Aggrecanase-selective tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) protects articular cartilage in a surgical mouse model of osteoarthritis

A key feature of osteoarthritis is the gradual loss of articular cartilage and bone deformation, resulting in the impairment of joint function. The primary cause of cartilage destruction is considered to be the presence of elevated proteases, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs). However, clinically tested global MMP inhibitors have low efficacy that may be due to...