This study was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the biodegradability of atelocollagen (CartiZol Ultra) on the surface of articular cartilage and in the synovial fluid after it is intra-articularly injected to NZW rabbit. Atelocollagen, which was labelled with FITC, was injected intra-articularly on both knee of NZW Rabbit, and the remaining amount of atelocollagen was measured by using a fluorescent plate analysis equipment on 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days. Atelocollagen-FITC expression on the surface of both articular cartilage and in synovial fluid decreased by about 84% at 56 days after injection, suggesting the possibility of stable in vivo degradation. These results suggest the atelocollagen as potential substance for a treatment in knee osteoarthritis patients, offering an alternative for the management and treatment of pain associated with cartilage damage.

본 연구에서는 NZW Rabbit의 관절강 내에 atelocollagen-fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)을 주입하여, 일정 기간 동안 관절 조직 표면 및 활액에 잔존하는 atelocollagen의 생분해성을 정량적으로 평가하였다. Atelocollagen-FITC가 라벨링 된 시험물질을 NZW Rabbit의 양측 관절강 내 주입 후 0, 14, 28, 42, 56일 간격으로 형광 플레이트 분석장비를 이용하여 atelocollagen의 잔존량을 측정하였다. 관절강내 주입된 atelocollagen-FITC의 관절조직 표면 및 활액내 FITC 발현량은 주입 후 56일에 약 84%가 분해되는 것을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과는 무릎 골관절염 환자의 치료물질로서 연골 손상에 따른 통증의 완화와 치료의 대안으로 잠재적 활용 가능성이 있을 것으로 기대된다.

Keywords: atelocollagen, collagen type I, half-life, cartilage, biodegradation.