title: [Cartilage and collagenases].
abstract: The articular cartilage is frequently destroyed in rheumatic diseases. Among the various responsible factors, enzymes and especially collagenases play a leading role. Their action explains the collagen degradation linked with cartilage destruction. The author recalls the origin, mechanism of action of the articular collagenases and discusses their role in the articular cartilage degradation in rheumatic diseases.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D003095:Collagen Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000201:enzymology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000201:enzymology; D003012:Microbial Collagenase / Q000502:physiology*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000201:enzymology; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D003012:Microbial Collagenase
vernacular_title: Cartilage et collagénases.