Osteoarthritis: rationale for a new paradigm shift involving transforming growth factor-β1

Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) in no longer considered as a disease of articular cartilage only. In more recent times, researchers opine that OA could be a disease of joint as well. Clinical and basic studies now question this notion. Indeed, current evidence indicates OA may be a disease involving abnormal bone tissue modelling or remodelling caused by alterations in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) recruitment and differentiation. Biological factors produced by OA osteoblasts have been shown to affect chondrocyte function, causing alterations in MSC recruitment/differentiation. One such factor may be transforming growth factor-β1 (TFG-β1). The aim of this review was to discuss the rationale for a new paradigm shift involving TFG-β1 in OA. Conclusion Recent studies have contributed to a shift in researchers’ understanding of OA and the causative events that lead to it.