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Cartilage derived proteoglycans in body fluids of children. Inverse correlation with age
Insights
Proteoglycan levels in joint fluid and blood decrease with age in children, indicating changes in cartilage metabolism. This finding suggests proteoglycans can track these age-related metabolic shifts.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Proteoglycans in synovial fluid (SF) are sensitive indicators of cartilage metabolism in arthritis.
- Understanding age-related changes in cartilage metabolism is crucial for pediatric rheumatology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine proteoglycan concentrations in serum and SF of children with juvenile chronic arthritis.
- To compare these levels with those in healthy children.
- To investigate the relationship between proteoglycan levels and growth.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure proteoglycan concentrations.
- Samples were collected from 23 patients with juvenile chronic arthritis and 30 healthy children.
- Serum and SF samples were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Proteoglycan concentrations decreased with age in both patient and healthy groups, with the most significant changes observed between ages 12-13.
- Serum proteoglycan levels were higher in healthy children compared to those with juvenile chronic arthritis.
- A trend towards diminished release of proteoglycans into SF and blood was observed with increasing age up to 20 years.
Conclusions:
- Articular cartilage undergoes age-related metabolic changes, leading to reduced proteoglycan release.
- Proteoglycan measurement is a valuable tool for studying age-related cartilage metabolism in children.
- These findings have implications for monitoring joint health in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
We have previously shown synovial fluid (SF) proteoglycan concentrations to be sensitive markers of altered cartilage metabolism in arthritis. We determined the proteoglycan concentrations in sera and SF from 23 patients with juvenile chronic arthritis and in sera from 30 healthy children by a specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In both groups of children, decreasing concentrations of proteoglycans were seen during growth. Changes were most marked at the age of 12-13. The serum levels were higher in the healthy children. Our results suggest an age related metabolic change of articular cartilage, resulting in diminished release of proteoglycans to SF and blood with growing age up to 20 years. Measurement of proteoglycans could be a useful tool for studying this process.