Compositional changes of glycosaminoglycans of the human menisci with age and degenerative joint disease.

The compositional profiles of meniscal glycosaminoglycans (GAG) at different ages and in the presence of osteoarthritis were determined. The major components of meniscal GAG were chondroitin sulphates and dermatan sulphate. Other major elements were keratan sulphate and hyaluronic acid. Chondroitin sulphate-4 and -6 decreased with age. Dermatan sulphate content remained unchanged with age whereas keratan sulphate and hyaluronic acid increased. GAG compositional profiles of meniscus from osteoarthritis were similar to those of comparable age group. The results indicate that GAG compositional make-up of the meniscus changes with age. These changes may make it more susceptible to horizontal tears in the elderly.