Synovial matrix metalloproteinase-2 in different stages of sheep temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to test for the presence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in synovial fluid of sheep with experimentally induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthrosis (OA) at various time intervals.


METHODS
Twenty-one sheep were used in this study. TMJ OA was induced bilaterally in 18 sheep and 3 sheep were used as controls. Each experimental group had 3 sheep, and the groups were killed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Synovial fluid was collected at killing, and the joints were evaluated histologically. Gelatin zymography was performed to detect the presence of MMPs in the synovial fluid.


RESULTS
TMJ OA gradually progressed over time. ProMMP-2 was detected in all experimental groups. However, the activated form of MMP-2 was only detected at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Activated MMP-2 activity correlates with initial articular cartilage destruction rather than with the progression of OA in the sheep TMJ.
Miyamoto
Ken
K
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine, Tsukasamachi, Gifu, Japan. kenmiya@cc.gifu-u.ac.jp
Ishimaru
Jun-Ichi
J
Kurita
Kenichi
K
Goss
Alastair N
AN
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D018450:Disease Progression; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000201:enzymology*; D012756:Sheep; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000201:enzymology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000201:enzymology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2