Ehrlich M G, Armstrong A L, Treadwell B V, Mankin H J
J Rheumatol. 1987 May;14 Spec No:30-2.
It is proposed that the cartilage contains enzymes which are responsible for the degradation of the principle components of the matrix, the proteoglycan and collagen. Measurement of acid, lysosomal bound proteases, or neutral proteases shows increases in proportion to the severity of the disease. Collagenase activity also increases in human osteoarthritic cartilage in the same manner. In an experimental model of osteoarthritis, induced by mechanical factors, enzymatic activity also increased. By inhibiting the enzyme activity with chelators, the arthritic process could be slowed.
有人提出，软骨含有负责降解基质主要成分蛋白聚糖和胶原蛋白的酶。酸性溶酶体结合蛋白酶或中性蛋白酶的测量结果显示，其增加与疾病的严重程度成正比。人骨关节炎软骨中的胶原酶活性也以同样的方式增加。在由机械因素诱导的骨关节炎实验模型中，酶活性也会增加。通过用螯合剂抑制酶活性，可以减缓关节炎进程。
