Psycnodysostosis is a kind of a genetic disease characterised by short physique and that opens a window into how the joints could be destroyed by arthritis. Such a condition is caused by an enzyme called “Cathepsin K” that hampers the cells that break down the bones into bone modelling and repair; this further leads to bone resorption as well as brittle bones.
Cathepsin K has been studied largely using mouse pointers to study its role in bone metabolism. However, a new study observes its role in bone resorption in humans and concludes that it’s not required for bone break down.
The study took place in the Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland and it involved a 55 year old patient suffering from Psycnodysostosis and also developed psoriatic arthritis(which is similar to psoriasis – a kind of a skin and nail disease).
In the view of the fact that the patient lacked the Cathepsin K because of her condition, the researchers concluded that this would further protect her from bone erosions in the hands and the feet.
Extensive blood analysis was conducted to examine the enzymes that are responsible for breaking down proteins. This causes bone degradation and cellular mechanisms of bone resorption.
