Total Collagen Synthesis Research Articles

Down‐regulation of collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase expression in myofibroblasts from dupuytren nodule using adenovirus‐mediated relaxin gene therapy

Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative connective tissue disorder characterized by contracture of the palmer fascia of the hand. Relaxin (RLN) is a multifunctional factor which contributes to the remodeling of the pelvic ligament by inhibiting fibrosis and inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the RLN gene on the inhibition of fibrosis in myofibroblastic cells. Myofibroblast cells with adenovirus LacZ (Ad-LacZ) as a marker gene or adenovirus relaxin (Ad-RLN) as therapeutic gene showed transgene expressions in beta-galactosidase assay and Western blot analysis. Myofibroblastic cells with Ad-RLN demonstrated a 22% and 48% reduction in collagen I and III mRNA expressions respectively, a 50% decrease in MMP-1, 70% decrease in MMP-2, 80% decrease in MMP-9, and a 15% reduction in MMP-13 protein expression compared with cultures with viral control and saline control. In addition, myofibroblastic cells with Ad-RLN showed a 40% decrease in TIMP 1 and a 15% increase in TIMP 3 protein expression at 48 h compared to cultures with viral control and saline control. Also, myofibroblastic cell with Ad-RLN demonstrated a 74% inhibition of fibronectin and a 52% decrease in total collagen synthesis at 48 h compared with cultures with viral control and saline control. In conclusion, the RLN gene render antifibrogenic effect on myofibroblastic cells from Dupuytren's nodule via direct inhibition of collagen synthesis not through collagenolytic pathway such as MMP-1, -13, TIMP 1, and 3. Therefore relaxin can be an alternative therapeutic strategy in initial stage of Dupuytren's disease by its antifibrogenic effect.

A Comparison of Self-Assembly and Hydrogel Encapsulation as a Means to Engineer Functional Cartilaginous Grafts Using Culture Expanded Chondrocytes

Despite an increased interest in the use of hydrogel encapsulation and cellular self-assembly (often termed "self-aggregating" or "scaffold-free" approaches) for tissue-engineering applications, to the best of our knowledge, no study to date has been undertaken to directly compare both approaches for generating functional cartilaginous grafts. The objective of this study was to directly compare self-assembly (SA) and agarose hydrogel encapsulation (AE) as a means to engineer such grafts using passaged chondrocytes. Agarose hydrogels (5 mm diameter × 1.5 mm thick) were seeded with chondrocytes at two cell seeding densities (900,000 cells or 4 million cells in total per hydrogel), while SA constructs were generated by adding the same number of cells to custom-made molds. Constructs were either supplemented with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 for 6 weeks, or only supplemented with TGF-β3 for the first 2 weeks of the 6 week culture period. The SA method was only capable of generating geometrically uniform cartilaginous tissues at high seeding densities (4 million cells). At these high seeding densities, we observed that total sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and collagen synthesis was greater with AE than SA, with higher sGAG retention also observed in AE constructs. When normalized to wet weight, however, SA constructs exhibited significantly higher levels of collagen accumulation compared with agarose hydrogels. Furthermore, it was possible to engineer such functionality into these tissues in a shorter timeframe using the SA approach compared with AE. Therefore, while large numbers of chondrocytes are required to engineer cartilaginous grafts using the SA approach, it would appear to lead to the faster generation of a more hyaline-like tissue, with a tissue architecture and a ratio of collagen to sGAG content more closely resembling native articular cartilage.

A comparison of fibrin, agarose and gellan gum hydrogels as carriers of stem cells and growth factor delivery microspheres for cartilage regeneration

The limited intrinsic repair capacity of articular cartilage has led to the investigation of different treatment options to promote its regeneration. The delivery of hydrogels containing stem or progenitor cells and growth factor releasing microspheres represents an attractive approach to cartilage repair. In this study, the influence of the encapsulating hydrogel on the ability of progenitor cells coupled with TGF-β3 releasing microspheres to form cartilaginous tissue was investigated. Fibrin, agarose and gellan gum hydrogels containing TGF-β3 loaded gelatin microspheres and progenitor cells derived from the infrapatellar fat-pad of the knee were cultured for 21 days in a chemically defined media. In the presence of TGF-β3 releasing microspheres, gellan gum hydrogels were observed to facilitate greater cell proliferation than fibrin or agarose hydrogels. Histological and biochemical analysis of the hydrogels indicated that fibrin was the least chondro-inductive of the three hydrogels, while agarose and gellan gum appeared to support more robust cartilage formation as demonstrated by greater sGAG accumulation within these constructs. Gellan gum hydrogels also stained more intensely for collagen type II and collagen type I, suggesting that although total collagen synthesis was higher in these constructs, that the phenotype may be more fibrocartilaginous in nature than normal hyaline cartilage. This study demonstrates how the encapsulating hydrogel can have a significant impact on the ability of stem cells to form cartilage when incorporated into a growth factor delivery system.

Osteogenic differentiation and osteochondral tissue engineering using human adipose‐derived stem cells

Osteogenesis and the production of composite osteochondral tissues were investigated using human adult adipose-derived stem cells and polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh scaffolds under dynamic culture conditions. For osteogenesis, cells were expanded with or without osteoinduction factors and cultured in control or osteogenic medium for 2 weeks. Osteogenic medium enhanced osteopontin and osteocalcin gene expression when applied after but not during cell expansion. Osteogenesis was induced and mineralized deposits were present in tissues produced using PGA culture in osteogenic medium. For development of osteochondral constructs, scaffolds seeded with stem cells were precultured in either chondrogenic or osteogenic medium, sutured together, and cultured in dual-chamber stirred bioreactors containing chondrogenic and osteogenic media in separate compartments. After 2 weeks, total collagen synthesis was 2.1-fold greater in the chondroinduced sections of the composite tissues compared with the osteoinduced sections; differentiation markers for cartilage and bone were produced in both sections of the constructs. The results from the dual-chamber bioreactor highlight the challenges associated with achieving simultaneous chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation in tissue engineering applications using a single stem-cell source.

Michelia alba extract attenuates UVB-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases via MAP kinase pathway in human dermal fibroblasts

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin photoaging by inducing secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). It has been reported that MMPs, especially MMP-1, -3 and -9, reduce elasticity of the dermis by degrading collagen. Polyphenols are a group of compounds that exist mainly in glycosides in the plants and they may transform to aglycone after hydrolysis. Polyphenols can inhibit MMP expression and elastase activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of Michelia alba extract (MAE) on expression and activity of MMPs in human skin fibroblast cultures after UVB exposure. The results showed that MAE and its hydrolysates (MAH) inhibited collagenase and elastase activities. In addition, MAE exhibited antioxidant activity, elevated hyaluronic acid content and inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression. In addition, the zymography assay revealed that MAE also inhibited MMP-9 activity. We also found that MAE inhibited UVB-induced ERK and JNK kinase but not p38 kinase expression, suggesting that MAE may regulate the UVB-induced expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 via the ERK and JNK kinase pathway. MAE could restore total collagen synthesis reduced by UVB. The results also suggest that MAE treatment may prevent UVB-induced extracellular matrix damage by inhibiting the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 through the MAP kinase pathway. Our findings imply that MAE is an effective agent against UVB-induced photodamage.

Phlorotannin-incorporated mesenchymal stem cells and their promising role in osteogenesis imperfecta

Abstract Osteogenesis imperfecta as the name suggests, is a bone disorder characterised by imperfect bone mineralisation and development. The key defect lies in the osteoblast–osteoid cycle, leading to insufficient calcification and consequently weak bones. Osteogenesis imperfecta patients are prone to fractures. Till date, numerous growth hormone/synthetic analogues have been used therapeutically in osteogenesis imperfecta patients and they do provide temporary relief, but not without numerous unwanted side effects. The intervention offered by such treatments is mainly at the symptomatic level, with temporary pain relief and some degree of mineralisation of available osteoids; but the root cause of the disease remains unattended. Such treatment modalities fail to promote mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation and tackle the fundamental deficiency of osteoids. This paper suggests a unique and hitherto unimplemented approach for treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta at the cellular level through application of a natural source, ‘Brown algae isolated phlorotannins’, which promote mesenchymal stem cell differentiation by increasing alkaline phosphatase activity, calcific mineralisation and total protein and collagen synthesis. This natural extract, when integrated directly with mesenchymal stem cells, will boost cellular differentiation into healthy bone-forming cells. The modality will strengthen the bone intrinsically and without the adverse reactions of routine pharmacotherapeutic agents.

Proinflammatory cytokines induce crosstalk between colonic epithelial cells and subepithelial myofibroblasts: Implication in intestinal fibrosis

Background and aimsColonic epithelial cells and adjacent subepithelial myofibroblasts are important counterparts in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis. We investigated the possible crosstalk between them, whilst focusing on the mucosal inflammation pathways that potentially trigger intestinal fibrosis. MethodsWe studied the effects of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, TNF-α, IFN-γ) on human colonic epithelial cell lines and the effects of epithelial cell-conditioned media on primary human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts isolated from normal controls or patients with inflammatory Crohn's disease along with the corresponding 18CO cell line. Readouts included production of TGF-β and TIMP-1, total collagen synthesis, matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 and myofibroblast migration/mobility. ResultsProinflammatory cytokines upregulated TGF-β and TIMP-1 in colonic epithelial cells. Conditioned medium from these epithelial cell cultures induced production of MMP-9 and collagen and inhibited the migration/mobility of subepithelial myofibroblasts. MMP-9 production depended on endothelin receptor A signalling on responding myofibroblasts. Collagen up-regulation was independent of TGF-β, CTGF, TF and endothelin. Subepithelial myofibroblasts isolated from Crohn's disease patients had similar responses to those isolated from normal controls, with the exception of higher basal collagen production. ConclusionsOur study indicates that colonic epithelial cells may respond to an inflammatory milieu by inducing myofibroblast functions similar to those observed during intestinal fibrosis.

사람 섬유아세포에서 전호(Anthriscus sylvestris Hoffmann)추출물이 콜라겐 생합성에 미치는 영향

본 연구에서는 전호추출물의 주름개선에 대한 효능을 측정하기 위하여 인간의 섬유아세포에 전호추출물을 처리하여 총콜라겐과 type I procollagen, MMP-1의 생합성에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 전호추출물을 인간 섬유아세포에 처리 시 콜라겐의 생합성은 증가시켰지만, MMP-1의 발현에 대해서는 영향을 미치지 못하였다. 이는 전호추출물이 자외선에 의해 영향을 받는 광노화보다는, 노화에 의해 콜라겐 생합성율이 감소되는 내인성노화에 훨씬 유효함을 시사한다. 전호추출물을 처리시 95% EtOH 추출물의 경우 25%까지 총콜라겐의 생합성을 증가시켰고, EtOAc층은 28%, EtOAc의 E6 소분획의 경우 50% 증가시켰으므로, 콜라겐 생합성에 영향을 미치는 유효성분은 EtOAc층에 대부분 함유되어 있을 것으로 사료되고, 이는 확인되지 않은 미지의 효능 성분이 존재하거나, 다양한 활성 성분들의 상호 작용에 의한 것으로 판단된다. 결론적으로 전호추출물은 콜라겐 생합성을 촉진함으로 내인성노화에 의한 주름생성 및 탄력저하를 개선할 수 있는 천연 유용자원으로 이용할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. In this study, we investigated the boosting effects on collagen biosynthesis of <TEX>$Anthriscus$</TEX> <TEX>$sylvestris$</TEX> ethanol extract (ASE) in human dermal fibroblasts. To obtain more effective fraction and subfraction for collagen biosynthesis, standard solvent partition and open column chromatography were performed. The EtOH extract, solvent fractions, and 8 EtOAc subfractions were tested for their collagen synthesis capacity by [<TEX>$^3H$</TEX>]Proline-incorporation and ELISA assay. ASE increased 25% of total collagen synthesis and 27% of procollagen biosynthesis. The total collagen biosynthesis was increased by EtOAc fraction and E6 subfraction to 28% and 50% respectively. Type I procollagens were also upregulated by EtOAc fraction and E6 subfraction to 30% and 47%, each. Taken together, our data suggest that potential anti-aging effect of ASE on skin is via increasing collagen biosynthesis and effective subtraction is E6 subfraction of EtOAc fraction.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Stimulates Cell Proliferation and Enhances Matrix Gene Expression and Synthesis in Tenocytes From Human Rotator Cuff Tendons With Degenerative Tears

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains various growth factors and appears to have a potential to promote tendon healing, but evidence is lacking regarding its effect on human tenocytes from rotator cuff tendons with degenerative tears. Hypothesis: Platelet-rich plasma stimulates cell proliferation and enhances matrix gene expression and synthesis in tenocytes isolated from human rotator cuff tendons with degenerative tears. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Tenocytes were enzymatically isolated and cultured. To evaluate cell proliferation, tenocytes were cultured with 10% (vol/vol) platelet-poor plasma (PPP), PRP activated with calcium, and PRP activated with calcium and thrombin at platelet concentrations of 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000, and 16,000 × 103/µL for 14 days. Cell number was measured at days 7 and 14. To investigate matrix gene expression and synthesis, cells were cultured with a PPP or PRP gel (10% vol/vol) at a platelet concentration of 1000 × 103/µL for 14 days. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the expressions of type I and III collagen, decorin, tenascin-C, and scleraxis, and measurements of total collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis were conducted at days 7 and 14. Results: Platelet-rich plasma significantly increased cell proliferation at days 7 and 14 in a dose-dependent manner, and the addition of thrombin moved up the plateau of proliferation. Platelet-rich plasma significantly induced the gene expression of type I collagen at day 7 but not at day 14, while it significantly promoted that of type III both at days 7 and 14. The ratio of type III/I collagens did not change at days 7 and 14. The expressions of decorin and scleraxis significantly increased at day 14, whereas that of tenascin-C significantly increased at days 7 and 14. Platelet-rich plasma significantly increased total collagen synthesis at days 7 and 14 and GAG synthesis at day 14. Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma promoted cell proliferation and enhanced gene expression and the synthesis of tendon matrix in tenocytes from human rotator cuff tendons with degenerative tears. Clinical Relevance: These findings suggest that PRP might be used as a useful biological tool for regenerative healing of rotator cuff tears by enhancing the proliferation and matrix synthesis of tenocytes from tendons with degenerative tears.

Ixora parviflora Protects against UVB-Induced Photoaging by Inhibiting the Expression of MMPs, MAP Kinases, and COX-2 and by Promoting Type I Procollagen Synthesis.

Ixora parviflora with high polyphenol content exhibited antioxidant activity and reducing UVB-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production. In this study, results of the photoaging screening experiments revealed that IPE at 1000 μg/mL reduced the activity of bacterial collagenase by 92.7 ± 4.2% and reduced the activity of elastase by 32.6 ± 1.4%. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms by which IPE exerts its anti-photoaging activity. IPE at 1 μg/mL led to an increase in type I procollagen expression and increased total collagen synthesis in fibroblasts at 5 μg/mL. We found that IPE inhibited MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 expression at doses of 1, 5, and 10 μg/mL, respectively, in fibroblasts exposed to UV irradiation (40 mJ/cm2). Gelatin zymography assay showed that IPE at 50 μg/mL inhibited MMP-9 secretion/activity in cultured fibroblasts after UVB exposure. In addition, IPE inhibited the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK induced by UVB. Furthermore, IPE inhibited the UVB-induced expression of Smad7. In addition, IPE at 1 μg/mL inhibited NO production and COX-2 expression in UV-exposed fibroblasts. These findings show that IPE exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-photoaging activities, indicating that IPE could be a potential anti-aging agent.

The antifibrosis effect of adrenomedullin in human lung fibroblasts

ABSTRACTAdrenomedullin (AM) is a regulatory peptide involved in cellular proliferation and protein synthesis. The authors investigated AM and the AM receptor system in the human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFLFs), and assessed whether AM can inhibit proliferation and collagen synthesis in HFLFs under hypoxia. Fibroblasts were exposed to hypoxia (2% O2) after the addition of AM. The effects of AM and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on the proliferation of fibroblasts were determined by the methanethiosulfonate (MTS) assay. Total collagen synthesis was determined by [3H]proline incorporation. TGF-β1 levels in the culture supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The concentration of intracellular calciumion ([Ca2+]i) in fibroblasts was detected with a laser scanning confocal microscope. AM, adrenomedullin receptor (ADMR), calcitonin receptor–like receptor (CRLR), AM receptor chaperone receptor activity–modifying protein-1 (RAMP1),RAMP2, and RAMP3 were detected in the HFLFs. The hypoxia-induced increases in cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and TGF-β1 production were inhibited by AM. AM also inhibited proliferation and collagen synthesis in fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1. AM caused a decrease of the hypoxia-induced [Ca2+]i in fibroblasts. This study suggests that AM is produced by HFLFs and AM may function as an antifibrosis factor that protects cells from hypoxic pulmonary damage through its receptors.

Modulation of collagen synthesis and its gene expression in human skin fibroblasts by tocotrienol-rich fraction

IntroductionSkin aging may occur as a result of increased free radicals in the body. Vitamin E, the major chain-breaking antioxidant, prevents propagation of oxidative stress, especially in biological membranes. In this study, the molecular mechanism of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) in preventing oxidative stress-induced skin aging was evaluated by determining the rate of total collagen synthesis and its gene expression in human skin fibroblasts.Material and methodsPrimary culture of human skin fibroblasts was derived from circumcision foreskin of 9 to 12 year-old boys. Fibroblast cells were divided into 5 different treatment groups: untreated control, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress (20 µM H2O2 exposure for 2 weeks), TRF treatment, and pre- and post-treatment of TRF to H2O2-induced oxidative stress.ResultsOur results showed that H2O2-induced oxidative stress decreased the rate of total collagen synthesis and down-regulated COL I and COL III in skin fibroblasts. Pre-treatment of TRF protected against H2O2-induced oxidative stress as shown by increase in total collagen synthesis and up-regulation of COL I and COL III (p<0.05) genes. However, similar protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress were not observed in the post-treated fibroblasts.ConclusionsTocotrienol-rich fraction protects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human skin fibroblast culture by modulating the expression of COL I and COL III genes with concomitant increase in the rate of total collagen synthesis. These findings may indicate TRF protection against oxidative stress-induced skin aging.

Vitamins E and C May Increase Collagen Turnover by Intramuscular Fibroblasts. Potential for Improved Meat Quality

Vitamins influence collagen metabolism in animals grown for meat. This study investigated whether vitamins E and C regulate collagen turnover in muscle by the balance of effects on the synthesis of collagen and its degradation by secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by bovine intramuscular fibroblasts. Fibroblasts isolated from longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscle were treated with different concentrations of vitamins. Pro-MMP-2, MMP-2, and total soluble collagen (TSC) synthesis were determined. Vitamins E and C each preferentially increased (P < 0.05) MMP-2 in cells derived from LD relative to those derived from ST. Higher TSC values (P < 0.05) were found for ST cells than for LD cells. Both vitamins may increase collagen turnover exerted by intramuscular connective tissue fibroblasts. These results may have implications in vivo on animal production, as a high rate of collagen turnover may lead to increased collagen solubility in muscles, which can affect meat tenderness.

Activin A induces a non-fibrotic phenotype in smooth muscle cells in contrast to TGF-β

Aims Activin A and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) belong to the same family of growth and differentiation factors that modulate vascular lesion formation in distinct ways, which we wish to understand mechanistically. Methods and results We investigated the expression of cell-surface receptors and activation of Smads in human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and demonstrated that activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ALK-1), ALK-4, ALK-5 and endoglin are expressed in human SMCs. As expected, TGF-β1 activates Smad1 and Smad2 in these cells. Interestingly, activin A also induces phosphorylation of both Smads, which has not been reported for Smad1 before. Transcriptome analyses of activin A and TGF-β1 treated SMCs with subsequent Gene-Set Enrichment Analyses revealed that many downstream gene networks are induced by both factors. However, the effect of activin A on expression kinetics of individual genes is less pronounced than for TGF-β1, which is explained by a more rapid dephosphorylation of Smads and p38-MAPK in response to activin A. Substantial differences in expression of fibronectin, alpha-V integrin and total extracellular collagen synthesis were observed. Conclusions Genome-wide mRNA expression analyses clarify the distinct modulation of vascular lesion formation by activin A and TGF-β1, most significantly because activin A is non-fibrotic.

Increased osteoblast functions in the presence of hydroxyapatite-coated iron oxide nanoparticles

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been widely used in the biomedical community, especially for orthopedic applications (such as reversing osteoporosis). In order to use HA as injectable nanoparticles that can be directed at will to various locations in the body to treat bone defects, HA was coated onto iron oxide nanoparticles in this study. Specifically, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with HA. The resulting nanoparticles were treated hydrothermally to control the crystalline properties of the coating. Nanoparticles were characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, Ζeta potential and vibrating sample magnetometry. Nanoparticle uptake by osteoblasts was studied using TEM. Osteoblast density was measured after 1, 3 and 5days in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles alone and HA-coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. Long-term osteoblast experiments demonstrated greater alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein synthesis, collagen synthesis and calcium deposition after 7, 14 and 21days in the presence of greater concentrations (up to 200μgml−1) of HA-coated iron oxide nanoparticles. In summary, the results of this study showed that HA-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles should be further studied for various orthopedic applications in which such particles could be injected, their location controlled using an external magnetic source and bone growth promoted.

The composition of hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering can influence glycosaminoglycan profile

The injectable and hydrophilic nature of hydrogels makes them suitable candidates for cartilage tissue engineering. To date, a wide range of hydrogels have been proposed for articular cartilage regeneration but few studies have quantitatively compared chondrocyte behaviour and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis within the hydrogels. Herein we have examined the nature of ECM synthesis by chondrocytes seeded into four hydrogels formed by either temperature change, self-assembly or chemical cross-linking. Bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes were cultured for 14 days in Extracel, Pluronic F127 blended with Type II collagen, Puramatrix and Matrixhyal. The discriminatory and sensitive technique of fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) was used to determine the fine detail of the glycosaminoglycans (GAG); hyaluronan and chondroitin sulphate. FACE analysis for chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronan profiles in Puramatrix closely matched that of native cartilage. For each hydrogel, DNA content, viability and morphology were assessed. Total collagen and total sulphated GAG production were measured and normalised to DNA content. Significant differences were found in total collagen synthesis. By day 14, Extracel and Puramatrix had significantly more total collagen than Matrixhyal (1.77+/-0.26 microg and 1.97+/-0.26 microg vs. 0.60+/-0.26 microg; p<0.05). sGAG synthesis occurred in all hydrogels but a significantly higher amount of sGAG was retained within Extracel at days 7 and 14 (p<0.05). In summary, we have shown that the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of each hydrogel directly or indirectly influenced ECM formation. A detailed understanding of the ECM in the development of engineered constructs is an important step in monitoring the success of cartilage regeneration strategies.

Effects of lipopolysaccharide on platelet‐derived growth factor isoform and receptor expression in cultured rat common bile duct fibroblasts and cholangiocytes

Little is known about the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in biliary fibrosis in the setting of bacterial colonization of the biliary tree. We therefore sought to investigate whether exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alters PDGF isoform and receptor expression in cultured rat common bile duct fibroblasts (CBDF) and normal rat cholangiocytes (NRC). Collagen content in cells and media was assessed by colorimetric assay and gel electrophoresis. mRNA levels of PDGF-A and -B, and PDGF-Receptors (PDGF-R) alpha and beta were measured by relative quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels of PDGF-AA, AB and BB were measured by ELISA, and PDGF-Ralpha and PDGF-Rbeta by Western blot. In CBDF, LPS increased total soluble collagen synthesis and secretion. PDGF-Ralpha and beta mRNA and protein were also increased by LPS treatment in CBDF. Lipopolysaccharide treatment elicited an increase in PDGF-A and -B mRNA levels in CBDF. In NRC, levels of PDGF-AmRNAincreased in a dose-dependent fashion following LPS treatment, whereas PDGF-B mRNA showed no response. PDGF-AA secretion was higher by CBDF than by NRC. PDGF-BB levels were also higher in CBDF than in NRC. While PDGF-BB levels did not respond to LPS treatment in CBDF, there was a dosedependent response of this isoform to LPS in NRC. Intracellular and secreted PDGF-AB increased with LPS treatment in NRC. These results support a model in which chronic bacterial colonization of the biliary tree induces fibrosis through PDGF-dependent mechanisms.

O56 Efficacy of Diacerin (™Diasol) in patients with symptomatic OA knees: results from a 24 week open label study

Experimental evidence suggests that recommended dosages of some corticosteroids used clinically as antiinflammatory agents for treating arthropathies damage articular cartilage, but low dosages may be chondroprotective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how different concentrations of methylprednisolone affect chondrocyte function and viability. Articular cartilage and chondrocytes were obtained from young adult horses, 1.5–3.5 years of age. Corticosteroid-induced changes in collagen expression were studied at the transcriptional level by Northern blot analyses and at the translational level by measuring [3H]-proline incorporation into [3H]-hydroxyproline. Fibronectin mRNA splicing patterns were evaluated with ribonuclease protection assays. Cytotoxicity was studied using erythrosin B dye exclusion. Steady-state levels of type II procollagen mRNA decreased without concurrent changes in type I procollagen expression as the medium methylprednisolone concentrations were increased from 1×101 to 1×108 pg/ml, dropping below 10% of control values by 1×105 pg/ml. Cytotoxicity occurred as methylprednisolone levels were increased further from 1×108 to 1×109 pg/ml. Changes in total collagen (protein) synthesis were less pronounced, but also demonstrated significant suppression between 1×104 and 1×108 pg/ml. Corticosteroid-induced changes in fibronectin isoform levels were evaluated in articular cartilage samples without in vitro culture. The cartilage-specific (V+C)− isoform was suppressed in both normal and inflamed joints by a single intraarticular injection (0.1 mg/kg) of methylprednisolone. Combined, these data indicate that methylprednisolone suppresses matrix protein markers of chondrocytic differentiation. Decreased and altered chondrocyte expression of matrix proteins likely contributes to the pathogenesis of corticosteroid-induced cartilage degeneration.

Bulk collagen incorporation rates into knitted stiff fibre polymer in tissue-engineered scaffolds: the rate-limiting step

Fabrication of tissue-engineered constructs in vitro relies on sufficient synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) by cells to form a material suitable for normal function in vivo. Collagen synthesis by human dermal fibroblasts grown in vitro on two polymers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cells were either cultured in a dynamic environment, where meshes were loaded onto a pulsing tube in a bioreactor, or in a static environment without pulsing. Collagen synthesis by cells cultured on a static mesh increased by six-fold compared to monolayer culture, and increased by up to a further 5.4-fold in a pulsed bioreactor. However, little of the collagen synthesized was deposited onto the meshes, almost all being lost to the medium. The amount of collagen deposited onto meshes was highest when cells were cultured dynamically on PET meshes (17.6 microg), but deposition still represented only 1.4% of the total synthesized. Although total collagen synthesis was increased by the use of 3D culture and the introduction of pulsing, the results suggest that the limiting factor for fabrication of a tissue-engineered construct within practical timescales is not the amount of collagen synthesized but the quantity retained (i.e. deposited) within the construct during culture. This may be enhanced by systems which promote or assemble true 3D multi-layers of cells.

High-intensity exercise induces structural, compositional and metabolic changes in cuboidal bones — findings from an equine athlete model

Fatigue fracture of cuboidal bones occurs in the human foot as well as the equine carpus. The racehorse provides a naturally-occurring model to study the effects of high-intensity exercise on the morphology and metabolism of cuboidal bones. We studied both the mineral and the collagenous matrix of the third (C 3) and radial (C r) carpal bones of raced and non-raced Thoroughbred (TB) horses. We hypothesised that racehorses would show increases in the mineral component of these bones and post-translational modifications of the collagenous matrix alongside changes in markers of collagen remodelling and bone formation. C 3 and C r carpal bones were retrieved from raced TB horses ( n = 14) and non-raced TB horses ( n = 11). Standardised proximal–distal sections were taken from each bone and these were sliced transversely to study the proximal–distal differences in bone metabolism from the subchondral plate through to trabecular bone. Histomorphometry and bone mineral density measurements were performed in parallel with biochemical analyses including total collagen, collagen synthesis and cross-links, matrix metalloproteinases-2 and 9 and their inhibitors, calcium and phosphate, and bone alkaline phosphatase. The results of this study show that, while there is a net increase in bone formation in the racehorses, there is additionally an increase in bone collagen synthesis and remodelling, particularly within the trabecular regions of the bone. The increase in bone density would lead to greater stiffness, particularly in the cortical bone, and failure of this ‘stiffer’ cortical bone may result from its lack of support from the rapidly remodelling and structurally weakened underlying trabecular bone.