SODIUM channels in cartilage cells may hold the key to treating osteoarthritis (OA), a new study presented at ACR Convergence 2024 unveiled. The study, led by Yale University researchers, New Haven, Connecticut, identifies the Nav1.7 sodium channel as a potential target to slow disease progression, prevent joint damage, and alleviate pain.
Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis, impacts 32 million people in the United States. Though traditionally associated with cartilage wear, OA is now understood to affect the entire joint, including bones, ligaments, and the synovial lining. Current treatments focus on pain relief and inflammation reduction but fail to address joint degeneration.
According to Chuan-Ju Liu and Stephen Waxman professors at Yale University, their research represents a significant leap forward. Nav1.7, a sodium channel previously recognized for its role in neuronal pain signaling, was unexpectedly found in cartilage cells. “When we inactivated this channel, we observed significant protection against cartilage breakdown and joint degeneration, along with a reduction in joint pain,” said Liu.
Most of the findings come from animal models, but researchers note that sodium channels function similarly across species, suggesting strong translatability. Drugs initially designed to inhibit Nav1.7 for pain management are already in clinical trials, paving the way for future OA-specific therapies.
“These findings could shift the paradigm of osteoarthritis treatment,” Liu noted. “Targeting Nav1.7 offers the potential not only to alleviate symptoms but also to alter the disease course.”
This discovery opens new avenues for addressing a widespread condition that remains a significant source of disability worldwide. The next steps involve developing cost-effective methods to inhibit Nav1.7 in human patients.
Reference: ACR. Is the Body’s Sodium Channels the New Route to Preserve Joint Structure in OA? November 14, 2024. Available at: https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltee37abb6b278ab2c/bltb551477c60ac324f/annual-meeting-press-release-liu-sodium-channels.pdf. Last accessed: November 26, 2024. [Press release].
