@entity571 ( @entity571 ) is characterized by a progressive @entity1844 , which is mediated by the protease degradation of the extracellular matrix components. @entity1351 , plasminogen activators (PA) and the inhibitor of plasminogen activator (PAI) are thought to play an important role in the regulation of the @entity571 pathophysiology process. Our study determined the activity of @entity1351 and PA in @entity571 and normal cartilage. Moreover, the presence and the content of each form of PA, @entity2290 and tPA, as well as the inhibitor @entity2289 , were determined using immunohistological techniques and ELISA. Our studies were carried out on fresh cartilage, cultured tissue explants and chondrocytes. @entity571 cartilage demonstrates about 5 times more @entity1351 activity than the controls (p less than 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was found between the @entity1351 activity and the free collagenolytic form in @entity571 specimens showing severe lesions (r = 0.50; p less than 0.05). Our study revealed that PA content and activity increase in @entity571 cartilage following culture explant experiments. Immunohistochemical studies showed the presence of both @entity2290 and tPA forms in @entity571 cartilage lesions only. Protein determinations revealed @entity2290 as the predominant form. @entity2289 was significantly decreased (p less than 0.04) in @entity571 , and was located mainly extracellularly. Chondrocyte cultures showed the ability to synthesize both forms of PA and @entity2289 . Our study demonstrated an increased level of @entity1351 activity in @entity571 cartilage. This is likely related to increased PA activity, in which the urokinase type appeared to be predominant in @entity571 .(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

XXXX , plasminogen activators and inhibitor in human osteoarthritic cartilage.

@entity1844 :: ('MESH:D002357', 'Disease') :: ['erosion of cartilage'] @entity2289 :: ('5054', 'Gene') :: ['PAI-1'] @entity571 :: ('MESH:D010003', 'Disease') :: ['OA', 'Osteoarthritis'] @entity1351 :: ('5340', 'Gene') :: ['plasmin', 'Plasmin'] @entity2290 :: ('5328', 'Gene') :: ['uPA']
@entity1351 :: (5340,Gene) :: ['Plasmin']
