Authors: Yuriy Nalapko, Jonathan RT Lakey, Orn Adalsteinsson, Dmytro Klokol, Thomas Skutella, Shing Yi Pan, Augusta Wellington, Michelle BF Wong, Michael KS Chan, Desiree Cox.
Mitochondria are major organelles that produce energy for cellular metabolism and are vital to proper cell functioning. Metabolic dysregulation is a critical contributing factor to the initiation and development of degenerative and autoimmune diseases, thus is present in cartilage disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Mitochondrial dysfunction in cartilage diseases is especially interesting because it may present a promising therapeutic and anti-ageing target. By understanding the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction, we can aim to upregulate the role of mitochondria in treating cartilage diseases. In this review, we look at the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in degenerative cartilage diseases and mitochondria as tools in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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