Animal models of osteoarthritis: the benefits and costs of reducing variability

[摘要] Induced and naturally occurring animalmodels of disease are a cornerstone of mechanistic discovery and therapeutic development research across the spectrum ofmedical disciplines.1,2 The musculoskeletalsystem and associated orthopaedic and rheumatological conditions such as osteoarthritis(OA) are no exception.3-6 Studying animalphysiology and disease pathophysiology toinform human health, so-called ‘comparative medicine’ has been practised for over2,000 years.1,2 The concept of animal welfareand legislated regulation of animal use inresearch, on the other hand, did not reallyemerge until the mid-to-late 19th century withthe passing of the Cruelty to Animals Act inthe UK (1876), followed nearly 100 years laterby the Animal Welfare Act in the USA (1966).2At about the same time as the USA Act, theconcept of ‘animal ethics’ developed, andthe “3R’s” of animal research (Refinement,Reduction, Replacement) were conceivedand published.7 In the 60 years since, legislation, mandated guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of animals in research,and national, state, and/or institutionalanimal ethics committees with oversight andgovernance powers have been developedand introduced worldwide, and continue toevolve.

[学科分类] 骨科学

[关键词] Osteoarthritis;Animal model;Refinement;Animal models;osteoarthritis (OA);joint injuries;microscopy;preclinical models;pathophysiology;synovitis;cartilage;anatomical structures;joint reconstruction