Title:The Emerging Role of Bradykinin in the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis and its Possible Clinical Implications
VOLUME: 12 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Sara Tenti, Nicola Antonio Pascarelli, Sara Cheleschi, Giacomo Maria Guidelli and Antonella Fioravanti
Affiliation:Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy.
Keywords:Bradykinin B2 Receptor antagonists, Bradykinin, Osteoarthritis, OA, Chondrocytes, Endothelial cells, Synoviocytes,
Synovial fluid.
Abstract:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifaceted disorder defined by the alteration of homeostasis and
degradation in articular cartilage. Recently mounting evidence suggests that OA should be conceived as
an inflammatory disease rather than a simple wear-and-tear problem. Bradykinin (BK) and B2 receptors
play a role in the pathogenesis of OA. The aim of this paper is to analyze preclinical and clinical studies
examining the potential role of BK and of B2 receptor blockade in OA pathogenesis. We analyzed the
data about the effects of BK in synoviocytes, endothelial cells and chondrocytes cultures and described
the action of B2 receptor antagonists (Icatibant and Fasitibant). In conclusion, the BK is an endogenous
proinflammatory molecule that is involved in the pathophysiology of OA, and B2 receptor antagonists
are believed to be considered as a potential symptomatic therapy for this disease. There is a need for
further preclinical and clinical trials to better explain the mechanisms of action and the efficacy and
tolerability of the B2 receptor antagonists in OA.
