Chondroitin sulfate molecules' water-binding capacity is decreased

Physiological

Data Availability

Period at which this change occurs is not accurately known

Tissue

  • cartilage Changes

References

  • Squires et al. (2003) "The pathobiology of focal lesion development in aging human articular cartilage and molecular matrix changes characteristic of osteoarthritis." Arthritis Rheum. 48(5):1261-1270 (PubMed)
Referencing provided by LibAge

External Links

Description

As the aged cartilage cells synthesize and secrete chemically different forms of chondroitin sulfate, which are smaller, the water binding capacity is decreased. The increased inability to function as a cushion at the joints results in tissue damage, inflammation, and some cases, symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Relationships