Synthesis of Collagen Type Ii and Aggrecan in Knee and Ankle Cartilage Lesions

Introduction: Col II and aggrecan are the main structural components of articular cartilage. The C-terminal propeptide of Col II (CP II) is said to be a marker of cartilage collagen synthesis [5], whereas the 846 epitope is used as a marker of aggrecan synthesis [6]. Previous studies have shown collagen and aggrecan degradation to be different in knee and ankle joints [7,8]. The purpose of the present study is to show that the different frequences in osteoarthritis in knee and ankle joints are also reflected by a differential synthesis of Col II and aggrecan.