Cartilage Degradation Pathway

The cartilage degradation pathway refers to the complex network of molecular and cellular processes that lead to the breakdown of articular cartilage, a hallmark of diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This process involves both biochemical and biomechanical mechanisms that disrupt the extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, primarily through increased activity of catabolic enzymes, inflammatory mediators, and signaling pathways. Key molecules include MMPs (MMP13 etc.), ADAMTS4/aggrecanases. Upstream activators are cytokines (IL‑1β/TNFα), mechanical injury/stress. Major Signaling Cascades are NF‑κB, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin,TGF‑β/BMP,HIF,TNF & PI3K-Akt. Cellular Effectors are Chondrocytes/synovial fibroblasts.