Expression of natural peptide antibiotics in human articular cartilage and synovial membrane.
In view of frequent present use of invasive procedures on limb joints, it is astonishing that articular joint inflammation is a rare event. We questioned whether antimicrobial peptides play a role in protecting human articular cartilage and synovial membrane against inflammatory agents. Our results implicate defensins in the protection of human articular joints against pathogens.
Paulsen
F
F
Department of Anatomy, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, 24098 Kiel, Germany. fpaulsen@anat.uni-kiel.de
Pufe
T
T
Petersen
W
W
Tillmann
B
B
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000096:biosynthesis
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; C406407:DEFB1 protein, human; D023083:beta-Defensins