Alteration of N-glycans related to articular cartilage deterioration after anterior cruciate ligament transection in rabbits

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common of all joint diseases, but the molecular basis of its onset and progression is controversial. Several studies have shown that modifications of N-glycans contribute to pathogenesis. However, little attention has been paid to N-glycan modifications seen in articular cartilage. The goal of this study was to identify disease specific N-glycan expression profiles in degenerated cartilage in a rabbit OA model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Methods: Cartilage samples were harvested at 7, 10, 14, and 28 days after ACLT and assessed for cartilage degeneration and alteration in N-glycans. N-Glycans from cartilage were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results: Histological analysis showed that osteoarthritic changes in cartilage occurred 10 days after ACLT. Apparent alterations in the N-glycan peak pattern in cartilage samples were observed 7 days after ACLT, and overall N-glycan changes in CA reflected alterations in both sialylation and fucosylation. These changes apparently preceded histological changes in cartilage. Conclusion: These results indicate that changes in the expression of N-glycans are correlated with OA in an animal model. Understanding mechanisms underlying changes in N-glycans seen in CA may be of therapeutic value in treating cartilage deterioration. (C) 2007 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.