Biomechanical changes in articulation of the jaw joint due to aging

Age-related thinning of articular cartilage is supposed to increase susceptibility for osteoarthritic changes in the temporomandibular joint. The present project will test the hypothesis that this process is caused by an increased stiffening of the cartilage. This stiffening is considered to result in a reduction of the possibilities for metabolic activity of the chondrocytes in the layer near the subchondral bone, followed by a subsequent calcification of this area. This hypothesis will be tested (i) by experimental analysis of propagation of solutes in the cartilaginous structures of the jaw joint during aging, and (ii) by quantification of the mechanical changes in aging cartilage. (iii) Consequently, experimental testing of the artificial aging of cartilage will be performed to examine the consequences of crosslinking increase in aging cartilage.