To review the progress of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 4 (ADAMTS-4) and ADAMTS-5 in osteoarthritis.
Recent literature about the ADAMTS-4 and -5 in osteoarthritis was analyzed; the structure, function, inhibitors of the ADAMTS-4 and -5, and the relationship between the proteases and osteoarthritis were analyzed and summarized.
ADAMTS-4 and -5 can reduce chondrocyte and extracellular matrix by degrading aggrecan and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, which induced the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
ADAMTS-4 and -5 have been demonstrated to play important roles in osteoarthritis. It can better guide treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis to further study related mechanism of ADAMTS-4 and -5, and to promote the establishment of a clinical drug targets.