Small molecule therapeutics for inflammation-associated chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases: Past, present and future

Yangwu Chen; Jiayun Huang; Chenqi Tang; Xiao Chen; Zi Yin; Boon Chin Heng; Weishan Chen; Weiliang Shen

doi:10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.07.027

Small molecule therapeutics for inflammation-associated chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases: Past, present and future

Exp Cell Res. 2017 Oct 1;359(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.07.027. Epub 2017 Jul 22.

Authors

Yangwu Chen¹, Jiayun Huang¹, Chenqi Tang¹, Xiao Chen², Zi Yin³, Boon Chin Heng⁴, Weishan Chen⁵, Weiliang Shen⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310009, China; Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang Univerisity, China; Department of Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine (CORMed), Hangzhou, China.
² Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; Department of Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine (CORMed), Hangzhou, China.
³ Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; Department of Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China.
⁴ Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
⁵ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310009, China; Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang Univerisity, China. Electronic address: chenweishan@zju.edu.cn.
⁶ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310009, China; Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang Univerisity, China; Department of Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine (CORMed), Hangzhou, China. Electronic address: wlshen@zju.edu.cn.

PMID: 28739444
DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.07.027

Abstract

Inflammation-associated chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases (ICMDDs) like osteoarthritis and tendinopathy often results in morbidity and disability, with consequent heavy socio-economic burden. Current available therapies such as NSAIDs and glucocorticoid are palliative rather than disease-modifying. Insufficient systematic research data on disease molecular mechanism also makes it difficult to exploit valid therapeutic targets. Small molecules are designed to act on specific signaling pathways and/or mechanisms of cellular physiology and function, and have gradually shown potential for treating ICMDDs. In this review, we would examine and analyze recent developments in small molecule drugs for ICMDDs, suggest possible feasible improvements in treatment modalities, and discuss future research directions.

Keywords: Chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases; Inflammation; Osteoarthritis; Signaling pathways; Small molecule; Tendinopathy.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Chronic Disease
Drug Delivery Systems
Humans
Inflammation / drug therapy*
Musculoskeletal Diseases / drug therapy*
Signal Transduction / drug effects
Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology
Small Molecule Libraries / therapeutic use*

Substances

Small Molecule Libraries