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Results-The aggrecan/COMP ratio was higher (P < 0.001) in the group with radiographic osteoarthritis than in the control group. Conclusions-The higher aggrecan/COMP ratios in osteoarthritis could reflect increased cartilage matrix turnover in osteoarthritis with predominant release of aggrecan fragments. Synovial fluid analysis of cartilage markers holds promise as a useful means of monitoring changes in the cartilage turnover in studies of pathogenic mechanisms in osteoarthritis.

The single breath N2 elimination test, as standardized by Comroe and Fowler, has been used in normal subjects. The N2 difference, i.e. the difference in N2 concentration between Ve = 1250 and Ve = 750 ml, showed a tendency to increase with increasing volumes of inspired O2 and with increasing inspiratory flow rates. It decreased with increasing breath-holding time and was not consistently influenced by expiratory flow rate. The findings are compared with those of Fowler and of Shephard on normal subjects; different results were obtained, largely depending on different analytical procedures. These factors must be considered when evaluating results in patients. Submitted on July 21, 1958

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