Aryl sulfatase activities in normal and pathologic human articular cartilage

Aryl sulfatase A and B activities were measured in articular cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis, chondromalacia, avascular necrosis, and femoral neck fractures. Although the activities of both enzymes were higher in the tissue from individuals with degenerative joint disease, the most significant finding was the substantial increase in the B:A ratio in these tissues. It is suggested that whereas cerebroside sulfate is the substrate for aryl sulfatase A, either chondroitin sulfate or keratan sulfate is the physiologic substrate for aryl sulfatase B.