In vivo model of cartilage degradation - effects of a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor
Article Abstract:
An animal model that measures the effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors on cartilage may be helpful in testing possible treatments for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. MMP inhibitors are chemicals that play a role in preventing the erosion of proteins in cartilage. Researchers implanted cotton-wrapped cartilage from donor rats and a mini-pump that delivered either MMP inhibitors or a placebo into recipient rats. They killed the rats and analyzed the implanted cartilage for the effect of MMP on protein production and collagen erosion. There was a 74% reduction in protein production in the non-calcified portion of the implanted cartilage 11 days after implantation with an additional loss of collagen 3 days later, but there was no significant change in weight. The injection of the most potent MMP inhibitor selectively reversed this erosion of collagen by 65% and protein production by 51% in the non-calcified portions of the implanted cartilage as compared to placebo.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Immunohistochemical demonstration of fibronectin in the most superficial layer of normal rabbit articular cartilage
Article Abstract:
Fibronectin on the surface of cartilage cells in joints may serve to protect and lubricate joints. Disruption of the protective function of fibronectin may lead to cartilage destruction as seen in arthritis. Researchers analyzed cartilage from the hip joints of seven adult rabbits and found that fibronectin covered the superficial layer of joint cartilage. They speculated that fibronectin may lubricate and protect joint cartilage by combining with hyaluronic acid in joint fluid. Loss of fibronectin covering joint cartilage may lead to cartilage breakdown. High levels of fibronectin in the joints of patients with arthritis may result from injured cartilage cells overproducing fibronectin in an attempt to reduce friction imposed on the joint.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Increased vulnerability of postarthritic cartilage to a second arthritic insult: accelerated MMP activity in a flare up of arthritis
Article Abstract:
Recurring inflammatory flareups of antigen induced arthritis (AIA) correspond with notable depletion of proteoglycan (PG) and simultaneous accelerated expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs). This gives added insight to the processes of the destruction of joint cartilage which is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. AIA was induced in mice, generating an arthritic flareup. MMP levels and activity were carefully monitored along with PG levels. The process also seems accompanied by increased levels of latent enzyme.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1999
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