Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) is a skeletal dysplasia characterized by disproportionate short stature, small hands and feet, abnormal joints and early onset osteoarthritis. PSACH is caused by mutations in thrombospondin-5 (TSP-5, also known as cartilage oligomeric matrix protein or COMP), a pentameric extracellular matrix protein primarily expressed in chondrocytes and musculoskeletal tissues. T...

BACKGROUND The mechanism by which mutant cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) induces a pseudoachondroplasia phenotype remains unknown, and the reason why a mutation of a minor protein of the growth plate cartilage causes total disruption of endochondral bone formation has not yet been determined. The current study was performed to investigate the effects of mutated COMP on the synthesis ...

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein/thrombospondin 5 (COMP/TSP5) is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the musculoskeletal system. Its importance is underscored by its association with several growth disorders. In this report, we investigated its interaction with aggrecan, a major component of cartilage ECM. We also tested a COMP/TSP5 mutant, designated MUT3 that accounts fo...

We investigated the expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in normal and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts. In situ hybridization (ISH) was conducted on synovial specimens from five RA patients applying specific probes for COMP or fibroblast collagen type I. ISH was combined with immunohistochemistry, applying antibodies to the macrophage marker CD68. Ribonuclease...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential effects of a 308-km ultra-marathon on bone and cartilage biomarkers. METHOD Venous blood samples were collected at pre-race, 100 km, 200 km, and 308 km checkpoints. The following markers of cartilage damage and bone metabolism were studied: osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and calcium, phosphorous, and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). R...

INTRODUCTION Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a major non-collagenous component of cartilage. Earlier, we developed a new mouse model for rheumatoid arthritis using COMP. This study was undertaken to investigate the epitope specificity and immunopathogenicity of COMP-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). METHODS B cell immunodominant regions on the COMP molecule were measured wi...

BACKGROUND Joint immobilisation improves the therapeutic effect of intra-articular glucocorticoid injection for knee synovitis. This may be due to retarded steroid resorption by immobilisation, a procedure that also could influence cartilage and bone metabolism. OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in cartilage and bone turnover after intra-articular glucocorticoid treatment for knee synovitis with ...

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of the disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) leflunomide on the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-1 (collagenase) and the activity of MMP-9 that are believed to play a major role in cartilage destruction associated with inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Serum concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP...