The attenuation of insulin-like growth factor signaling may be responsible for relative reduction in matrix synthesis in degenerated areas of osteoarthritic cartilage

In osteoarthritis (OA), cartilage matrix is lost gradually despite enhanced matrix synthesis by chondrocytes. This paradox may be explained, at least partly, by reduced chondrocyte anabolism in degenerated area of OA cartilage. However, to date, it is not known why chondrocyte anabolism is suppressed in those areas.