Mouse models of osteoarthritis: Modelling risk factors and assessing outcomes

Authors

Hang Fang, Sun Yat-Sen University
Frank Beier, Western University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Journal

Nature Reviews Rheumatology

First Page

413

Last Page

421

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1038/nrrheum.2014.46

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease that results in pain and low quality of life for patients, as well as enormous medical and socioeconomic burdens. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation and progression of OA are still poorly understood. As such, mouse models of the disease are having increasingly important roles in OA research owing to the advancements of microsurgical techniques and the use of genetically modified mice, as well as the development of novel assessment tools. In this Review, we discuss available mouse models of OA and applicable assessment tools in studies of experimental OA. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited.