Are matrix metalloproteinase 13-deficient mice resistant to osteoarthritic cartilage erosion but not chondrocyte hypertrophy or osteophyte development?
Our findings indicate that structural cartilage damage in a mouse model of OA is dependent on MMP-13 activity. Chondrocyte hypertrophy is not regulated by MMP-13 activity in this model and does not in itself lead to cartilage erosion. MMP-13 deficiency can inhibit cartilage erosion in the presence of aggrecan depletion, supporting the potential for therapeutic intervention in established OA with MMP-13 inhibitors.
Respiratory and limb muscle strength are both altered after 1 wk of mechanical ventilation. Respiratory muscle weakness is associated with delayed extubation and prolonged ventilation. In our study, septic shock is a contributor to respiratory weakness.