GAG is a kind of polysaccharide, which together with collagen type II forms the main components of the cartilage matrix.
The extracellular matrix composition and gene expression pattern analysis of chondroblastoma shows that type II collagen, which is the main component of all cartilage matrix, is not expressed by chondroblastoma cells and is not deposited into the extracellular tumor matrix.
These studies focused on only the mechanical properties and histological findings of the main components of the cartilage matrix, such as glycosaminoglycan and collagen, in regions covered and uncovered by menisci.
Hyaluronic acid, another widely represented cartilage matrix element, is the main component of Hyalograft C, introduced into clinical practice in 1999.
Articular chondrocyte proliferation, expression of hypertrophy markers, and remodeling of the cartilage matrix by proteases are among the main characteristics of osteoarthritis [ 1].
Our first focus in looking at chondrocyte gene expression is always linked to the main function of this cell type, the preservation and turnover of the cartilage matrix.
An enhanced production of matrix components at the transcriptional and translational levels has also been demonstrated for other molecules with known functions within the matrix framework, such as decorin and biglycan [ 33] or perlecan [ 41], whereas the main cartilage collagen, collagen type II, has been shown to be downregulated [ 42].
Absence of proteoglycan core protein in cartilage from the cmd/cmd (cartilage matrix deficiency) mouse.
Aging and osteoarthritis: the role of chondrocyte senescence and aging changes in the cartilage matrix.
Further, an area of increased cartilage T2 relaxation time (solid green arrow), indicative of early cartilage matrix degradation is seen in the adjacent cartilage.
