Chondrocyte apoptosis and nitric oxide production during experimentally induced osteoarthritis

Abstract

These observations suggest that, during the early phases of OA, NO production may lead to chondrocyte apoptosis, and that both events contribute to the pathogenesis of cartilage degradation. Inhibitors of NO synthesis and chondrocyte apoptosis may therefore be of therapeutic value after cartilage injury and in patients with OA.