Related Experiment Videos
Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 activity in bovine synovial fluids
M Arican1, A R Coughlan, P D Clegg
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Selçuk, Konya, Turkey.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes found in connective tissues and thought to be involved in cartilage degradation. They are detectable in bovine synovial fluid and may play a destructive role in bovine septic arthritis. The MMP gelatinase enzymes were detected by gelatin zymography using image analysis of the gels. The active gelatinase levels were determined by a gelatin degradation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Increased concentrations of MMP-9 activity were found in the synovial fluids of cows with septic arthritis (P < 0.001) in comparison with fluids from normal joints. Using the gelatin degradation ELISA the net active gelatinases were measured, and significant increases were found in gelatinase bioactivities in synovial fluids from septic joint disease cases (P < 0.001). Increased concentrations of MMP-2 activity were found in the synovial fluids of cows with aseptic arthritis, which appeared to be playing an important role in degradation of articular cartilage in joint disease. This finding required further investigation.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in cartilage breakdown. Elevated MMP-9 levels in bovine synovial fluid indicate a role in septic arthritis, while increased MMP-2 suggests involvement in aseptic arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Enzymology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes implicated in connective tissue and cartilage degradation.
- MMPs are present in bovine synovial fluid and may contribute to joint disease pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MMP gelatinase enzymes in bovine septic and aseptic arthritis.
- To quantify MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity in synovial fluid from affected joints.
Main Methods:
- Gelatin zymography with image analysis was used to detect MMP gelatinase enzymes.
- A gelatin degradation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured active gelatinase levels.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased concentrations of MMP-9 activity were observed in synovial fluid from cows with septic arthritis compared to normal joints (P < 0.001).
- Elevated gelatinase bioactivities were detected in synovial fluid from septic joint disease cases (P < 0.001).
- Increased MMP-2 activity was found in synovial fluid from cows with aseptic arthritis, suggesting a role in cartilage degradation.
Conclusions:
- MMP-9 plays a significant destructive role in bovine septic arthritis.
- MMP-2 may be important in the degradation of articular cartilage in bovine aseptic arthritis, warranting further investigation.