7 research outputs found
Patterns of initiation of second generation antipsychotics for bipolar disorder: a month-by-month analysis of provider behavior
PMH10: ETHNICITY AND SCHIZOPHRENIA MEDICATION CHOICE: HALOPERIDOL, RISPERIDONE, OR OLANZAPINE
The effect of ethnicity on prescribing practice and treatment outcome in inpatients suffering from schizophrenia in Greece
The minor collagens in articular cartilage
ABSTRACT Articular cartilage is a connective tissue consisting of a specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) that dominates the bulk of its wet and dry weight. Type II collagen and aggrecan are the main ECM proteins in cartilage. However, little attention has been paid to less abundant molecular components, especially minor collagens, including type IV, VI, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and XIV, etc. Although accounting for only a small fraction of the mature matrix, these minor collagens not only play essential structural roles in the mechanical properties, organization, and shape of articular cartilage, but also fulfil specific biological functions. Genetic studies of these minor collagens have revealed that they are associated with multiple connective tissue diseases, especially degenerative joint disease. The progressive destruction of cartilage involves the degradation of matrix constituents including these minor collagens. The generation and release of fragmented molecules could generate novel biochemical markers with the capacity to monitor disease progression, facilitate drug development and add to the existing toolbox for in vitro studies, preclinical research and clinical trials