UNDERSTANDING THE CONTRIBUTION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES TO CARTILAGE DAMAGE IN KASHIN-BECK DISEASE

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic osteochondrosis endemic to certain regions, with a particularly high prevalence in eastern Siberia, northeast to southwest China, and North Korea. The disease predominantly affects articular cartilage, epiphyseal cartilage, and epiphyseal plate chondrocytes, leading to irreversible coagulation necrosis and apoptosis. These pathological changes manifest as chondrocyte necrosis, excessive apoptosis, and the degradation of the extracellular matrix, contributing to significant morbidity in affected populations. The etiology of KBD is multifactorial, involving environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies, and potential genetic predispositions, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Understanding the disease's pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Current research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cartilage damage in KBD, aiming to identify potential targets for intervention. This abstract provides an overview of the key pathological features of KBD and highlights the ongoing efforts to unravel the complex interactions that drive its progression