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  • Review Article
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Pathophysiology of articular chondrocalcinosis—role of ANKH

Nature Reviews Rheumatology volume 7, pages 96–104 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

Calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal deposition (CPPD) is associated with ageing and osteoarthritis, and with uncommon disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia, hemochromatosis and hypophosphatasia. Elevated levels of synovial fluid pyrophosphate promote CPP crystal formation. This extracellular pyrophosphate originates either from the breakdown of nucleotide triphosphates by plasma-cell membrane glycoprotein 1 (PC-1) or from pyrophosphate transport by the transmembrane protein progressive ankylosis protein homolog (ANK). Although the etiology of apparent sporadic CPPD is not well-established, mutations in the ANK human gene (ANKH) have been shown to cause familial CPPD. In this Review, the key regulators of pyrophosphate metabolism and factors that lead to high extracellular pyrophosphate levels are described. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanisms by which mutations in ANKH cause CPPD and the clinical phenotype of these mutations is discussed. Cartilage factors predisposing to CPPD and CPP-crystal-induced inflammation and current treatment options for the management of CPPD are also described.

Key Points

  • Calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal deposition (CPPD) is associated with ageing, osteoarthritis, hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism and hypomagnesemia

  • High levels of extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) facilitates CPP crystal formation

  • Progressive ankylosis protein homolog (ANK), a transmembrane PPi transporter, and plasma-cell membrane glycoprotein 1 (PC-1) generate extracellular PPi

  • Mutations in ANKH lead to familial CPPD

  • Methotrexate and/or hydroxychloroquine, and interleukin-1 antagonists might be treatment options for chronic CPP crystal inflammatory arthritis and resistant acute CPP crystal arthritis, respectively

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Figure 1: An outline of ePPi metabolism.
Figure 2: Role of mouse progressive ankylosis protein and human ANK in pathologic crystal formation in joints.

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  1. Division of Academic Rheumatology, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK

    Abhishek Abhishek & Michael Doherty

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A. Abhishek and M. Doherty contributed equally to researching data for the article, providing a substantial contribution to discussions of the content, writing the article, and to review and/or editing of the manuscript before submission.

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Abhishek, A., Doherty, M. Pathophysiology of articular chondrocalcinosis—role of ANKH. Nat Rev Rheumatol 7, 96–104 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2010.182

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