Is There Any Role of Zinc and Copper in Severity and Progression of Osteoarthritis? A Review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of the aging population, with an incidence of more than 250 million affected people and annual treatment costs exceeding $80 billion. Osteoarthritis involves pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and swelling of the joints due to cartilage wear and tear and inflammation, which results in a broad system affecting the joints. This review focuses on the relationship between zinc and copper and the effects of these minerals on osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that currently affects millions of people and is characterized by the degradation of joint cartilage and inflammation. Zinc is crucial to the development of healthy cells, including cartilage, and copper keeps cartilage in balance and improves the immune response. If these elements are imbalanced, then symptoms of osteoarthritis may worsen, and studies have revealed that people with osteoarthritis exhibit increased levels of copper, which is the active factor in inflammation and cartilage breakdown. In osteoarthritis patients, the level of zinc is decreased, yet it plays an important role in bone and cartilage formation. Zinc and copper are interrelated because zinc has antioxidant properties, while copper might have a detrimental effect on cell injury. More investigations must be conducted on the therapeutic aspects of these processes and on how to improve the treatment of osteoarthritis. Knowledge of these relationships could allow for enhanced diagnosis, proper treatment, and therapy for people with osteoarthritis, hence enhancing quality of life.