NITEGE-expression in meniscal matrix. a new, immunohistochemical marker of meniscal-tissue degeneration

Abstract EN

Background.

No marker reflecting the pathobiology of meniscal degeneration (MD) is established so far.

NITEGE is a hexapeptide fragments produced when aggrecan is cleaved.

Methods.

In vitro IL-1 exposition of bovine menisci (n = 4) caused extracellular NITEGE deposits detected by immunofluorescence.

A retrospective immunohistochemical analysis of (n = 60) patients after meniscectomy for NITEGE deposits was performed.

MD was graded as follows: no/little (grade 0/1), medium (grade 2) or severe (grade 3).

Results.

NITEGE deposits in areas of degeneration were demonstrated in 55% of the patients with grade 2 or 3 MD (PPV & specificity 100%), while no extracellular NITEGE deposits in the menisci with grade 0 or 1 MD could be detected.

Age correlated with NITEGE deposits (r = 0.46) and grade of MD (r = 0.48).

NITEGEpositive cell density and size were significantly higher close to a tear (p < 0, 001).

Interpretation.

Extracellular NITEGE deposits may be regarded as markers of medium and severe MD and might be used in diagnostic histopathology.