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How does the metabolism of cartilage cells change with age?
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joint
The ligaments and cartilage in a knee joint.
The metabolism of articular cartilage is primarily driven by its cells, known as chondrocytes. While the carbohydrate metabolism within these cells remains consistent throughout life, their oxygen consumption decreases once the cells have reached maturity.1
This decline in metabolic activity is reflected in the changing composition of the cartilage matrix. After the second decade of life, the proportion of chondroitin sulfate in the matrix falls, while the proportion of keratosulfate rises. This shift is a direct consequence of the reduced metabolic output of the chondrocytes, which are responsible for synthesizing these essential molecules.1