A matrix metalloproteinase-generated aggrecan neoepitope as a marker of skeletal maturation and aging in cartilage.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify the matrix metalloproteinase-induced neoepitope F(M/V)DIPEN (Phe-[Met/Val]-Asp-Ile-Pro-Glu-Asn341) in guinea pig and rabbit cartilage during aging.


METHODS
Cartilage was taken from the stifle joint, nasal septum, and xiphoid process in guinea pigs and rabbits at selected ages. The cartilage was then extracted and evaluated for F(M/V)DIPEN levels by radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
In the 3 tissues studied, there were major increases in F(M/V)DIPEN levels during skeletal maturation and aging in both the guinea pig and rabbit cartilage. Except for spontaneous osteoarthritis that develops in guinea pigs with aging, increases in the neoepitope were not correlated with arthritis pathology.


CONCLUSIONS
Increases in the level of F(M/V)DIPEN in cartilage occur as a result of skeletal maturation and aging. This physiologic accumulation of F(M/V)DIPEN in cartilage should be considered when using the neoepitope as a disease marker in arthritis.
Olszewski
J
J
Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway New Jersey 07065-0900, USA.
McDonnell
J
J
Stevens
K
K
Visco
D
D
Moore
V
V
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002356:Cartilage / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D009300:Nasal Septum; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D013264:Stifle; D014989:Xiphoid Bone
D009842:Oligopeptides