Cartilage and mechanical stress from the point of the view of development, growth, pathology and therapeutic aspects

Articular cartilage is always subjected to various types, magnitudes and cycles of mechanical stress. While it has been recognized that these stresses regulate the chondrocyte growth and differentiation, the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we summarize the effect of mechanical stress on cartilage metabolism from the point of view of development, growth, pathology and therapeutic aspect.