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PubMed1997

Tribological evaluation of oxidized zirconium using an articular cartilage counterface: a novel material for potential use in hemiarthroplasty.

Problems with total joint replacement that have surfaced in recent years have made reconsideration of more conservative hip reconstructive procedures compelling. Moreover, procedures such as hemiarthroplasty might benefit from newly developed materials that could provide more favourable tribological performance when employed as a counterface for articulation with articular cartilage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tribology of a new biomaterial, oxidized zirconium, with articular cartilage in a laboratory test apparatus. Oxidized zirconium components are produced by oxidizing the zirconium alloy to form a relatively thick (7 microns), adherent, abrasion-resistant ceramic surface. We found that the coefficient of friction of bovine articular cartilage rubbed against oxidized zirconium was lower than with cobalt-chromium alloy control surfaces, and that there was a trend toward less wear with oxidized zirconium. A defined layer of degraded tissue was found on the surface of the articular cartilage specimens, providing some indication of the mechanism of wear. Results of this study warrant further investigation of oxidized zirconium as the bearing surface for hemiarthroplasty.

Alloys↗
PubMed1996

A novel keratan sulphate domain preferentially expressed on the large aggregating proteoglycan from human articular cartilage is recognized by the monoclonal antibody 3D12/H7.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared against aggrecan which has been isolated from human articular cartilage and purified by several chromatographic steps. One of these mAbs, the aggrecan-specific mAb 3D12/H7, was selected for further characterization. The data presented indicate that this mAb recognizes a novel domain of keratan sulphate chains from aggrecan: (1) immunochemical staining of aggrecan is abolished by treatment with keratanase/keratanase II, but not with keratanase or chondroitin sulphate lyase AC/ABC; (2) after chemical deglycosylation of aggrecan no staining of the core-protein was observed; (3) different immunochemical reactivity was observed against keratan sulphates from articular cartilage, intervertebral disc and cornea for the mAbs 3D12/H7 and 5D4. For further characterization of the epitope, reduced and 3H-labelled keratan sulphate chains were prepared. In an IEF-gel-shift assay it was shown that the 3H-labelled oligosaccharides obtained after keratanase digestion of reduced and 3H-labelled keratan sulphate chains were recognized by the mAb 3D12/H7. Thus it can be concluded that the mAb 3D12/H7 recognizes an epitope in the linkage region present in, at least some, keratan sulphate chains of the large aggregating proteoglycan from human articular cartilage. Moreover, this domain seems to be expressed preferentially on those keratan sulphate chains which occur in the chondroitin sulphate-rich region of aggrecan, since the antibody does not recognize the keratan sulphate-rich region obtained after combined chondroitinase AC/ABC and trypsin digestion of aggrecan.

Aggrecans↗
PubMed1999

Cyclic compression of articular cartilage explants is associated with progressive consolidation and altered expression pattern of extracellular matrix proteins.

In this study, we investigated the biosynthetic response of full thickness, adult bovine articular cartilage explants to 45 h of static and cyclic unconfined compression. The cyclic compression of articular cartilage resulted in a progressive consolidation of the cartilage matrix. The oscillatory loading increased protein synthesis ([35S]methionine incorporation) by as much as 50% above free swelling control values, but had an inhibitory influence on proteoglycan synthesis ([35SO4] incorporation). As expected, static compression was associated with a dose-dependent decrease in biosynthetic activity. ECM oligomeric proteins which were most affected by mechanical loading were fibronectin and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Static compression at all amplitudes caused a significant increase in fibronectin synthesis over free swelling control levels. Cyclic compression of articular cartilage at 0.1 Hz and higher was consistently associated with a dramatic increase in the synthesis of COMP as well as fibronectin. The biosynthetic activity of chondrocytes appears to be sensitive to both the frequency and amplitude of the applied load. The results of this study support the hypothesis that cartilage tissue can remodel its extracellular matrix in response to alterations in functional demand.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Activation of WNT and BMP signaling in adult human articular cartilage following mechanical injury.

Acute full thickness joint surface defects can undergo repair, which involves tissue patterning and endochondral bone formation. Molecular signals regulating this process may contribute to the repair outcome, chronic evolution and, eventually, the onset of osteoarthritis. We tested the hypothesis that mechanical injury modulates morphogenetic pathways in adult human articular cartilage explants. Adjacent articular cartilage explants were obtained from preserved areas of the femoral condyles of patients undergoing arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, or from a normal joint of a patient undergoing lower limb amputation. Paired explants were individually maintained in explant culture. From each pair, one explant was mechanically injured and the other left uninjured as a control. Cultures were terminated at different time points for histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis by reverse transcription real time PCR. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) mRNA was upregulated in the injured explants. We detected phosphorylation of SMAD-1 and SMAD-5, consistent with activation of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. FRZB-1 mRNA was downregulated in the injured explants, suggesting de-repression of WNT signaling. Accordingly, expression of the canonical WNT target genes Axin-2 and c-JUN was upregulated in the injured explants. Activation of the canonical WNT signaling pathway by LiCl treatment induced upregulation of COL2A1 and Aggrecan mRNA, suggesting an anabolic effect. Phosphorylation of SMAD-1/-5 and downregulation of FRZB were confirmed in vivo in a mouse model of joint surface injury. Taken together, these data show modulation of the BMP and WNT pathways following mechanical injury in vitro and in vivo, which may play a role in the reparative response of the joint surface. These pathways may, therefore, represent potential targets in protocols of biological joint surface defect repair.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Isolation of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans from mature bovine articular cartilages.

Two species of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans, called DS-PGI and DS-PGII, have been isolated from mature bovine articular cartilages. On sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at low ionic strength in 0.01 M phosphate the dermatan sulfate proteoglycans appeared as a single polydisperse species whose molecular weight ranged from 80,000 to 140,000. The dermatan sulfate proteoglycans eluted as a single peak on Sepharose CL-4B chromatography in 4 M guanidine hydrochloride and showed no tendency to separate into two components. Following chondroitinase AC and ABC digestion, a core protein was obtained whose molecular weight was 45,000. However, what appeared to be a single dermatan sulfate proteoglycan was consistently separated into two species of distinctly different mobilities by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at high ionic strength in 0.375 M Tris. The molecular weight of the smaller species (DS-PGII) ranged from 87,000 to 120,000. The molecular weight of the larger species (DS-PGI) ranged from 165,000 to 285,000. DS-PGI self-associates in 0.375 M Tris, while DS-PGII does not. This phenomenon was exploited to separate DS-PGI and DS-PGII by preparative electrophoresis on 5 to 20% gradient slab gels. The immunological identities of the individual species, DS-PGI and DS-PGII, were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using polyclonal antiserum to cartilage-specific proteoglycan monomer from bovine articular cartilage and polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to DS-PGII. The polyclonal antiserum to cartilage-specific proteoglycan monomer did not react with DS-PGI or DS-PGII, indicating that DS-PGI and DS-PGII possess different core proteins from cartilage-specific proteoglycan monomer. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised against the mixture of DS-PGI and DS-PGII reacted strongly with DS-PGII, but weakly or not at all with DS-PGI. These results suggest that DS-PGI and DS-PGII possess different core proteins and may represent two different species of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Expression of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in chondrogenic cells during the repair of full-thickness defects of articular cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the accumulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTHrP receptor-positive mesenchymal cells using double immunohistochemistry and examined whether this correlated with the subsequent regeneration of 3-mm-diameter full-thickness defects of articular cartilage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cylindrical full-thickness articular cartilage defects (3 mm) were artificially created in the femoral trochlea of male adolescent Japanese white rabbits (n = 210) with a hand-drill. Recombinant human PTH(1-84) was then administered into the defect cavities with an osmotic pump for either 2 or 4 weeks post-injury. Following PTH treatment, the repair processes in the cartilage defects were histologically examined. Double immunostaining analyses for the PTH/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the regenerating tissues were then performed. RESULTS: Activation of PTH/PTHrP receptor signaling by hPTH(1-84) results in the inhibition of chondrogenic differentiation in full-thickness articular cartilage defects. At the conclusion of the 2-week PTH treatment, the defect cavities were filled with undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, which were similar to the controls. In addition, almost all of these cells localized at the center of the injuries were both PTH/PTHrP receptor- and PCNA-positive. In contrast, after prolonged PTH treatment for 4 weeks, there was no indication of a cartilaginous repair response and cells that had migrated to the defect cavities were found to have irreversibly lost expression of the PTH/PTHrP receptor. CONCLUSIONS: The chondrogenic capacity of cells that had migrated to the area of these defect cavities is closely associated with their ability to express the PTH/PTHrP receptor. Moreover, these cells maintain their chondrogenic potential within only a limited time-span of 2 weeks.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Taxol (paclitaxel) involution of articular cartilage destruction in collagen induced arthritis: an ultrastructural demonstration of an increased superficial chondroprotective layer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ultastructural changes of Taxol (paclitaxel) involution of articular cartilage destruction in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) and to compare with articular cartilage from normal rats. METHODS: Forty-five Louvain rats were randomized to one of 3 protocols for structural analysis: (1) control group, (2) CIA group, and (3) Taxol treated CIA group. The latter group received 10 mg/kg body weight of Taxol at Days 10, 12, and 14 and 7.5 mg/kg body weight of Taxol on Days 16, 18, and 20 postimmunization with collagen type II. Eight days later, each group was examined by light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In Taxol treated rats, the morphology of the articular cartilage reverted to that observed in naive rats except for a striking increase in the thickness of the superficial amorphous layer covering the articular surface. CONCLUSION: The involution of CIA by Taxol suggests that this agent may be useful in the clinical treatment of RA.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

The long-term results of meniscus transplantation for articular cartilage defects in the knee joint.

The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term clinical results of meniscus transplantation for articular cartilage defects in the knee joint. The type of study was case series. From October 1990 to June 1995, eight cases underwent allogenic or autogenic meniscus transplantations for articular cartilage defects, and seven cases were available for follow-up evaluations. The age at surgery ranged from 14 to 42 years of age (average 22.5). In one case, transplantation of tissue-engineered cartilage was performed due to pain 5 years after surgery. The other six cases were followed up for 8-13 years (average 10.1). The size of the cartilage defect ranged from 1.0 to 6.3 cm2 (average 2.8 cm2). Patients were evaluated with the Lysholm score and MR images. We also performed arthroscopic examinations in three cases at the final evaluation. This study leads to the conclusion that meniscus transplantation for articular cartilage damage is not comparable to autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Two cases showed a good clinical outcome but the tissue remained as fibrocartilage tissue in the long-term.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Binding and localization of recombinant lubricin to articular cartilage surfaces.

Lubricin is a secreted, cytoprotective glycoprotein that contributes to the essential boundary lubrication mechanisms necessary for maintaining low friction levels at articular cartilage surfaces. Diminishment of lubricin function is thereby implicated as an adverse contributing factor in degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Lubricin occurs as a soluble component of synovial fluid, and is synthesized and localized in the superficial layer of articular cartilage (and thus has also been described as "superficial zone protein", or SZP); however, defined interactions responsible for lubricin retention at this site are not well characterized. In the current studies, we identified molecular determinants that enable lubricin to effectively bind to articular cartilage surfaces. Efficient and specific binding to the superficial zone was observed for synovial lubricin, as well as for recombinant full-length lubricin and a protein construct comprising the lubricin C-terminal (hemopexin-like) domain (LUB-C, encoded by exons 7-12). A construct representing the N-terminal region of lubricin (LUB-N, encoded by exons 2-5) exhibited no appreciable cartilage-binding ability, but displayed the capacity to dimerize, and thus potentially influence lubricin aggregation. Disulfide bond disruption significantly attenuated recombinant lubricin and LUB-C binding to cartilage surfaces, demonstrating a requirement for protein secondary structure in facilitating the appropriate localization of lubricin at relevant tissue interfaces. These findings help identify additional key attributes contributing to lubricin functionality, which would be expected to be instrumental in maintaining joint homeostasis.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Transmission of rapidly applied loads through articular cartilage. Part 1: Uncracked cartilage.

An elastostatic model of rapidly loaded articular cartilage is presented. It is assumed that the cartilage experiences little volumetric change or interstitial fluid flow while loaded instantaneously. Subchondral bone compliance and articular surface friction are incorporated. Integral representations of the stress distributions within cartilage are derived using Fourier transform techniques and the integrals are solved numerically. Localized tensile stresses are found and occur in regions close to the cartilage-bone interface as well as at the articular surface, outside the embrace of the load. The qualitative similarity between the results and those of previous investigations is explained by an elementary equilibrium analysis. The stress distributions suggest that the splits and cracks observed in diseased cartilage may be initiated, or propagated, by tensile stress.

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMed2005

Prothrombin gene expression in articular cartilage with a putative role in cartilage degeneration secondary to joint immobility.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that thrombin is expressed by chondrocytes from human and animal articular cartilage and to monitor its levels of expression during cartilage degeneration induced by joint immobility in a rat model. METHODS: Rat knees were immobilized for periods of 2 or 4 weeks, after which the articular cartilage was harvested, total RNA extracted, and the differential display (ddPCR) protocol applied to identify differentially expressed genes. One differentially expressed fragment showed 100% homology with the prothrombin gene. Results were verified by RT-PCR, Northern and Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry in human, rat, and rabbit articular cartilage. RESULTS: In our rat model of cartilage degeneration induced by joint immobilization, increases in the levels of prothrombin mRNA, thrombin protein, and fibrin deposition were observed. Expression of the prothrombin gene by chondrocytes was confirmed by ddPCR (rat), RT-PCR (rat and human), and by Northern blot analysis (rabbit). In addition, thrombin-like immunoreactivity was increased in chondrocytes after a 4 week immobilization period compared with rat knees receiving sham surgery. Thrombin activity was reflected by the presence of fibrin immunoreactivity in operated rat knee joints. CONCLUSION: Articular chondrocytes express the prothrombin gene and its local expression in joints is translated into thrombin protein. Prothrombin expression is increased in response to joint immobility. Our results support generation of thrombin locally in joints and an upregulation of thrombin expression in cartilage degeneration secondary to immobility. These results may provide information on the source of increased thrombin activity in various animal models and in clinical forms of arthritis.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

The characterization of versican and its message in human articular cartilage and intervertebral disc.

Splicing variation of the versican message and size heterogeneity of the versican core protein were analyzed in human articular cartilage and intervertebral disc. Splicing variation of the message was studied by PCR analysis to detect the presence or absence of exons 7 and 8, which encode large chondroitin sulfate attachment regions. At all ages in normal cartilage from the third trimester fetus to the mature adult, the presence of the versican isoform possessing exon 8 but not exon 7 (V1) could be readily detected. The message isoforms possessing neither exon 7 nor 8 (V3) or both exons 7 and 8 (V0) were only detectable in the fetus, and the isoform possessing only exon 7 (V2) was never detected. In osteoarthritic cartilage and in adult intervertebral disc the versican message pattern was the same as that observed in the normal adult with only the isoform possessing exon 8 being detected. Core protein heterogeneity was studied by immunoblotting following enzymic removal of the glycosaminoglycan chains from the proteoglycan, using an antibody recognizing the globular G1 region of versican. All articular cartilage extracts from the fetus to the mature adult contained multiple core protein sizes of greater than 200 kDa. The adult cartilage extracts tended to have an increased proportion of the smaller sized core proteins and osteoarthritic cartilage possessed similar core protein sizes to the normal adult. In contrast, intervertebral disc at all post-natal ages showed a greater range of size heterogeneity with a prominent component of about 50 kDa. The abundance of this component increased if the samples were treated with keratanase prior to analysis, suggesting that the G1 region of versican in disc can be substituted with keratan sulfate. The increased presence of versican in the disc relative to articular cartilage may suggest a more pronounced functional role for this proteoglycan, particularly in the nucleus pulposus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Importance of subchondral bone to articular cartilage in health and disease.

The almost absolute barrier to diffusion of nutrients between articular cartilage and subchondral bone does not exist. These anatomic regions represent a functional unit. Repetitive overloading in degenerative disease leads primarily to lesions in the subchondral region (including vessels), which in turn impede flow of nutrition to articular cartilage. As a result, in degenerative joint disease the subchondral region shows reactive enhanced vascularization and heightened metabolism with insufficient repair. In aging, however, vascularization and metabolism are decreased; no repair takes place. In many cases, MRI allows visualization of these subchondral abnormalities. It also demonstrates the basic similarities of degenerative osteoarthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, and avascular necrosis. These different entities may have the same basic etiology but with different disease severity.

Arthrography↗
PubMed1997

Transplantation of adenovirally transduced allogeneic chondrocytes into articular cartilage defects in vivo.

Gene transfer to chondrocytes followed by intra-articular transplantation may allow for functional modulation of chondrocyte biology and enhanced repair of damaged articular cartilage. We chose to examine the loss of chondrocytes transduced with a recombinant adenovirus containing the gene for Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase (Ad.RSVntlacZ), followed by transplantation into deep and shallow articular cartilage defects using New Zealand White rabbits as an animal model. A type I collagen matrix was used as a carrier for the growth of the transduced chondrocytes and to retain the cells within the surgically created articular defects. Histochemical analysis of matrices recovered from the animals 1, 3 and 10 days after implantation showed the continued loss of lacZ positive chondrocytes. The number of cells recovered from the matrices was also compared with the initial innoculum of transduced cells present within the matrices at the time of implantation. The greatest loss of transduced cells was observed in the first 24 h after implantation. The numbers of transduced cells present within the matrices were relatively constant between 1 and 3 days postimplantation, but had progressively declined by 10 days postimplantation. These results suggest that transduction of chondrocytes followed by intra-articular transplantation in this rabbit model may enable us to examine the biological effects of focal transgenic overexpression of proteins involved in cartilage homeostasis and repair.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2003

Cell-based bonding of articular cartilage: An extended study.

This study evaluated the biomechanical characteristics of newly formed cartilaginous tissue synthesized from isolated chondrocytes and seeded onto devitalized cartilage in an extended study in vivo. Cartilage from porcine articular joints was cut into regular discs and devitalized by multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Articular chondrocytes were enzymatically isolated and incubated in suspension culture in the presence of devitalized cartilage discs for 21 days. This procedure allowed the isolated chondrocytes to adhere to the devitalized matrix surfaces. Chondrocyte-matrix constructs were assembled with fibrin glue and implanted in dorsal subcutaneous pockets in nude mice for up to 8 months. Histological evaluation and biomechanical testing were performed to quantify the integration of cartilage pieces and the mechanical properties of the constructs over time. Histological analysis indicated that chondrocytes grown on devitalized cartilage discs produced new matrix that bonded and integrated individual cartilage elements with mechanically functional tissue. Biomechanical testing demonstrated a time dependent increase in tensile strength, failure strain, failure energy, and tensile modulus to values 5-30% of normal articular cartilage by 8 months in vivo. The values recorded at 4 months were not statistically different from those collected at the latest time point, indicating that the limits of the biomechanical property values were reached after four months from implantation.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on regulation of gene expression of proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors in interleukin-1-challenged bovine articular cartilage explants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of glucosamine (GLN) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), at concentrations attainable in vivo, on expression of genes encoding proteolytic enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, and macromolecules of articular cartilage in interleukin-1(IL-1)-challenged bovine cartilage explants. SAMPLE POPULATION: Articular cartilage explants harvested from 9 steers. PROCEDURES: Cartilage explants were exposed to media containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) only, IL-1 (50 ng/mL), IL-1 with GLN (5 microg/mL), IL-1 with CS (20 microg/mL), or IL-1 with GLN and CS for 24 and 48 hours. Cartilage was frozen, and RNA was extracted. Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2, -3, -9, -13, and -14; aggrecanases (Aggs)-1 and -2; tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-1, -2, and -3; and type II collagen and aggrecan were assessed with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Upregulated MMP-3, MMP-13, and Agg-1 transcripts at 24 hours were repressed by the GLN and CS combination by at least approximately 6-fold. Glucosamine was effective in suppressing IL-1-induced mRNA expression of MMP-13, Agg-1, and Agg-2, whereas CS was effective in decreasing IL-1-induced MMP-13 transcript at 24 hours. At 48 hours, GLN and CS added separately and in combination significantly abrogated Agg-1 and Agg-2 gene induction. The combination also decreased IL-1-stimulated MMP-13 transcript. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: GLN and CS, at concentrations that are within the range measured in synovial fluid and blood after oral administration, may regulate expression of matrix degrading enzymes and their inhibitors at the transcriptional level, providing a plausible mechanism for their purported chondroprotective properties.

Aggrecans↗
PubMed2003

The immunolocalisation of VEGF in the articular cartilage of sheep mandibular condyles.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has recently been found to be essential for hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis and angiogenesis at the growth plate of long bones, indicating a central role in endochondral ossification. VEGF has more recently, also been shown to be expressed in articular cartilage chondrocytes in human osteoarthritic and rheumatoarthritic joints but not healthy adult joints. To investigate the role of VEGF in the fibrocartilage of the temporomandibular joint, this study aimed to document the presence and distribution of VEGF in the condylar articular cartilage of sheep temporomandibular joints. METHODS: Mandibular condyles of the temporomandibular joints of five 18-month old Wether sheep were fixed, decalcified, paraffin embedded and sectioned. The sections were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for VEGF. RESULTS: VEGF was found to be localised predominantly to the proliferative and maturing layers of chondrocytes in the condylar fibrocartilage of the temporomandibular joints. Articular cartilage is an avascular and alymphatic tissue. As such, the localisation of VEGF to the articular cartilage of normal temporomandibular joint condyles suggests a role for VEGF other than angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: VEGF is shown here for the first time to be present in mandibular condylar cartilage, leading us to propose a possible role in non-angiogenic extracellular matrix remodeling.

Animals↗