Dubai scientist explores new treatments that could slow or reverse osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects millions of individuals globally, causing debilitating pain and disability as the cartilage cushioning joints gradually deteriorates. Despite existing treatments that manage symptoms, there remains no cure for this progressive joint disease. In Dubai, Dr. Nerissa Naidoo, an Associate Professor of Anatomy at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is pioneering research that could revolutionize how osteoarthritis is treated.

Dr. Naidoo's work centers on uncovering how epigenetic changes, which modify how genes function without altering DNA, contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. These molecular modifications can disrupt normal cell behavior, leading to increased inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Importantly, these epigenetic changes are generally reversible, suggesting a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention.

The research employs patient-derived cartilage cells from osteoarthritic knee and hip tissues to test both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical interventions. The ultimate goal is to transition from symptom management to true disease modification, developing therapies that target the root cause of osteoarthritis and could slow, halt, or even reverse joint damage.

Unlike current palliative treatments that only alleviate pain and inflammation, Dr. Naidoo's approach seeks to change the trajectory of the disease itself. For patients, this could mean preserving mobility and quality of life, whether through walking, playing with grandchildren, or maintaining independence as they age. In the UAE, where knee osteoarthritis affects up to 12.9% of adults, this research holds particular significance.

By advancing precision medicine and tailored treatments in the region, the work not only contributes to the global fight against osteoarthritis but also promises tangible benefits for the patients Dr. Naidoo hopes to serve.