The effect of chemonucleolysis on serum keratan sulfate levels in humans

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Abstract
Sensitive measurements of serum keratan sulfate (KS), a glycosaminoglycan found in large quantities in the proteoglycans of human cartilage, can be obtained using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent‐inhibition assay. Patients who are undergoing chemonucleolysis (CN) provide a clinical opportunity to monitor the large‐scale proteolytic degradation of cartilage. By measuring serum KS levels both pre‐ and post‐CN, we have demonstrated that serum KS levels rise predictably after CN, in a manner that reflects major catabolic events of cartilage.