Aggrecanases and aggrecanase-generated fragments in the human intervertebral disc at early and advanced stages of disc degeneration.

摘要: STUDY DESIGN A comparative study of aggrecanases and aggrecan fragmentation profile in the human intervertebral disc at early advanced stages degeneration. OBJECTIVE To determine differences content degeneration using cadaveric discs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Aggrecanases aggrecanase-generated fragments have been found degenerated However, association between grade has not well studied. METHODS total 108 donor spines were assessed by MRI T2 imaging graded based on Thompson scale. Twelve (average age, 63 years), each specifically exhibiting 2 different (Grade Grade 4) levels, included this study. After harvesting preselected discs, tissue samples obtained from center nucleus pulposus (NP) middle zone anulus fibrosus (AF). The amount aggrecanases, ADAMTS-4 ADAMTS-5, pattern isolated tissues western blot specific antibodies. RESULTS In both NP AF tissues, detected was higher with a level than lower ADAMTS-5 did differ grades. analysis these demonstrated presence aggrecanase-mediated groups; however, there no apparent difference discs CONCLUSION are involved aggrecanolysis demonstrates involvement as that matrix metalloproteinases and/or cathepsins, during