During the past seven or eight years, researchers have made some new and exciting discoveries about osteoarthritis (骨关节炎), a common and debilitating problem. No longer considered an inevitable consequence of the wear and tear associated with aging, osteoarthritis is now understood to be an active process that progressively damages cartilage (软骨) , the normally resilient (有弹性的) connective tissue cushioning every joint in the body. Osteoarthritis is caused by damaged cartilage that the body cannot properly repair. As we age, our cartilage becomes more prone to damage. When this damage occurs, cells within the cartilage may release mediators (substances that cause local inflammation), along with other cartilage-destroying chemicals. This process of damage upon more damage results in osteoarthritis.
Researchers have been able to identify what puts people at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Age is not necessarily an issue, although the disease is certainly more common in the elderly. Obesity is an overwhelmingly strong risk factor. For those already diagnosed, losing weight has been shown to slow the disease’s progression and substantially ease joint pain. Injury to a bone or joint may make that area more prone to arthritis in the future. For example, ankle fractures and knee surgery are linked to osteoarthritis, as are injuries due to some vigorous contact sports. Repetitive activities such as the movements involved in certain fields of work can contribute to osteoarthritis.
A number of recent studies have emphasized the importance of exercise in reducing pain and maintaining function in people with osteoarthritis. Weight reduction is another key component of treatment. Shoe inserts and knee braces can also relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Although basic pain medications can help, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (布洛芬，一种抗炎、镇痛药) are more effective in relieving pain. However, these drugs carry the risk of kidney damage, high blood pressure, fluid retention and stomach bleeding. Glucosamine sulfate (氨基葡萄糖硫酸盐) is a component of normal joint cartilage. Recent studies have shown that 1,500 mg per day of this medication, available without a prescription, can decrease pain and improve function for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
21. According to the passage, osteoarthritis ________.
A) is inevitably caused by wear and tear due to aging
B) is an active process in which cartilage is damaged abruptly
C) is caused by damaged cartilage that the body cannot properly repair
D) is caused by cells within the cartilage that may release mediators
22. According to this passage, which of the following won’t lead to osteoarthritis?
A) Vigorous contact sports. B) Repetitive activities.
C) Going on a diet. D) Injury to a joint.
23. According to this passage, which of the following is NOT a possible supplementary treatment for osteoarthritis?
A) Losing weight. B) Doing exercise.
C) Using shoe inserts. D) Taking surgeries.
24. Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
A) A New Insight into Osteoarthritis
B) A New Symptom of Osteoarthritis
C) Mysterious Effects of Exercise on Osteoarthritis
D) New Categories of Osteoarthritis
25. What kind of article does this passage NOT belong to?
A) An advertisement for medicine.
B) An introduction to osteoarthritis.
C) A science report from a health agency.
D) A research paper of a professor.
Passage Two
Questions 26 to 30 are based on the following passage.
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