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Age related changes in the concentration of serum keratan sulphate in children
E J Thonar1, L M Pachman, M E Lenz
1Department of Biochemistry, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Insights
Serum keratan sulphate levels in children reveal significant cartilage changes during growth. These measurements may help monitor growth and endochondral ossification.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Keratan sulphate is a key molecule predominantly found in cartilage.
- Understanding its concentration in serum can provide insights into cartilage metabolism.
- Childhood and adolescence involve significant skeletal development and maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine serum keratan sulphate concentrations in children.
- To analyze the changes in serum keratan sulphate during childhood and adolescence.
- To explore the potential utility of serum keratan sulphate as a biomarker for growth and ossification.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 155 children undergoing elective surgery.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum keratan sulphate.
- Concentrations were analyzed based on age, disease category, sex, and race.
Main Results:
- Serum keratan sulphate concentrations increased from birth to age 12, peaking around 500 micrograms/l.
- A marked decrease was observed after age 12, with levels continuing to fall towards adult concentrations.
- No significant differences were found based on disease category, sex, or race, but inter-individual variation was noted.
Conclusions:
- Human cartilage undergoes substantial metabolic changes during maturation.
- Serum keratan sulphate levels reflect these developmental changes.
- Measurements may be valuable for studying cartilage biochemistry, growth, and endochondral ossification.
Abstract:
Serum was obtained from 155 children at the time of admission to hospital for elective surgery. The concentration of serum keratan sulphate was determined by an ELISA which uses an antibody specific for keratan sulphate, a molecule found predominantly in cartilage. Concentrations of keratan sulphate rise progressively during the first four years of life (0-2: mean = 357 micrograms/l; 2-4: mean = 422 micrograms/l) and then remain high until 12 years of age (mean = approx. 500 micrograms/l). At this time, concentrations drop markedly (13-year olds: mean = 377 micrograms/l; 14-year olds: mean = 318 micrograms/l). After age 15, concentrations continue to fall toward the concentrations found in normal adults. Serum concentrations did not show significant differences with respect to disease category, sex or race but were found to vary, sometimes markedly, from child to child at any one age. The results suggest human cartilage undergoes significant changes in metabolic activities during maturation. Measurements of keratan sulphate concentration in serum may prove useful in studying the biochemical and physiological bases of these changes and in monitoring growth or endochondral ossification during maturation.