthritis

Abnormally short chromosome caps, called telomeres, were seen in cells from damaged knee joints. Those near the areas of most severe damage were “ultra-short”, said scientists.

The research suggests telomere shortening plays a key role in osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of worn joints leading to stiffness and pain. Telomeres are chromosomal “bookends” that ensure strands of DNA remain intact when they are copied during cell replication. They act as biological timers that help dictate how fast we age.

Every time cells divide, their telomeres shorten, though not always at the same rate. Over time they become so short that the DNA is no longer protected and damage occurs.

Eventually there are too many mistakes in the genetic code to allow replication, and the cell stops dividing. It is then said to have reached a state of cellular old age called “senescence”.

Preserving telomere length has been shown to increase longevity.

Danish scientists studied telomere length in cells taken from the knees of three women with osteoarthritis.

They found that average telomere length was shortened in the affected joints, and telomeres became shorter near the areas of worst damage.