A researcher investigates osteoarthritis progression by analyzing synovial fluid samples. If IL-1β cytokine levels are chronically elevated, which effect dominates cartilage degradation?

💡 Explanation

Elevated IL-1β promotes cartilage degradation because it upregulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. MMPs degrade collagen and proteoglycans, which are essential components of cartilage; therefore, increased MMP expression accelerates breakdown, rather than chondrocyte matrix synthesis, inhibitor activity, or collagen production.

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