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Evaluation of biodegradable polyesters modified by type II collagen and Arg-Gly-Asp as tissue engineering scaffolding materials for cartilage regeneration.

Synthetic biodegradable polyesters poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D,L-lactide-coglycolide) (PLGA) (50:50) modified by porcine type II collagen and an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing protein were evaluated as scaffolds for cartilage regeneration in this study. Cytocompatibility of the polymer films was tested using immortalized chondrocytes. Neocartilage formation in vitro on cell-seeded scaffolds was further examined using primary porcine chondrocytes. The inflammatory response of the scaffolds was evaluated subcutaneously in rats. A pilot animal study was conducted, in which rabbit allogeneic chondrocyte-seeded scaffolds were implanted to repair the defected rabbit knee cartilage. The results demonstrated that PLGA as well as its blends with PLLA had better cell growth than pure PLLA, and that type II collagen enhanced, but RGD inhibited cell proliferation. Scaffolds made of blended PLLA/PLGA had larger dynamic compressive modulus compared to scaffolds made of PLLA or PLGA single polymer. Chondrocyte-seeded scaffolds modified by type II collagen without RGD had the greater number of cells as well as higher glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen contents compared to scaffolds without type II collagen modification or scaffolds further modified with RDG. Type II collagen modification prevented infiltration by host tissue and capsule formation. Unmodified PLLA and PLLA/PLGA constructs demonstrated persisting inflammatory response after 6 months, while all type II collagen-modified PLLA/PLGA constructs showed complete repair and no inflammation. Partial or full repair was observed after 2 months of postimplantation in type II collagen-modified PLLA/PLGA constructs, with equal cellularity and 75-80% matrix contents of a normal rabbit articular cartilage. It was concluded that PLLA/PLGA blended scaffolds modified by type II collagen were a potential tissue engineering scaffold for cartilage regeneration.

Analysis of Variance↗

Development of a cellular model to study alternative splicing of type II collagen gene.

To study regulation of alternative splicing of type II collagen (COL2) pre-mRNA, we constructed a mouse COL2 "minigene" containing genomic sequences spanning exon 1 to exon 4 of COL2 downstream of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. This minigene was introduced into ATDC5 cells, which undergo chondrocytic differentiation when treated with insulin. Alternative splicing of the COL2 minigene was evaluated by comparing the expression of the two mRNAs transcribed from the minigene to the expression of alternatively spliced transcripts from the endogenous COL2 gene. This analysis suggested that regulation of alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs from the minigene and the endogenous COL2 gene are accomplished by similar mechanisms. We conclude that the cloned genomic fragment contains key sequences necessary for alternative splicing of COL2 pre-mRNA. This system provides a useful model to begin the process of identifying cis- and trans-acting factors that carry out alternative splicing of COL2 pre-mRNA during chondrocyte differentiation.

Alternative Splicing↗

Type II collagen induced arthritis in rats: clinical and immunological studies.

Immunization of laboratory rats with native Type II collagen induces arthritis in approximately 40 percent of the individuals. Histological and radiological analysis have suggested that the lesion bears several similarities to human rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical studies conducted with this model indicate that it is responsive to the treatment with clinically-used NSAID'S, steroids and immunosuppressive agents. When rats with collagen arthritis were treated with DMARD's, only those treated with D-penicillamine showed clinical improvement (radiological evaluation). Type II collagen induced arthritis is complement-dependent and is an example of an immune complex mediated injury. Thus, passive arthritis can be induced in rats by the intravenous administration of affinity-purified anticollagen IgG. The passive lesion is transient and the administered IgG is detected on the articular cartilage of the hind paws. This articular cartilage also contains complement C3. Passive arthritis is also complement-dependent. Suppression of Type II collagen arthritis can be induced by the prior intravenous treatment of rats with either Type II collagen or its constituent peptide alpha 1, (II) CB10. Antigen-induced arthritis cannot be induced in those rats that have recovered from passive arthritis.

Animals↗

Identification of antibody epitopes in the CB-11 peptide of bovine type II collagen recognized by sera from arthritis-susceptible and -resistant rhesus monkeys.

Sera from eight rhesus monkeys that had been immunized with native bovine type II collagen were tested for antibodies to cyanogen bromide peptides (CB peptides) of type II collagen by Western blotting. The monkeys produced IgG antibodies to a number of different CB peptides, with five out of eight animals producing antibodies to the CB-11 peptide (four arthritic, one non-arthritic). Antibody epitopes on the CB-11 peptide of bovine type II collagen recognized by these sera were investigated by epitope mapping. Peptides (8-mers overlapping by seven amino acids) representing the CB-11 region were synthesised and the sera screened for binding to these peptides to determine areas of high IgG antibody binding to this region of type II collagen. The profiles obtained were not identical, though there were some epitopes that were commonly recognized. Antibodies to one epitope, also present in human type II collagen, were found only in the sera of two animals with the severest arthritis. The technique of epitope mapping has successfully identified a number of epitopes within the CB-11 peptide of type II collagen recognized by antibodies from bovine type II collagen-immunized monkeys. Studies on the relevance of responses to the identified epitopes can now be undertaken.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An immunohistochemical study of localization of type I and type II collagens in mandibular condylar cartilage compared with tibial growth plate.

Immunohistochemical localization of type I and type II collagens was examined in the rat mandibular condylar cartilage (as the secondary cartilage) and compared with that in the tibial growth plate (as the primary cartilage) using plastic embedded tissues. In the condylar cartilage, type I collagen was present not only in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the fibrous, proliferative, and transitional cell layers, but also in the ECM of the maturative and hypertrophic cell layers. Type II collagen was present in the ECM of the maturative and hypertrophic cell layers. In the growth plate, type II collagen was present in the ECM of whole cartilaginous layers; type I collagen was not present in the cartilage but in the perichondrium and the bone matrices. These results indicate that differences exist in the components of the ECM between the primary and secondary cartilages. It is suggested that these two tissues differ in the developmental processes and/or in the reactions to their own local functional needs.

Animals↗

Discoordinate gene expression of aggrecan and type II collagen in experimental osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the gene expression of aggrecan core protein and type II collagen in an experimental animal model of osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from the articular cartilage of unoperated knee joints and from OA joints produced by anterior cruciate ligament transection. The relative amounts of type II collagen and aggrecan core protein messenger RNA (mRNA) were evaluated by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS: Total RNA was elevated 2.5 times, aggrecan mRNA was elevated 2 times, and type II collagen mRNA was elevated 8 times, in OA knees compared to unoperated controls. CONCLUSION: Chondrocytes are activated metabolically in response to joint injury. Discoordinate gene expression of aggrecan and type II collagen is characteristic of early experimental OA, and we speculate that it may contribute to its pathogenesis.

Aggrecans↗

Urinary type II collagen C-telopeptide levels are increased in patients with rapidly destructive hip osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare type II collagen degradation using a new urinary specific marker in patients with rapidly destructive and those with slowly progressive hip OA. METHODS: Twelve patients with rapidly destructive and 28 patients with slowly progressive hip OA were included in a prospective, cross sectional case-control study. Urinary levels of C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of collagen type II (CTX-II) as a marker of cartilage degradation were measured by an ELISA, and urinary free deoxypyridinoline (free DPD), a marker of bone resorption, was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. One x ray evaluation of the hips and urine samples was made in all patients when the diagnosis of OA was established. RESULTS: Patients with hip OA had higher mean (SD) urinary CTX-II levels than 65 healthy age matched controls (492 (232) v 342 (141), p<0.001), but no significant difference was seen for urinary free DPD (p=0.30). Increased urinary CTX-II, but not urinary free DPD, correlated significantly with decreased minimum joint space width assessed by radiograph of the hip. Mean urinary CTX-II levels were significantly higher in patients with rapidly progressive OA than in the slowly progressive group (612 (218) v 441 (221), p=0.015), whereas no significant difference of urinary free DPD was seen between the two groups (p=0.55). CONCLUSION: Patients with hip OA have increased CTX-II degradation as assessed by a new urinary marker. Increased urinary CTX-II levels are associated with rapidly destructive disease, suggesting that this marker might be useful in identifying patients with hip OA at high risk for rapid progression of joint damage.

Adult↗

[Three cases of systemic sclerosis-associated gastrointestinal dysfunction that were improved with oral bovine type II collagen].

We report three cases of enteropathy associated with systemic sclerosis that were improved with oral type II collagen. The first patient, who was diagnosed as having systemic sclerosis-polymyositis overlap syndrome at the age of 35, was hospitalized for treatment of renal crisis at the age of 36. He acquired severe enteropathy associated with systemic sclerosis. The renal crisis was improved with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, but enteropathy persisted. He was given type II collagen in order to treat ileus. Four weeks later, ileus was improved and he was able to take foods. The second patient, a 63-year-old female whose onset of systemic sclerosis was at the age of 58, complained of ileus several times and was given oral type II collagen. Six weeks later, ileus was improved. The third patient, a 19-year-old female, was diagnosed as having systemic sclerosis-polymyositis overlap syndrome. Enteropathy was so severe that she could not take foods for 1 year. She was given oral type II collagen. Six months later, ileus and skin sclerosis were markedly improved. These results suggest that oral type II collagen is effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction associated with systemic sclerosis.

Administration, Oral↗

Collagen-induced arthritis in rats. Examination of the epitope specificities of circulating and cartilage-bound antibodies produced by outbred and inbred rats using cyanogen bromide-derived peptides purified from heterologous and homologous type II collagens.

To determine the number and location of antibody binding epitopes on type II collagen, outbred and inbred rats were immunized with chick, bovine, human, and rat type II collagen (CII, BII, HII, and RII); all sera were assayed for reaction with a panel of CB peptides purified and renatured from the immunizing collagen and from RII. Antibody reaction patterns (profiles) varied among individual outbred rats but were essentially constant over time and changed little after boosting. The strongest antibody reactions were to CB11, CB9-7, and CB12 followed by CB8, CB10, and CB6. Antibody profiles varied depending on the species of collagen used for immunization and the strain of rat immunized. Except for CB10, where antibodies were largely specific for heterologous collagens, antibodies reactive with all other CB peptides cross-reacted strongly with renatured rat CB peptides. Sera from inbred BB rats immunized with BII, CII, or HII reacted best with CB11, unlike antisera to RII that reacted strongly with CB9-7. Inbred LEW, COP, WKY, F344, and BUF rats immunized with BII reacted strongest with CB9-7 and variably with CB11 and CB12. BBxLEW F1 hybrid rats reacted almost equally with CB11 and CB9-7 producing an antibody profile intermediate to those elicited in the parent strains. Finally, antibodies reactive with rat CB11, CB9-7, and CB12 could be eluted from normal rat cartilage incubated in anti-BII serum; antibody eluate profiles generally paralleled the profile produced by the sera applied to cartilage. Taken together, these findings indicate that multiple antibody-reactive epitopes on type II collagen may be instrumental in the initiation of collagen-induced arthritis in rats, particularly shared or cross-reactive epitopes located within CB11, CB9-7, CB12, and CB8.

Animals↗

Degradation of type II collagen, but not proteoglycan, correlates with matrix metalloproteinase activity in cartilage explant cultures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of certain matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to the degradation of proteoglycan and type II collagen in cartilage. METHODS: Bovine nasal and articular cartilage explants were cultured with recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) for up to 4 weeks. Release of proteoglycan and type II collagen into the medium was determined by colorimetric assay and immunoassay, respectively. The activity of MMPs in the medium was assayed using a quenched fluorescent substrate, as well as with a collagen fibril assay, by zymography, and in Western immunoblots. In some experiments, the effects of specific MMP inhibitors on type II collagen degradation were studied. RESULTS: In cultures of nasal cartilage with IL-1 alpha, almost all the proteoglycan was released within the first week, whereas there was no detectable release of type II collagen for the first 2 weeks of culture. A rapid period of almost complete dissolution of the collagen occurred in the third or fourth week. MMP activity measured using a quenched fluorescent substrate was negligible during the first 2 weeks of culture but was substantially increased in the third week of culture, at the time of collagen degradation. Similarly, there was a large increase in collagenolytic activity (by collagen fibril assay) and gelatinolytic activity (by zymography) during the third week of culture. Articular cartilage cultured with IL-1 alpha lost proteoglycan progressively during the 4-week period; however, there was no loss of type II collagen from the matrix in that time and no significant increase in MMP activity. The loss of type II collagen from nasal cartilage stimulated with IL-1 alpha was inhibited by BB87, an inhibitor of both collagenases and gelatinases, and by BB3003, a selective inhibitor of gelatinase A. In Western immunoblots, procollagenase and active interstitial collagenase could be readily detected in nasal cartilage cultures. Some procollagenase 3 and active collagenase 3 was also shown to be present. CONCLUSION: MMP activity correlates with degradation of type II collagen, but not proteoglycan, in cartilage cultures. Interstitial collagenase, collagenase 3, and gelatinases are all likely to contribute to cleavage and removal of collagen from the cartilage matrix. The proteinase(s) responsible for aggrecan breakdown remains unclear.

Animals↗

Chondrogenic differentiation of bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in different hydrogels: influence of collagen type II extracellular matrix on MSC chondrogenesis.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are candidate cells for cartilage tissue engineering. This is due to their ability to undergo chondrogenic differentiation after extensive expansion in vitro and stimulation with various biomaterials in three-dimensional (3-D) systems. Collagen type II is one of the major components of the hyaline cartilage and plays a key role in maintaining chondrocyte function. This study aimed at analyzing the MSC chondrogenic response during culture in different types of extracellular matrix (ECM) with a focus on the influence of collagen type II on MSC chondrogenesis. Bovine MSCs were cultured in monolayer as well as in alginate and collagen type I and II hydrogels, in both serum free medium and medium supplemented with transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1. Chondrogenic differentiation was detected after 3 days of culture in 3-D hydrogels, by examining the presence of glycosaminoglycan and newly synthesized collagen type II in the ECM. Differentiation was most prominent in cells cultured in collagen type II hydrogel, and it increased in a time-dependent manner. The expression levels of the of chondrocyte specific genes: sox9, collagen type II, aggrecan, and COMP were measured by quantitative "Real Time" RT-PCR, and genes distribution in the hydrogel beads were localized by in situ hybridization. All genes were upregulated by the presence of collagen, particularly type II, in the ECM. Additionally, the chondrogenic influence of TGF beta1 on MSCs cultured in collagen-incorporated ECM was analyzed. TGF beta1 and dexamethasone treatment in the presence of collagen type II provided more favorable conditions for expression of the chondrogenic phenotype. In this study, we demonstrated that collagen type II alone has the potential to induce and maintain MSC chondrogenesis, and prior interaction with TGF beta1 to enhance the differentiation.

Aggrecans↗

Stretching type II collagen with optical tweezers.

Collagens are the most abundant proteins of vertebrates and they provide mechanical and supportive functions in a wide range of connective tissues. Knowledge of the mechanical properties of single collagen molecules is essential in studying the self-assembly of collagen, the interaction between cells and extracellular matrix, the etiology of tissue degeneration and mechanism of regeneration, and the relationship between the structures and mechanical properties of tissues. Here we stretched single type II collagen molecules in neutral pH solution using optical tweezers. The molecular parameters of collagen were obtained by fitting force-extension curves into worm-like chain elasticity model. The molecule length of type II collagen monomer was 295.8 nm. The persistence length of type II collagen monomer was 11.2 nm. These observations indicate that collagen molecules are flexible rather than rigid rod molecules at neutral pH solution.

Collagen Type II↗

Characterization of a microbial transglutaminase cross-linked type II collagen scaffold.

This study investigated the effect on the mechanical and physicochemical properties of type II collagen scaffolds after cross-linking with microbial transglutaminase (mTGase). It is intended to develop a collagen-based scaffold to be used for the treatment of degenerated intervertebral discs. By measuring the amount of epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine isodipeptide formed after cross-linking, it was determined that the optimal enzyme concentration was 0.005% (w/v). From the production of covalent bonds induced by mTGase cross-linking, the degradation resistance of type II collagen scaffolds can be enhanced. Rheological analysis revealed an almost sixfold increase in storage modulus (G') with 0.005% (w/v) mTGase cross-linked scaffolds (1.31 +/- 0.03 kPa) compared to controls (0.21 +/- 0.01 kPa). There was a significant reduction in the level of cell-mediated contraction of scaffolds with increased mTGase concentrations. Cell proliferation assays showed that mTGase crosslinked scaffolds exhibited similar cytocompatibility properties in comparison to non-cross-linked scaffolds. In summary, cross-linking type II collagen with mTGase imparted more desirable properties, making it more applicable for use as a scaffold in tissue engineering applications.

3T3 Cells↗

Opposing roles of WNT-5A and WNT-11 in interleukin-1beta regulation of type II collagen expression in articular chondrocytes.

Interleukin (IL)-1beta is a major catabolic cytokine that plays a pivotal role in cartilage destruction. This study examined the possible involvement and regulatory mechanisms of Wnt signaling in IL-1beta-induced inhibition of type II collagen expression in chondrocytes. Treatment of chondrocytes with IL-1beta up-regulated Wnt-5a and down-regulated Wnt-11 expression. Conditioned medium from Wnt-5a-expressing cells inhibited type II collagen expression, whereas knockdown of Wnt-5a by siRNA blocked the inhibitory effects of IL-1beta on type II collagen expression. In contrast to the inhibitory effects of Wnt-5a, Wnt-11 stimulated type II collagen expression. Wnt-5a and Wnt-11 did not cause accumulation of beta-catenin or activation of the beta-catenin-Tcf/Lef transcriptional complex. Instead, we found that Wnt-5a activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase and that an inhibitor of this kinase blocked Wnt-5a inhibition of type II collagen expression. In contrast, Wnt-11 activated protein kinase C and an inhibitor of this kinase blocked Wnt-11 stimulation of type II collagen expression. Collectively, these results indicate that Wnt-5a and Wnt-11 signaling through distinct non-canonical Wnt pathways have opposing effects on type II collagen expression by chondrocytes.

Animals↗

The degradation of type II collagen in rheumatoid arthritis: an immunoelectron microscopic study.

Rabbit antibodies were prepared that react only with denatured type II collagen alpha-chains and cleavage products. The epitopes that these antibodies recognize reside in cyanogen bromide peptides CB8 and CB11. The antibodies do not react with triple helical collagen nor with any other collagen or protein present in hyaline cartilage (Dodge and Poole, J. Clin. Invest. 83:647-661, 1989). These antibodies can therefore be used to detect denatured type II collagen produced, for example, by enzymatic cleavage. In this study they were used to determine, at the ultrastructural level, using immunogold staining, type II collagen fibril cleavage in articular cartilages remote from synovium and pannus of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Comparisons were made with site- and age-matched healthy articular cartilages. Antibody binding was detected in the extracellular matrix, at the articular surface and in the deep zone, usually on visibly damaged collagen fibrils which exhibited a loss of the normal banding pattern of staining produced by lead citrate and uranyl acetate: binding was also observed in disrupted fibrils, sometimes at their ends. Binding was commonly associated with amorphous-looking material (and occasionally unstained sites) in the extracellular matrix which, because of the specificity of the antibody, can be identified as containing denatured or fragmented type II collagen, stained (and unstained) with heavy metals. In both rheumatoid and healthy articular cartilages, there was no antibody binding to intact well stained fibrils which exhibited a regular banding pattern. Little or no staining was detected at the ultrastructural level in normal cartilages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Type II collagen pro-alpha-chains containing a Gly574Ser mutation are not incorporated into the cartilage matrix of transgenic mice.

The biochemical consequences of a type II procollagen mutation that contained a Gly574Ser amino acid substitution were analyzed in a transgenic mouse strain. The mutation correlated with one previously characterized in a patient with the lethal human chondrodysplasia, hypochondrogenesis (Horton et al., 1992), and resulted in a similar shortlimbed phenotype. There were fewer collagen fibrils present in the transgenic cartilage and reduced immunofluorescence of cartilage matrix using a type II collagen antibody. Pepsin-extracted collagen from transgenic mouse embryo cartilage was analyzed electrophoretically and indicated less type II as well as type XI collagen compared to their wild-type littermates. A pulse-chase experiment was performed to evaluate the biosynthesis and fate of type II collagen. Chondrocytes isolated from transgenic tissue synthesized fewer stable molecules, resulting in decreased secretion of the procollagen chains. By amino acid sequence analysis of the type II collagen peptides from cartilage of transgenic mouse embryos, serine was not detected at residue 574, the site mutated in the transgene. Based on sequence data, we believe that the molecules incorporated into collagen fibrils of the extracellular matrix, while fewer in number, were composed of normal alpha 1(II) chains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Substitution of aspartic acid for glycine at position 310 in type II collagen produces achondrogenesis II, and substitution of serine at position 805 produces hypochondrogenesis: analysis of genotype-phenotype relationships.

Two different mutations were found in two unrelated probands with lethal chondrodysplasias, one with achondrogenesis type II and the other with the less severe phenotype of hypochondrogenesis. The mutations in the COL2A1 gene were identified by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of genomic DNA followed by dideoxynucleotide sequencing and restriction site analysis. The proband with achondrogenesis type II had a heterozygous single-base mutation that substituted aspartate for glycine at position 310 of the alpha 1(II) chain of type II procollagen. The proband with hypochondrogenesis had a heterozygous single-base mutation that substituted serine for glycine at position 805. Type II collagen extracted from cartilage from the probands demonstrated the presence of type I collagen and a delayed electrophoretic mobility, indicating post-translational overmodifications. Analysis of CNBr peptides showed that, in proband 1, the entire peptides were overmodified. Examination of chondrocytes cultured in agarose or alginate indicated that there was a delayed secretion of type II procollagen. In addition, type II collagen synthesized by cartilage fragments from the probands demonstrated a decreased thermal stability. The melting temperature of the type II collagen containing the aspartate-for-glycine substitution was reduced by 4 degrees C, and that of the collagen containing the serine-for-glycine substitution was reduced by 2 degrees C. Electron microscopy of the extracellular matrix from the chondrocyte cultures showed a decreased density of matrix and the presence of unusually short and thin fibrils. Our results indicate that glycine substitutions in the N-terminal region of the type II collagen molecule can produce more severe phenotypes than mutations in the C-terminal region. The aspartate-for-glycine substitution at position 310, which was associated with defective secretion and a probable increased degradation of collagen, is the most destabilizing mutation yet reported in type II procollagen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

IgE antibodies specific for cartilage collagens type II, IX and XI in rheumatic diseases.

Serum samples from 149 patients with RA and other rheumatological diseases, and 57 non-arthritic controls have been assayed for IgE antibodies to the cartilage collagen types II, IX and XI in their native and denatured state. Using an improved ELISA technique together with antigen-binding inhibition studies to confirm specificity, 10 of the 149 (7%) patients showed IgE antibodies to human collagen type II and bovine collagen types II, IX or XI. Some patients responded to only one collagen type whereas others had IgE positive responses to two or all three collagen species. Most of the IgE responses detected were directed towards the denatured collagens. Those sera showing an IgE response to bovine type II collagen produced a similar response to the human equivalent, including two patients with SLE. None of 57 control subjects demonstrated IgE specificity for any of the cartilage collagens. Patients with IgE specificity for the cartilage collagens did not demonstrate IgM or IgA specificity for these antigens, but two of these patients showed IgG responses to type II and XI collagens. Whereas eight patients were exclusively IgE-positive for the cartilage collagens, others expressed specificities for IgG, IgM or IgA. It therefore appears that the specific autoimmune profile for each patient is often different from others, both in terms of the class of immunoglobulin expressed and the collagen antigens recognised. At present no correlations were observed between the IgE-positive patients and their clinical assessment and/or prognosis.

Adult↗