The role of immune factors in the etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, metabolic, immunological, inflammatory, biochemical, and biomechanical factors. In recent years, a fairly large number of studies have been devoted to the role of cellular factors of the immune system in the development of osteoarthritis. The aim of the study was to analyze scientifc publications devoted to the study of cellular factors in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and to assess their signifcance in the development of joint pathology. Material and methods. The search for publications by keywords was carried out in the PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary databases and specialized journals related to therapy, rheumatology, traumatology and immunology from 2000 to 2022. Results and discussion. Summarizing modern ideas about the role of cellular factors of the immune system in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, it is necessary to note the presence of synovial inflammation, a key role in the development of which is assigned to macrophages. At the same time, patients with osteoarthritis are characterized by the predominance of classically activated macrophages with a pronounced pro-inflammatory effect. In addition, T lymphocytes also play an important role in the pathogenesis of joint damage. Among them, a special role is given to T helper cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes and memory T cells. An imbalance of cytokines and chemokines produced by subpopulations of T lymphocytes is the reason for triggering a number of mechanisms for the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. A signifcant role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis is also assigned to neutrophils, which contribute to the development of inflammation. Neutrophil-produced elastase enhances cartilage degradation, chondrocyte apoptosis, unbalanced subchondral bone remodeling, and osteophyte formation. Conclusions. Knowledge of the role of cellular immune factors in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and ways to implement their effects determines the prospects for the use of immunotropic agents. Also, it should be taken into account that the occurrence and progression of osteoarthritis is due to the simultaneous combination of the influence of a wide range of various components, including risk factors, traumatic joint injury, etc.