Articular cartilage: Homeostasis, aging and degeneration

Abstract

Aging implies changes in articular cartilage cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) that are reflective of metabolic changes related to time alone. For chondrocytes, these are genomic and intracytoplasmic changes that lessen their capacity to respond and control their extracellular environment; for the matrix, these are changes that lead to decreased hydration and increased brittleness of the tissue. Clinically, this can manifest as decreased capacity to withstand mechanical forces leading to degenerative arthritis.