Biochemical investigations into the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis have, for the last two decades, concentrated on the mechanisms involved in the destruction of the articular cartilage. Although bone changes are known to occur, the biochemistry of the collagenous matrix within osteoarthritic bone has received scant attention. We report that bone collagen metabolism is increased within osteoarthritic femoral heads, with the greatest changes occurring within the subchondral zone. Collagen synthesis and its potential to mineralize were determined by the carboxy-terminal propeptide content and alkaline phosphatase activity, respectively. These data supported elevated new matrix formation. Our finding of a three- to fourfold increase in TGF-beta in osteoarthritic bone indicates that this might represent a stimulus for the increased collagen synthesis observed. Of additional significance is the hypomineralization of deposited collagen in the subchondral zone of osteoarthritic femoral heads, supporting a greater proportion of osteoid in the diseased tissue. The cross-linking of collagen was similar to that observed for controls. In addition, the degradative potential of osteoarthritic bone was considerably higher as demonstrated by increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity, and again the greater activity was associated with the subchondral bone tissue.

The polarization exhibited in the metabolism of bone collagen from osteoarthritic hips might exacerbate the processes involved in joint deterioration by altering joint morphology. This in turn may alter the distribution of mechanical forces to the various tissues, to which bone is a sensitive responder. Bone collagen metabolism is clearly an important factor in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and certainly warrants further biochemical study.