Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3169841 | Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology | 2006 | 6 Pages |
ObjectiveTo investigate whether matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and/or aggrecanase in synovial fluid can be used as biochemical markers in the diagnosis of internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Study designForty-four samples of synovial fluid were obtained from 35 patients with ID and osteoarthritis (OA) and 15 normal samples from 10 asymptomatic volunteers. MMP-2, -9, and aggrecanase in the synovial fluid were examined by immunoblotting.ResultsThe incidences of MMP-2, -9, and aggrecanase expression in the ID and OA group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P < .05). Those with anterior disc displacement without reduction and severe OA showed significantly high expression of MMP-9 compared with other disease subgroups (P < .05). Conversely, comparatively high expression of MMP-2 and aggrecanase was shown in the early-stage OA group. However, there was no significant difference in expression of MMP-2 and aggrecanase among disease subgroups.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that expression of aggrecanase could be a potential biochemical marker for articular cartilage degradation in ID of the TMJ.