Micro-analysis and Clinical significance of unsaturated chondroitin sulfate disaccharides in human temporomandibular joint synovial fluid

Abstract

We collected synovial fluid from temporomandibular joints with internal derangement and pain. Glycosaminoglycans were liberated by digestion with pronase E, and precipitated with 5% cetylpyridinium chloride and 95% ethanol. Unsaturated disaccharide isomers of chondroitin sulfate, obtained following chondroitinase ACII digestion, were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. We found ΔDi-0 S and ΔDi-6 S in the chondroitin sulfate of the fluid from most of the diseased joints. There were significant differences in the amount of ΔDi-0 S (p<0.01) and ΔDDi-6 S (p<0.05) in the synovial fluid of the diseased and healthy joints. These results suggest that chondroitin sulfate in the synovial fluid provides a useful indicator of the degree of temporomandibular joint disease.