Increased physical activity severely induces osteoarthritic changes in knee joints with papain induced sulfate-glycosaminoglycan depleted cartilage
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Siebelt, Michiel; Groen, Harald; Koelewijn, Stuart; de Blois, Erik; Sandker, Marjan; Waarsing, Jan; M?ller, Cristina; van Osch, Gerjo; de Jong, Marion; Weinans, Harrie
- Source
- Arthritis Research & Therapy (formerly Arthritis Research); February 2014, Vol. 16 Issue: 1 pR32-R32, 1p
- Subject
- Language
- ISSN
- 14786354; 14786362
Articular cartilage needs sulfated-glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) to withstand high pressures while mechanically loaded. Chondrocyte sGAG synthesis is regulated by exposure to compressive forces. Moderate physical exercise is known to improve cartilage sGAG content and might protect against osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated whether rat knee joints with sGAG depleted articular cartilage through papain injections might benefit from moderate exercise, or whether this increases the susceptibility for cartilage degeneration.