Apoptotic death of articular chondrocytes has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
osteoarthritis (OA). Apoptotic pathways in chondrocytes are multi-faceted, although some
cascades appear to play a greater in vivo role than others. Various catabolic processes are
linked to apoptosis in OA cartilage, contributing to the reduction in cartilage integrity. Recent
studies suggest that β1-integrin mediated cell–matrix interactions provide survival signals for
chondrocytes. The loss of such interactions and the inability to respond to IGF-1 stimulation …