Nine To Noon Discovery offers hope for osteoarthritis sufferers
Nov 11, 2025
Raewyn Poulsen, a pharmacology researcher at the University of Auckland, discusses her groundbreaking findings on how male and female cells respond differently to osteoarthritis. She reveals that male cells focus on tissue renewal while female cells opt for a protective strategy during joint stress. Poulsen argues that menopause isn’t the sole instigator of osteoarthritis in women. Her insights pave the way for tailored treatments that could leverage these sex-specific responses, offering new hope for many sufferers.
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Sex Differences In Cellular Responses
- Male and female joint cells adopt fundamentally different strategies when under stress from osteoarthritis.
- This discovery reveals sex-specific tissue responses that can guide tailored treatments.
Renew Versus Preserve Strategies
- Male cells prioritise renewing cartilage while female cells prioritise protecting existing tissue.
- The differing strategies change how each sex might succeed or struggle to repair joint damage.
Cartilage Repair Is Slow And Hard
- Cartilage is slow to regenerate and repairing it while joints remain in use is extremely difficult.
- This may explain why preservative strategies in women could be more effective than attempting continual renewal.