Smoking Worsens Knee Osteoarthritis

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New findings from a study led by a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist indicate that

men with knee osteoarthritis who smoke experience greater cartilage loss and

more severe pain than men who do not smoke. Results will be published online

this week in the ls of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in elders.

" This is a novel finding, " says Shreyasee Amin, M.D., Mayo Clinic

rheumatologist and lead study researcher. " Previous studies showed no

association between cigarette smoking and knee osteoarthritis or even a

protective effect of smoking. "

The finding that cigarette smoking plays a role in the worsening of knee

osteoarthritis is important, says Dr. Amin, as it is a potentially

modifiable risk factor.

The association between smoking and cartilage loss in knee osteoarthritis

could be explained by one or more of the following theories, according to

the researchers:

-- Smoking may disorder the cells and inhibit cell proliferation in the knee

cartilage

-- Smoking may increase oxidant stress, which contributes to cartilage loss

-- Smoking may raise carbon monoxide levels in arterial blood, contributing

to tissue hypoxia (insufficient blood oxygenation), which could impair

cartilage repair

This study was funded by an Osteoarthritis Biomarkers Grant from the

Arthritis Foundation.

IF YOU KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE, YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS

GOTTEN

Maraika Mason

Degenerative Disease Resourced Information

Clin.Nutrition

Email: UrHealth@...

www.4betrhealth.com