Article: Mast cells crucial to causing osteoarthritis

[rebekahc]

https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2019/05/mast-cells-crucial-to-causing-osteoarthritis.html?fbclid=IwAR2oaS4GXSOY_QUwU0_bFyXqxxOzBk1--_52GyhIkNQ49_i4MAqPsQ8earY

Short excerpt:

Mast cells are best known as the culprits that produce the histamine and other molecules responsible for allergic symptoms, ranging from the itch of eczema to the mucous explosions of hay fever to the throat constriction of asthma or food-triggered anaphylaxis. But mast cells also produce a degradative protein, tryptase, that can rip up collagens and other molecules that form the cartilage in joints.

[GoingNuts]

Very interesting. My BFF always complains of achy joints when her allergies are bad. Her allergist blew her off. 

[rebekahc]

It could explain why I have way more osteoarthritis than would be expected for my age. Just another reason to aggressively prevent allergic reactions, I guess.

[GoingNuts]

Same here. And rather than having it in one or two places, I have it everywhere, especially my neck and spine. Heck, I've already had a joint replacement in my hand.