Moderate physical activity protects cartilage tissue from destruction

Moderate physical activity can trigger processes in the body that protect cartilage tissue from age-related destruction. Scientists have found that after training, the composition of special particles in the blood that carry molecular signals between cells changes. The study results were published in the journal Nature Aging (NA).

Osteoarthritis often develops with age and is accompanied by gradual destruction of cartilage, pain and decreased joint mobility. Physical exercise has long been recommended for the prevention and treatment of the disease, but the mechanism of its protective effect has remained incompletely understood.

The scientists focused on extracellular vesicles, microscopic particles that cells secrete into the blood to carry various molecules. In the study, older adults performed moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for three months. A blood test showed that after training the contents of these particles changed.

Particular attention of researchers was attracted by microRNA-29, the amount of which in extracellular vesicles increased after physical exercise. In experiments, it helped aging cartilage cells acquire more “youthful” characteristics and reduced signs of joint destruction.

The extracellular vesicles obtained after training also improved the condition of the cells and tissues of the knee joint. Thus, physical activity can protect joints not only by strengthening muscles and improving mobility, but also directly trigger the molecular processes of cartilage tissue repair.