Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (678 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A progressive, degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, especially in older persons. The disease is thought to result not from the aging process but from biochemical changes and biomechanical stresses affecting articular cartilage. In the foreign literature it is often called osteoarthrosis deformans.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Osteoarthritides; Arthritis, Degenerative; Arthritides, Degenerative; Degenerative Arthritides; Degenerative Arthritis; Osteoarthrosis; Osteoarthroses; Osteoarthrosis Deformans.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Arthritis; Rheumatic Diseases
- Narrower topics
- Osteoarthritis, Hip; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Osteoarthritis, Spine
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 91,705 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Osteoarthritis” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 28,570 of them (31.2%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 30,327 records.
Reviews account for 13,000 records (14.2%) and meta-analyses for 2,102. Randomized controlled trials number 6,305 (6.9%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 17,196 |
| 2000-2009 | 15,612 |
| 2010-2019 | 30,327 |
| 2020 onward | 28,570 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 13,000 | 14.2% |
| Meta-analyses | 2,102 | 2.3% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 6,305 | 6.9% |
Method: PubMed query "Osteoarthritis"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin
Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The effectiveness of virtual reality-based exercises in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled study | 2026 | Randomized controlled trial Design not recorded in structured metadata | 3 | cc by PMID 42525073 · DOI · PMC13399397 |
| Inflammaging and osteoarthritis - therapeutic opportunities | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 42416050 · DOI · PMC13337404 |
| Aging-associated increase of GATA4 levels in articular cartilage is linked to impaired regenerative capacity of chondrocytes and osteoarthritis | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 42585095 · DOI · PMC13466541 |
| Molecular hydrogen and osteoarthritis: multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness | 2027 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42734458 · DOI · PMC13667352 |
The effectiveness of virtual reality-based exercises in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled study [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of adding non-immersive virtual reality-based exercise to a conventional rehabilitation program for pain, functionality, balance, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- Closing excerpt
- Further improvements in quality of life across all subscales except for physical role limitations and mental health.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (187 words)
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of adding non-immersive virtual reality-based exercise to a conventional rehabilitation program for pain, functionality, balance, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsThis randomized controlled clinical trial involved 60 patients. Measurements were taken before and after treatment (at week 3). Visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the Short Form-36 were measured. Postural Stability- Dynamic Overall Stability Index, Functional Reach Composite Score, and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance-Composite Score were recorded using the Biodex Balance System.ResultsIn both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Short Form-36 Physical Functioning, Postural Stability-Dynamic Overall Stability Index, Functional Reach Composite Score, and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance-Composite Score scores in the post-intervention period (pConclusionThe addition of virtual reality-based exercise to results in greater reductions in pain levels and improvements in disease-specific functional status and overall physical function, postural stability, dynamic balance, and sensory integration. Further improvements in quality of life across all subscales except for physical role limitations and mental health.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42525073 · DOI · PMC13399397
Inflammaging and osteoarthritis - therapeutic opportunities [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- As patients age, cellular senescence results in senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
- Closing excerpt
- This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms by which the SASP contributes to OA pathogenesis and highlights novel therapeutic strategies aimed at attenuating inflammation, maintaining cartilage integrity, and mitigating disease progression.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (134 words)
As patients age, cellular senescence results in senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP results in secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and proteases that drive chronic inflammation and cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). Accumulation of senescent chondrocytes and macrophages activates key signaling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK/p38, mTOR, AMPK, and JAK/STAT, leading to sustained inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown. Recent studies have identified pharmacological and gene-based approaches that modulate SASP-related pathways. Small molecules such as anakinra, metformin, and rapamycin show potential in reducing inflammation and preserving cartilage, while microRNA modulation and CRISPR/Cas9 editing provide emerging means to regulate SASP factors at the transcriptional level. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms by which the SASP contributes to OA pathogenesis and highlights novel therapeutic strategies aimed at attenuating inflammation, maintaining cartilage integrity, and mitigating disease progression.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42416050 · DOI · PMC13337404
Aging-associated increase of GATA4 levels in articular cartilage is linked to impaired regenerative capacity of chondrocytes and osteoarthritis [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Although the causal association between aging and osteoarthritis (OA) has been documented, our understanding of the underlying mechanism remains incomplete.
- Closing excerpt
- Our work demonstrates that the aging-associated increase of GATA4 in chondrocytes plays a vital role in OA progression, which may also serve as a target to reduce OA in the older population.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (215 words)
Although the causal association between aging and osteoarthritis (OA) has been documented, our understanding of the underlying mechanism remains incomplete. To define the regulatory molecules governing chondrocyte aging, we performed transcriptomic analysis of young and old human chondrocytes from healthy donors. The data predicted that GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA4) may play a key role in mediating the difference between young and old chondrocytes. Results from immunostaining and western blot showed significantly higher GATA4 levels in old human or mouse chondrocytes when compared to young cells. Moreover, overexpressing GATA4 in young chondrocytes remarkably reduced their cartilage-forming capacity in vitro and induced the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Conversely, suppressing GATA4 expression in old chondrocytes, through either siRNA or a small-molecule inhibitor NSC140905, increased the production of aggrecan and collagen type II, and also decreased levels of matrix-degrading enzymes. In OA mice induced by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus, intra-articular injection of lentiviral vectors carrying mouse Gata4 resulted in a higher OA severity, synovial inflammation, and pain level when compared to control vectors. Mechanistically, we found that overexpressing GATA4 significantly increased the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5. Our work demonstrates that the aging-associated increase of GATA4 in chondrocytes plays a vital role in OA progression, which may also serve as a target to reduce OA in the older population.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42585095 · DOI · PMC13466541
Molecular hydrogen and osteoarthritis: multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by a self-perpetuating cycle of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation.
- Closing excerpt
- Clinical translation remains at an early stage; progress will depend on integrating intelligent, localized delivery systems with rigorously designed clinical trials to validate molecular hydrogen as a safe and effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (142 words)
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by a self-perpetuating cycle of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation. Current therapies provide only symptomatic relief and do not alter disease progression, highlighting the urgent need for effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs. Molecular hydrogen has emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate due to its unique selective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. This review summarizes the multi-target mechanisms of molecular hydrogen and highlights innovative delivery technologies designed to overcome its key pharmacokinetic limitations, especially rapid diffusion and short residence time in the joint. We critically evaluate advanced strategies ranging from sustained-release injectable depots to stimulus-responsive nanocarriers and cell-based delivery systems. Clinical translation remains at an early stage; progress will depend on integrating intelligent, localized delivery systems with rigorously designed clinical trials to validate molecular hydrogen as a safe and effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42734458 · DOI · PMC13667352
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Translational genomics of osteoarthritis in 1,962,069 individuals [5]
- Research article PRP Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: The Improvement Is Clinically Significant and Influenced by Platelet Concentration: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials [6]
- Research article Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and PRP and combination therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis [7]
- Research article Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [8]
- Research article MicroRNAs in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies [9]
- Research article Are the Effects of Resistance Exercise on Pain and Function in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Dependent on Exercise Volume, Duration, and Adherence? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [10]
Full-text reviews on EvidenceLib
Open-access review articles about this topic, reproduced in full with authors, licence and references.
Promoting and inhibiting factors for the implementation of evidence-based non-invasive treatment programs for patients with knee- and/or hip-osteoarthritis: a rapid review
Jennifer Bosompem, Peter Rasche, Nino Chikhradze et al. · BMC Health Services Research 2026 · CC BY 4.0
Cartilage Integrity: A Review of Mechanical and Frictional Properties and Repair Approaches in Osteoarthritis
Przemysław Krakowski, Adrian Rejniak, Jakub Sobczyk et al. · Healthcare 2024 · CC BY 4.0
Biochemical Markers of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging to be Assessed in Clinical Trials of Drugs Aiming at the Treatment of Sarcopenia: Consensus Paper from an Expert Group Meeting Organized by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the Centre Académique de Recherche et d'Expérimentation en Santé (CARES SPRL), Under the Auspices of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for the Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Aging
Aurélie Ladang, Charlotte Beaudart, Jean-Yves Reginster et al. · Calcified Tissue International 2023 · CC BY 4.0
Harnessing Tissue-derived Extracellular Vesicles for Osteoarthritis Theranostics
Bohan Yin, Junguo Ni, Claire E Witherel et al. · Theranostics 2022 · CC BY 4.0
Nanoparticle–Cartilage Interaction: Pathology-Based Intra-articular Drug Delivery for Osteoarthritis Therapy
Xu Li, Bingyang Dai, Jiaxin Guo et al. · Nano-Micro Letters 2021 · CC BY 4.0
References
- Cigdem-Karacay B, Eraslan SS, Canli İ, Turhan A. The effectiveness of virtual reality-based exercises in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled study. . 2026. PMID 42525073 · DOI · PMC13399397
- Chan M, Low P, Ong SC, Choy SM, Lee WX, Goh KY, et al.. Inflammaging and osteoarthritis - therapeutic opportunities. . 2026. PMID 42416050 · DOI · PMC13337404
- Makarczyk MJ, Zhang Y, Aguglia A, Bartholomew O, Hines S, Li K, et al.. Aging-associated increase of GATA4 levels in articular cartilage is linked to impaired regenerative capacity of chondrocytes and osteoarthritis. . 2026. PMID 42585095 · DOI · PMC13466541
- Chen J, Pan D, Zhao Y, Lin J, Tong J. Molecular hydrogen and osteoarthritis: multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness. . 2027. PMID 42734458 · DOI · PMC13667352
- Hatzikotoulas K, Southam L, Stefansdottir L, Boer CG, McDonald ML, Pett JP, et al.. Translational genomics of osteoarthritis in 1,962,069 individuals. Nature. 2025. PMID 40205036 · DOI · PMC12119359
- Bensa A, Previtali D, Sangiorgio A, Boffa A, Salerno M, Filardo G. PRP Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: The Improvement Is Clinically Significant and Influenced by Platelet Concentration: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2025. PMID 39751394 · DOI · PMC11874499
- Qiao X, Yan L, Feng Y, Li X, Zhang K, Lv Z, et al.. Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and PRP and combination therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023. PMID 38037038 · DOI · PMC10687893
- Cao M, Ou Z, Sheng R, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhang C, et al.. Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025. PMID 40055739 · DOI · PMC11887158
- Yang X, Yin P, Yao X, Zhang J. MicroRNAs in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. J Orthop Surg Res. 2025. PMID 40665331 · DOI · PMC12261755
- Marriott KA, Hall M, Maciukiewicz JM, Almaw RD, Wiebenga EG, Ivanochko NK, et al.. Are the Effects of Resistance Exercise on Pain and Function in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Dependent on Exercise Volume, Duration, and Adherence? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2024. PMID 38317328 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.