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International journal of molecular sciences2024; 25(12); 6439; doi: 10.3390/ijms25126439

Degradation of Proteoglycans and Collagen in Equine Meniscal Tissues.

Abstract: Investigate meniscal extracellular matrix degradation. Equine menisci ( = 34 from 17 horses) were studied. Site-matched sections were cut and scored from three regions (ROIs; = 102) and stained for histology, proteoglycan (safranin O and fast green), aggrecan, and collagen cleavage (NITEGE, DIPEN, and C1,2C antibodies, respectively). Picrosirius red and second harmonic generation microscopy were performed to investigate collagen ultrastructure. A total of 42 ROIs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The median (range) ROI histological score was 3 (0-9), providing a large spectrum of pathology. The median (range) proteoglycan score was 1 (0-3), representing superficial and central meniscal loss. The median (range) of DIPEN, NITEGE, and C1,2C scores was 1 (0-3), revealing immunostaining of the femoral and tibial surfaces. The proteoglycan scores exhibited significant positive associations with both histologic evaluation ( = 0.03) and DIPEN scores ( = 0.02). Additionally, a robust positive association ( = 0.007) was observed between the two aggrecanolysis indicators, NITEGE and DIPEN scores. A negative association ( = 0.008) was identified between NITEGE and histological scores. The C1,2C scores were not associated with any other scores. Picrosirius red and second harmonic generation microscopy (SHGM) illustrated the loss of the collagen matrix and structure centrally. Proteoglycan and collagen degradation commonly occur superficially in menisci and less frequently centrally. The identification of central meniscal proteoglycan and collagen degradation provides novel insight into central meniscal degeneration. However, further research is needed to elucidate the etiology and sequence of degradative events.
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Publication Date: 2024-06-11 PubMed ID: 38928148PubMed Central: PMC11203490DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126439Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigated the degradation of proteoglycans and collagen in equine meniscal tissues, revealing that these substances often break down on the surface of menisci, and less often in the central areas. The study also provided new insights into the degeneration of central meniscal tissues.

Study Subjects and Methods

  • This study used equine menisci, or horse knee cartilage, taken from 34 horses as its subjects, and examined and scored sections from three distinct regions. Sections were scored and then stained to analyze their histology and presence of proteoglycan, aggrecan, and collagen cleavage.
  • Two types of microscopy, Picrosirius Red and Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy, were performed on the meniscal samples to further investigate the collagen structure.

Data Analysis and Results

  • A total of 42 sections were deemed eligible and included in the final analysis. These sections showed a wide range of histological scores, signifying a broad spectrum of pathology.
  • Both superficial and central meniscal losses were represented within the proteoglycan scores of the sections. Immunostaining evident on the femoral and tibial surfaces was reflected in the scores for DIPEN, NITEGE, and C1,2C, markers for collagen cleavage.
  • Notably, there seemed to be a correlation between the proteoglycan scores and both histological and DIPEN scores. Markers for aggrecan degradation, namely NITEGE and DIPEN, were also shown to be highly correlated.
  • A negative correlation was also seen between NITEGE and histological scores. However, there was no observed association with C1,2C scores, another collagen cleavage marker.
  • The collagen matrix’s loss and structural changes were illustrated via the use of Picrosirius Red and Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy.

Conclusion and Further Implications

  • The study results suggest that degradation of proteoglycans and collagen typically occurs on the menisci’s surface and less frequently within the central parts. This study’s findings provide new insights into the degeneration of central meniscal tissues.
  • However, further research is needed to further understand the origin and sequence of these degradative events that lead to such changes in meniscal tissue.

Cite This Article

APA
Dubuc J, Schneider MJ, Dubuc V, Richard H, Pinsard M, Bancelin S, Legare F, Girard C, Laverty S. (2024). Degradation of Proteoglycans and Collagen in Equine Meniscal Tissues. Int J Mol Sci, 25(12), 6439. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126439

Publication

International journal of molecular sciences
ISSN: 1422-0067
NlmUniqueID: 101092791
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 12
PII: 6439

Researcher Affiliations

Dubuc, Julia
  • Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Q, QC J2S2M2, Canada.
Schneider, Melodie Jil
  • Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Q, QC J2S2M2, Canada.
Dubuc, Valerie
  • Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Q, QC J2S2M2, Canada.
Richard, Helene
  • Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Q, QC J2S2M2, Canada.
Pinsard, Maxime
  • Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Q, 1650 Bd Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Q, QC J3X1P7, Canada.
Bancelin, Stephane
  • Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Q, 1650 Bd Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Q, QC J3X1P7, Canada.
Legare, Francois
  • Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Q, 1650 Bd Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Q, QC J3X1P7, Canada.
Girard, Christiane
  • Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Q, QC J2S2M2, Canada.
Laverty, Sheila
  • Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Q, QC J2S2M2, Canada.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Proteoglycans / metabolism
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Meniscus / metabolism
  • Aggrecans / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Proteolysis
  • Menisci, Tibial / metabolism

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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