Chapter 29 - Applications in medicine: joint health

Abstract

Rheumatic and joint diseases are among the most widespread pathologies associated with pain and cause a great impact in society across the globe. Given the continuing rise in life expectancy, their prevalence is destined to grow. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is on its way to becoming the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020. Accompanying osteoarthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic systemic disease that often causes pain and deformity. The joint function involves several processes and understanding the mechanism of action of the joint disease process (proliferation, degradation, regeneration, and infection) is important for the diagnostic, prophylaxis, and treatment. These mechanisms are associated with active peptides that are involved in almost all physiological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, inflammatory processes, and immune regulation. Therefore the study of bioactive peptides as biological markers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of joint diseases has a very important research ahead. In this context, the present chapter will highlight the importance of bioactive peptides in joint health, underline peptides natural sources, their mechanisms of action, and their potential applications on joint diseases.