A cartilage derived novel compound DDP (2,6-dimethyldifuro-8-pyrone): isolation, purification, and identification

Fluorescent biomolecules within cartilage matrix can be used as specific markers of cartilage metabolism. While establishing the protocol to evaluate mature collagen crosslinks in articular cartilage (AC) associated with maturation, aging, and osteoarthritis, chromatographic analysis of the crosslinks also revealed an apparently novel fluorescent peak. Preliminary investigation of this compound (now abbreviated DDP) in various tissues from rabbits, calves, chickens, and humans showed that this compound is AC-specific. We aimed to isolate, purify, and identify this fluorescent compound.

Fully encapsulated, bovine metacarpophalangeal joints (n = 350, age < 2 years) were used as the source for AC. DDP was isolated and purified by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography, and its elution was monitored using a fluorescence detector at excitation lambda = 306 nm, and emission lambda = 395 nm. The liquid phase of DDP was characterized by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. DDP solution (5.7 microg/microl) was crystallized in 100% deuterated methanol and the DDP crystal was characterized by single crystal x-ray diffraction.

From bulk preparations, 12 pg (58 nmol) per gram dried AC of the novel compound was isolated and purified. Analytical techniques to identify this AC-specific compound, 2,6-dimethyldifuro-8-pyrone, corroborate and confirm its molecular structure and atomic connectivity in both liquid and solid phase. DDP is a symmetrical aromatic compound with molecular weight 204, molecular forrmula C11H8O4, and a molar extinction coefficient 4,700 M(-1) at maximal UV absorption (lambda = 306 nm).

2,6-dimethyldifuro-8-pyrone (DDP) is a novel cartilage-specific compound that could have potential application as a unique biochemical marker in joint diseases involving articular cartilage degradation.