Correlation of Atherosclerosis and Osteoarthritis, the Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis and Atherosclerosis 

Abstract

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) rank among the leading causes of death globally, accounting for a substantial proportion of mortality rates and affecting millions of individuals. Risk factors such as ageing, obesity, diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle contribute significantly to the prevalence of CVD. Osteoarthritis (OA), on the other hand, is one of the most common joint disorders, affecting a large segment of the population, particularly the elderly. While OA is characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain and functional impairment, it is not directly fatal. However, OA significantly diminishes quality of life and is increasingly recognized as a contributing risk factor for CVD, possibly due to shared mechanisms such as chronic Inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Understanding the interplay between these two conditions is essential for improving patient management and outcomes, highlighting the urgency of interdisciplinary research in this area. This review aims to elucidate the relationship between atherosclerosis and Osteoarthritis, focusing on the roles of inflammatory processes, metabolic disruptions and cholesterol in the pathogenesis of both conditions. A comprehensive analysis of existing literature was conducted, synthesizing findings from epidemiological studies that explore the inflammatory linkages and metabolic pathways connecting OA and CVD. Our review highlights that chronic Inflammation, previously underappreciated in both diseases, plays a critical role in their development. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that dysregulated cholesterol metabolism aligns with the exacerbation of OA symptoms, potentially driving atherosclerotic pathways. The findings reveal a multidimensional relationship wherein OA susceptibility may heighten cardiovascular risk, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary approaches in prevention and management strategies aimed at these interconnected diseases.