TSG-6 - a double-edged sword for osteoarthritis (OA)

TSG-6 activity is a global inflammatory biomarker in knee OA SF. IαI, supplied from outside cartilage, only penetrates the cartilage surface, restricting TSG-6 activity (HC transfer) to this region. Therefore, unopposed TSG-6 in intermediate and deep regions of OA cartilage could possibly block matrix assembly, leading to futile synthesis and account for increased risk of OA progression.