The Impact of Nicotine Use on Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic musculoskeletal disorder [1]. It is caused by chondrocytes' inability to maintain homeostasis between the synthesis and degradation of these extracellular matrix components [2]. The exact etiology of this imbalance is not known. Trauma leading to microfractures or inflammation can cause the formation of "wear" particles. When these particles accumulate, they start acting as inflammatory mediators that induce chondrocytes to produce degradative enzymes [3]. There is a growing interest in identifying factors, one of which is nicotine, that may predispose, exacerbate, or influence the course of osteoarthritis.