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In a promising revelation, a recent study suggests that a drug commonly used to treat epilepsy might hold the key to alleviating joint degeneration associated with osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, a prevalent form of arthritis, stems from the deterioration of cartilage that cushions the joints, primarily affecting areas like the hands, hips, and knees. While pain relievers and lifestyle adjustments have been conventional treatments for joint pain and stiffness, there remains a critical need for therapies that can impede the breakdown of joints linked to osteoarthritis.
The study, featured in the journal Nature, spotlighted the role of sodium channels, particularly Nav1.7, found in non-excitable cells that produce collagen, vital for maintaining joint health in the body. Nav1.7, previously recognized for its involvement in transmitting pain signals, was identified by researchers from Yale University in the US.
By deleting Nav1.7 genes from collagen-producing cells, the researchers observed a significant reduction in joint damage across two osteoarthritis models in mice. Intriguingly, drugs targeting Nav1.7, including carbamazepine—a sodium channel blocker commonly used in epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia treatments—also displayed substantial protective effects against joint degeneration in the mice.
Stephen G. Waxman, Yale’s Professor of Neurology, highlighted, “The function of sodium channels in non-excitable cells has been a mystery. This new study provides a window on how small numbers of sodium channels can powerfully regulate the behaviour of non-excitable cells.”
Wenyu Fu, a research scientist at Yale, added, “The findings open new avenues for disease-modifying treatments.”
These revelations hold significant promise in revolutionizing osteoarthritis treatment, shedding light on a potential therapeutic pathway to address joint degeneration. With the efficacy of epilepsy medications in mitigating joint damage in animal models, further research and clinical exploration may pave the way for innovative disease-modifying treatments for osteoarthritis in the future.
