Study links arthritis and high cholesterol

High cholesterol levels could be the cause of crippling arthritis, according to the latest research.

Too much cholesterol has long been known to increase chances of heart disease, certain cancers and lead to heart problems.

But a new study suggests that high cholesterol may also put additional stress on the cartilage between bones, ultimately leading to osteoarthritis.

The researchers used two groups of rodents for the study: one with an altered gene that made the animal hypercholesteremic and one without.

Rats and mice reared on a high-cholesterol diet and later given surgery designed to mimic knee injuries in people with osteoarthritis showed more severe development of the condition than those fed a normal diet.

Doctor Indira Prasadam, from the Queensland University of Technology, said: “High cholesterol levels trigger mitochondrial oxidative stress on cartilage cells, causing them to die, and ultimately leading to the development of osteoarthritis.

“Our team has already begun working alongside dietitians to try to educate the public about healthy eating and how to keep cholesterol levels at a manageable level that won’t damage joints.”