Does western blot quantification of aggrecan fragments in human synovial fluid indicate differences in fragment patterns between joint diseases?
We have developed a novel Western blot quantification method for quantification of SF aggrecan fragments which can differentiate fragments of different sizes sharing the same epitope. The anti-ARGS and anti-G3 quantitative Western blots provided information important for a better understanding of the proteolytic pathways in aggrecan breakdown, information that discriminates between different joint diseases, and may aid in identification of new biomarkers.
We suggest that the chemopreventive effect of sulindac is related to decreased COX-2 and cyclin D1 expression, which may be influenced by reduced inflammation.