Alterations in expression of cartilage-specific genes for aggrecan and collagen type II in osteoarthritis.

Purpose: Osteoarthritis is characterized by a progressive degradation of cartilage structure and function. This study tests the hypothesis that disease severity is characterized by alterations in expression of cartilage-specific genes for aggrecan and collagen type II.

Experimental Design: Cartilage, discarded from six subjects undergoing knee replacement, was subdivided into homogeneous portions by the surgeon according to the Outerbridge classification.