Genetic risk factor for osteoarthritis identified

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis leading to pain and disability. Currently, no cure and only a few symptomatic treatments are available. Genetic studies may provide more insight in the pathogenesis of the disease and contribute to the development of new therapies. A study of the TREAT-OA consortium, in which the Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing  participates, shows that common DNA variation on chromosome 7q22 influences the risk of developing knee and hand osteoarthritis. Results were published in the February issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.

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