Impact of sex hormones, insulin, growth factors and peptides on cartilage health and disease

Sex hormones contribute to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) in both sexes. OA is normally not seen in pre-menopausal women, whereas men may develop the disease as early as the 30th year of life. OA also shows increased incidence in association with diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Recent years have seen characterization of essential components of a functional endocrinal network in the articular cartilage comprising not only sex hormones but apparently insulin, growth factors and various peptides as well. In this review, we summarize the latest information regarding the influence of sex hormones, insulin, growth factors and some peptides on healthy cartilage and their involvement in osteoarthritis. Both animal and human research data were considered. The results are presented in an information matrix that identifies what is known, with supporting references, and identifies areas for further investigation.