title: Role of cathepsin K in the pathogenesis of degenerative changes in joints.
abstract: Primary osteoarthritis is one of the oldest known joint diseases. The damage to the joint involves all its structures, and leads to considerable discomfort in daily life and limitations on patient activity. Degenerative changes within the joint were described in ancient time, but the mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. Cleavage of collagens in the organic matrix of subchondral bone and cartilage by cysteine proteases, such as cathepsin K, may be one possible mechanism.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Zakład Diagnostyki Laboratoryjnej, Akademia Medyczna im. L. Rydygiera, Bydgoszcz.
authors.forename: Kinga
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lis
authors.forename: Grazyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Odrowaz-Sypniewska