The NC1 fragment of type X collagen measured in serum as a potential biomarker of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Purpose: The chondrocytes taking a terminal differentiation route of hypertrophy, invasion of blood vessels from the subchondral bone, apoptosis, and calcification of cartilage has been observed in experimental models of OA and human osteoarthritis (OA). Hypertrophy-like changes in chondrocytes are recently believed to play a role in the initiation and progression of cartilage degeneration. Type X collagen, a well-known marker of hypertrophy chondrocytes, plays a role in facilitating and regulating endochondral ossification of cartilage.