Cartilage tissue metabolism

Cartilage tissue metabolism encompasses the complex network of metabolic processes that occur within articular cartilage, primarily driven by chondrocytes. In healthy cartilage, chondrocytes depend predominantly on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production, generating over 75% of cellular ATP through this pathway due to the avascular nature of cartilage tissue[4]. The remaining energy comes from oxidative phosphorylation. Key metabolic pathways include glycolysis, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and matrix component synthesis and degradation[1][4]. During osteoarthritis, significant metabolic alterations occur, including increased glycolytic activity, elevated lactate production, decreased cartilage matrix synthesis, altered mitochondrial function with decreased ATP generation, increased oxidative stress, and a metabolic switch toward greater lipid utilization[1][4]. The carnitine shuttle becomes upregulated to facilitate lipid transport across mitochondrial membranes[1]. Pathological changes also involve dysregulation of matrix metabolism pathways such as keratan sulfate degradation and N-glycan degradation, as well as perturbations in arginine and proline metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and purine metabolism[1][3]. These metabolic changes ultimately lead to cartilage deterioration and contribute to the progression of joint diseases like osteoarthritis.

Other names

Cartilage metabolismChondrocyte metabolismArticular cartilage metabolism