Genetic and Epigenetic Interactions in the Etiopathogenesis of Osteoarthritis. Selected Molecular Factors in OA Etiopathogenesis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread disease characterized by a multifaceted etiopathogenesis and complicated pathophysiology. OA is connected with systematic degeneration of subchondral bone tissue, articular cartilage, synovial membrane and stenosis of the joint space, which substantially contributes to premature reduction of functional mobility. The results of many epidemiological studies carried out in various populations around the world including genome-wide association studies and analysis of epigenetic modifications (such as miRNA expression, DNA methylation and histone modifications) have indicated a multifaceted nature of the disease. The aim of this paper is to present the state of the art for gene-expression level changes of relevance for the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, including the contribution of epigenetic regulations.The source of search data for this paper was the PubMed database. The following keywords were used as search terms: osteoarthritis, GWAS, epigenetics and miRNA.The reports presented in this paper provide a starting point for further considerations regarding the development of personalized biological therapy. Several hypothetical strategies for the targeted OA treatment development exist nowadays. However, it is important to emphasize that in-depth understanding of the genetic-epigenetic interaction in OA pathogenesis is crucial. Based on the analysis of the aforementioned available study results, the following conclusions can be made: Both environmental factors and genetic-epigenetic interactions contribute to the complex pathogenesis of OA; OA risk genes have been identified; Differences in gene expression in OA may be helpful in assessing progression of the disease; The epigenetic goals of OA therapy have been indicated.