Juvenile and adult cartilage are substantially different at the molecular level. Research for tissue repair and regeneration has been conducted as a result of the age related differences in cartilage. In this study, the
articular cartilage of both adult and juvenile bovine femoral condyles were harvested and cultured over the course of four weeks. Chondrocyte migration, glucosaminoglycan content conservation, and the formation of new tissue were monitored. As expected, the juvenile bovine cartilage exhibited cell density, proliferation, cell outgrowth, and glycosaminoglycan content that was significantly greater than that of the adult cartilage. Only the juvenile cartilage was observed to have generated new cartilaginous tissues. As a result, the genes that are key to cartilage growth and expansion were more responsive in the juvenile cartilage; in contrast, the genes that are most responsible for structural integrity were more responsive in the adult cartilage. According to this study, juvenile cartilage has significantly higher regenerative potential than adult cartilage.
Such research will lead to much medical advancement since the number of knee replacements and other knee repair surgeries are increasing. Also, the ability to regenerate articular cartilage, which is often considered irreparable, would be of great benefit to professional athletes. The regeneration of cartilage can also improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from knee pain. In addition, the knees endure much impact, especially during weight-bearing exercises. Repairing articular cartilage can help people to get back onto their feet, literally.
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