Yves Henrotin

The concept that inflammatory diseases of bones and joints can be postponed or even prevented naturally by consuming certain foods or food-derived substances is currently eliciting considerable interest from researchers, clinicians and patients. Oxidative stress results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play important roles in the development of many diseases including those relating to bones and joints. Metabolic reactions in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes and… Show more

The concept that inflammatory diseases of bones and joints can be postponed or even prevented naturally by consuming certain foods or food-derived substances is currently eliciting considerable interest from researchers, clinicians and patients. Oxidative stress results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play important roles in the development of many diseases including those relating to bones and joints. Metabolic reactions in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes and synoviocytes produce free radicals, ROS and their derivatives. These dangerous chemicals can accumulate in bones and synovial joints, and in combination with inflammatory mediators they can cause extensive structural damage, inflammation and cell death. Antioxidants are naturally occurring reducing agents capable of inhibiting ROS formation, scavenging free radicals and removing ROS derivatives. Antioxidant vitamins have major roles in modulating oxidative stress, regulating immune responses and contributing to cell differentiation. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E, thiols (glutathione) and plant polyphenols have the capacity to neutralize ROS in joints and decrease the oxidative stress associated with the progression of arthritis. This chapter focuses on antioxidants and their potential for the treatment of diseases of bones and joints, particularly focusing on osteoarthritis (OA) and bone mineral loss. Show less

This chapter introduces the readers of this volume to arthritic diseases including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before focusing on collagenous and non-collagenous biomarkers of these joint diseases. The main objective of this chapter is to focus on reactive oxygen species and in vivo biomarkers of oxidative stress. Such biomarkers may be early indicators of oxidative stress-induced tissue damage and could be used to identify patients at increased risk of developing joint… Show more

This chapter introduces the readers of this volume to arthritic diseases including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before focusing on collagenous and non-collagenous biomarkers of these joint diseases. The main objective of this chapter is to focus on reactive oxygen species and in vivo biomarkers of oxidative stress. Such biomarkers may be early indicators of oxidative stress-induced tissue damage and could be used to identify patients at increased risk of developing joint disease. Show less