A treatment that blocks an age-related protein restored cartilage in aging and injured joints by reprogramming existing cells rather than using stem cells. Researchers at Stanford Medicine report that blocking a protein linked to aging can restore cartilage that naturally wears away in the knees

In mice (of course) and human tissue exvivo. Earlier phase 1 studies with 15-PGDH has shown that it is safe and active in healthy volunteers.

Reference: “Inhibition of 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase promotes cartilage regeneration” by Mamta Singla, Yu Xin Wang, Elena Monti, Yudhishtar Bedi, Pranay Agarwal, Shiqi Su, Sara Ancel, Maiko Hermsmeier, Nitya Devisetti, Akshay Pandey, Mohsen Afshar Bakooshli, Adelaida R. Palla, Stuart Goodman, Helen M Blau and Nidhi Bhutani, 27 November 2025, Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adx6649

  • SocialMediaRefugee@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    2 days ago

    The question is “Does 15-PGDH do something beneficial and would suppressing it have serious side effects?”

    I found this:

    15-HPGD has an unappreciated role in the maintenance of pregnancy. In mice, 15-HPDG has been shown to have essential roles in prevention of early termination of pregnancy and maternal morbidity. In 15-HPGD knockout mice, early pregnancy termination was detected.

    So any 15-HPGD treatment would have to be done with careful consideration of woman of reproductive age.

    • Taleya@aussie.zoneEnglish
      31·
      2 days ago

      reproductive urge, you mean.

      Plenty of women with the equipment and no intention of using it.

      • angrystego@lemmy.worldEnglish
        4·
        2 days ago

        Well, that’s part of what you’d have to consider. The reply didn’t state it would be contraindicated in reproductive age, just that it shouldn’t be applied without consideration.