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Purpose <p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide and a leading cause of chronic pain and disability, particularly in aging populations. Its multifactorial pathophysiology involves cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, synovial inflammation, and altered chondrocyte metabolism driven by inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and matrix-degrading enzymes. This review aims to summarize the principal experimental animal models of OA and evaluate their translational relevance.</p> Method <p>A structured analysis of experimental OA models was conducted, focusing on key criteria of an ideal model, including reproducibility, similarity to human pathology, and appropriate disease progression. Species selection was evaluated based on anatomical, biomechanical, genetic, and practical considerations. Models were classified into in vivo models, subdivided into primary OA models (spontaneous and genetically modified) and secondary OA models (surgical/mechanical instability and chemical induction), as well as ex vivo models.</p> Results <p>Each model category presents distinct advantages and limitations in terms of disease induction, progression, and translational relevance. Secondary (induced) models allow controlled initiation and rapid progression of OA, whereas primary models better reproduce the natural course of the disease. Ex vivo systems provide valuable mechanistic insights but lack systemic and biomechanical complexity. Interspecies differences in joint structure and biomechanics further influence translational applicability.</p> Conclusion <p>Understanding the strengths and limitations of each experimental approach is essential for selecting the most appropriate model for a given research objective. Optimizing the use of animal models may enhance the translational value of preclinical studies and facilitate the development of effective OA therapies.</p> Lay Summary <p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of joint pain and disability worldwide. Because studying the disease directly in humans is limited, researchers rely on animal models to investigate its mechanisms and evaluate potential treatments. This review highlights the main experimental animal models of OA, their induction methods, and their relevance to human disease, providing guidance for selecting appropriate models in future research.</p>

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Experimental Animal Models of Osteoarthritis: Characteristics, Induction Methods and Translational Relevance

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月18日

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  • Najah Elmounedi,
  • Zoubaier Ellouz,
  • Hassib Keskes

摘要

Purpose

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide and a leading cause of chronic pain and disability, particularly in aging populations. Its multifactorial pathophysiology involves cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, synovial inflammation, and altered chondrocyte metabolism driven by inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and matrix-degrading enzymes. This review aims to summarize the principal experimental animal models of OA and evaluate their translational relevance.

Method

A structured analysis of experimental OA models was conducted, focusing on key criteria of an ideal model, including reproducibility, similarity to human pathology, and appropriate disease progression. Species selection was evaluated based on anatomical, biomechanical, genetic, and practical considerations. Models were classified into in vivo models, subdivided into primary OA models (spontaneous and genetically modified) and secondary OA models (surgical/mechanical instability and chemical induction), as well as ex vivo models.

Results

Each model category presents distinct advantages and limitations in terms of disease induction, progression, and translational relevance. Secondary (induced) models allow controlled initiation and rapid progression of OA, whereas primary models better reproduce the natural course of the disease. Ex vivo systems provide valuable mechanistic insights but lack systemic and biomechanical complexity. Interspecies differences in joint structure and biomechanics further influence translational applicability.

Conclusion

Understanding the strengths and limitations of each experimental approach is essential for selecting the most appropriate model for a given research objective. Optimizing the use of animal models may enhance the translational value of preclinical studies and facilitate the development of effective OA therapies.

Lay Summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of joint pain and disability worldwide. Because studying the disease directly in humans is limited, researchers rely on animal models to investigate its mechanisms and evaluate potential treatments. This review highlights the main experimental animal models of OA, their induction methods, and their relevance to human disease, providing guidance for selecting appropriate models in future research.