Loss of chondroitin 6‐sulfate and hyaluronan from failed porcine bioprosthetic valves

Abstract Explanted porcine bioprosthetic valves have a thinned spongiosa, partially because of an overall loss of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). We measured the concentrations of specific GAG classes in explanted bioprosthetic valves (n = 14, implanted 12.0 ± 4.7 years) compared with glutaraldehyde‐fixed porcine controls. After extraction with NaOH, GAGs were analyzed using either a hexuronic acid assay or fluorophore‐assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis to quantify the individual GAG classes. The total GAG concentration in explants was 198 ± 95 pmol/mg wet weight—93% less than freshly fixed controls. Explants also contained altered proportions of the different GAG classes relative to controls. The proportions of hyaluronan and chondroitin/dermatan‐6‐sulfate were reduced from 39 to 7% and 34 to 18% of total GAGs, respectively. The predominant explant GAG class was chondroitin/dermatan‐4‐sulfate (proportion elevated from 14 to 70%). This GAG is commonly found in the collagen‐associated proteoglycan decorin, which is likely well crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. Chondroitin‐6‐sulfate is commonly found in the water‐ and hyaluronan‐binding proteoglycan versican, which is likely poorly crosslinked. The loss of versican and its associated water‐binding capacity is consistent with the thinned spongiosa. The resultant compromise of hydration, compressive resistance, and viscoelasticity may be responsible for the deterioration of the bioprosthesis in vivo. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 65A: 251–259, 2003