High throughput proteomic analysis of the secretome in an explant model of articular cartilage inflammation

► High-throughput proteomics identified major cartilage secretome proteins. ► Western blotting confirmed the presence of CILP-1, CLU, MMP-1, MMP-3 and TSP-1. ► Treatment with IL-1β increased MMP-1, MMP-3 and TSP-1. ► The proteins identified are involved in cartilage function and early stress responses. ► This approach may be used to study changes in the early stages of osteoarthritis.