PHARMACOGENOMIC DETERMINANTS OF TREATMENT RESPONSE IN OSTEOARTHRITIS: THE ROLE OF ABCB1 (MDR1) GENE POLYMORPHISMS IN PERSONALIZING DISEASE-MODIFYING THERAPY

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent chronic joint disorder worldwide and a leading cause of pain, functional limitation, and disability among adults and elderly populations. Traditionally considered a degenerative disease driven primarily by mechanical wear and tear, osteoarthritis is now recognized as a complex, multifactorial condition involving low-grade inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, genetic susceptibility, and alterations in subchondral bone remodeling. The global burden of osteoarthritis continues to rise due to aging populations, increasing obesity rates, and sedentary lifestyles. Despite advances in symptomatic management, many patients experience persistent pain, progressive structural damage, and substantial deterioration in quality of life.