Table 1

Markers of degradation of cartilage and bone

Tissue
Molecule
Marker of degradation
Designation

Cartilage
Type II collagen
Pyridinoline
PYD


Type II collagen C-terminal and N-terminal telopeptides
CTX-II, NTX-II


Type II collagen alpha chain fragments
Col2-3/4 long, Col2-3/4C short

Aggrecan
Core protein fragments



Keratan sulfate fragments


Noncollagen and nonaggrecan proteins
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein
COMP
Bone
Type I collagen
Pyridinoline, deoxypyridinolin
PYD, DPD


Type I collagen C-terminal and N-terminal telopeptides
CTX-I, NTX-I

Noncollagenous proteins
Bone sialoprotein
BSP


Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
TRAP

Smolen et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2008 10:208   doi:10.1186/ar2418