Increased collagen and aggrecan degradation with age in the joints of Timp3−/− mice

摘要: Objective To investigate the in vivo effect of an imbalance between metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), mouse articular cartilage. Methods Hind joints Timp3−/− wild-type mice were examined by routine staining immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies specific for type X collagen neoepitopes produced on proteolytic cleavage aggrecan (… VDIPEN … NVTEGE) II collagen. The neoepitope generated collagenases was quantitated sera enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Articular cartilage from Timp3-knockout animals (ages ≥6 months) showed reduced Safranin O increase …VDIPEN content compared with heterozygous animals. There also a slight NVTEGE menisci Chondrocytes strong pericellular neoepitopes, particularly superficial layer, knockout mice. Also, there more expression zone cartilage, especially around clusters proliferating chondrocytes, More product found serum This significant 15-month-old animals. Conclusion These results indicate that TIMP-3 deficiency mild degradation similar to changes seen patients osteoarthritis, suggesting may play pathophysiologic role development this disease.