KU Leuven Study Reveals IGF1’s Impact on Osteoarthritis and Suggests New Treatment Approaches

Osteoarthritis affects more than 500 million people worldwide and is a major cause of chronic pain and loss of mobility. Researchers from KU Leuven discovered that the protein IGF1 is a driving factor behind joint damage in osteoarthritis patients. These results offer hope for the development of new treatments that go beyond just treating symptoms. The full study was published in Nature Communications .

Surprising role of IGF1

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Led by professors Silvia Monteagudo and Rik Lories from the Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre , the team investigated which proteins contribute to this breakdown. They discovered that an increased amount of the protein IGF1 in cartilage cells accelerates joint damage.

This finding was unexpected, as IGF1 is usually associated with repair processes. It highlights the complexity of the mechanisms behind osteoarthritis and opens a new avenue for research into new treatments that not only combat the symptoms but also address the cause.

^{Professor of rheumatology Rik Lories}

Blocking IGF1 to protect joints

By specifically removing IGF1 in mouse models, the researchers were able to significantly reduce cartilage damage. This offers a promising starting point for new therapies. “A treatment that affects the IGF1 axis could therefore slow or even stop the progression of osteoarthritis. This could have a huge impact on how we approach this disease,” says research professor Silvia Monteagudo.

The KU Leuven team is now working on developing IGF1 inhibitors to translate the findings further into preclinical studies. Although further testing is needed, the results indicate that blocking IGF1 could help patients maintain their joint health and potentially avoid joint replacement surgery.

“Our goal is to provide patients with real solutions that address the disease itself, not just the symptoms,” Lories said. “This breakthrough is a significant step toward that goal.

Professor Rik Lories