Combination of a healthy diet and regular physical activity may help prevent osteoarthritis, a new study claims.
Researchers from the University of Surrey in the UK have identified a crucial link between metabolism and osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis.
They found that metabolic changes, caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, trigger the genetic reprogramming of cells in the body and joints.
Such metabolic changes impact the ability of the cells to produce energy, forcing them to generate alternative sources to function, researchers said.
The stress this places on cells leads to the overproduction of glucose, which when not used for energy transforms into lactic acid, which is difficult for the body to flush out.
Abnormal levels of this acid in the body leads to the inflammation of the cartilage in the joints which impedes on movement and causes pain.
By identifying metabolic changes in cells, it is potentially possible to control or significantly slow down the symptoms of osteoarthritis, alleviating the suffering of millions of people, researchers said.
"For too long osteoarthritis has been known as the 'wear and tear disease' and it has been assumed that it is part and parcel of getting older, however we can control and prevent the onset of this painful condition," said Ali Mobasheri, professor at University of Surrey.
"It is important never to underestimate the significance of a healthy diet and lifestyle as not only does it impact our general wellbeing but can alter the metabolic behaviour of our cells, tissues and organs leading to serious illnesses," Mobasheri said.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK with 8.75 million people seeking medical advice for the condition, researchers said.
This debilitating condition disproportionately affects post-menopausal women who are more pre-disposed to the condition because of biology, genetics and hormones.
Currently there is no effective treatment for this painful ailment, with only painkillers available to treat symptoms and no known cure.
The study was published in the journal Nature Reviews Rheumatology.
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