High blood pressure accelerates cartilage damage in osteoarthritis

Scientists found that high blood pressure accelerates cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis. The hormone arginine-vasopressin activates specific receptors in joints, intensifying the disease's progression. An international team from Chonnam National University in South Korea published research in Science showing that elevated blood pressure triggers this mechanism. Analysis of 36,820 patients over 45 confirmed higher osteoarthritis risk in hypertensive individuals, especially women and those with severe knee injuries. Experiments on mice showed blocking the AVPR1A receptor reduced joint damage. Osteoarthritis affects nearly 600 million people worldwide, with treatments unchanged for two decades. This discovery of the AVP-AVPR1A axis offers potential for new drugs targeting joint protection and disease prevention in vulnerable populations.