Gene Expression in the Capsule Tissue of the Frozen Shoulder

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the overall expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion molecule genes using a gene array technique in the joint capsule of a frozen shoulder. Materials and Methods: Tissues from 20 human shoulder joint capsules were harvested intraoperatively from patients (15 primary frozen shoulders, 5 controls) in our hospital. The RNA was isolated from the capsule tissue and the gene expression of ECM and adhesion molecules was analyzed using an oligo-array technique. Results: The expression of several genes of the ECM and cell adhesion molecules was significantly higher in the capsule tissue from patients with a frozen shoulder than the controls. The gene expression of the collagen V , VI , VIII , XV , XVIII and ECM proteins including CD 44, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9/14, osteonectin, veriscan, hyaluronan synthase (HAS)-1, extra-cellular matrix (ECM)-1, secreted phosphoprotein (SSP)-1, tenascin C (TNC), thrombospondin 2/4 was two times higher in the frozen shoulder than the control. Several cell adhesion molecules genes including catenin , seletin p, integrin , , , and laminin , were also two times higher in the in the patients with a frozen shoulder than the control. Conclusion: The gene expression of several ECM proteins and adhesion molecules is significantly higher in patients with frozen shoulder.