Abstract
The induction mechanism leading to joint destruction in Charcot's arthropathy was studied by assessing patient's joint fluid with respect to bone resorption factors as well as active oxygen scavengers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Joint fluid revealed bone resorbing activity, and this activity increased during the period of joint destruction. The activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), SOD and catalase was also found to be increased in the fluid during this period. These results indicated that both MMP and active oxygen species may be associated with the induction of the joint desturction in Charcot's arthropathy.
