In conjunction with previous findings, the current data substantiate the role of MKP-1 as a protective factor in chondrocytes and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of osteoarthritis, because increased levels of cholesterol and its metabolism by CH25H and CYP7B1 are involved in the pathogenesis of OA, particularly in its obesity-associated phenotype. This evidence concerns the gene DUSP1 and osteoarthritis.