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P Reboul

Publications and source records attributed to P Reboul.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Identification and differential expression of human collagenase-3 mRNA species derived from internal deletion, alternative splicing, and different polyadenylation and transcription initiation sites.

OBJECTIVE: Collagenase-3 is a metalloprotease that plays a role in tissue remodeling and pathological processes including arthritis. The human gene is transcribed into major (3.0 and 2.5 kb) and minor (2.2/2.0 kb) transcripts, as seen in Northern blot assays. We investigated the possibility that other transcripts, not detectable by Northern blot, were synthesized as either coding or regulatory RNAs that would modulate collagenase-3 expression and function/activity. DESIGN: We screened a cDNA library and total RNA from human chondrocytes by plaque hybridization and RT-PCR, and expressed the transcripts in a cellular environment. The levels of expression of each transcript in normal and osteoarthritic joint cells and cartilage were monitored by RT-PCR. RESULTS: We identified five different collagenase-3 RNA species derived from alternative polyadenylation sites (COL3-APS), internal deletion (COL3-DEL), alternative splicing (COL3-9B/COL3-9B-2), and different transcription initiation site (COL3-ATS and COL3-ATS-INT). Each transcript could be translated in a cellular environment. Interestingly, the proteins translated from the COL3-DEL and COL3-9B-2 transcripts had a modified hemopexin-like domain, suggesting altered collagenolytic activities. The transcript types COL3-APS, COL3-9B-2, and COL3-ATS were up-regulated in the osteoarthritic samples and expressed in the chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the human collagenase-3 gene is subjected to different levels of regulation and constitutes a more complex system than was originally thought.

Alternative Splicing↗

Hepatocyte growth factor induction of collagenase 3 production in human osteoarthritic cartilage: involvement of the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway and a sensitive p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor cascade.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) involves both a decreased reparative process and an increased degradative phenomenon. Several cytokines and growth factors are known to facilitate the repair of articular cartilage defects. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) present in OA cartilage is suggested to be involved in the cartilage repair process as well as in matrix remodeling and chondrocyte migration, leading to partial reconstruction of articular cartilage. Since cell migration is often correlated with metalloprotease activity, the effect of HGF on collagenase 3 production was studied because of its possible implication in OA cartilage remodeling. METHODS: We examined HGF-stimulated collagenase 3 production in human OA chondrocytes by Western and Northern blotting. Furthermore, we explored the intracellular signaling pathways through which HGF induced collagenase 3 production. RESULTS: This study showed that HGF stimulated collagenase 3 production in human OA chondrocytes at the transcriptional level, and this induction was mediated by activation of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, but not the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The p44/42 MAPKs were also phosphorylated and the use of their specific inhibitor (PD 98059) did not affect HGF-induced collagenase 3 production in OA chondrocytes. Induced collagenase 3 production via the SAPK/JNK pathway was mediated, at least in part, by the TRE site in the promoter, and in the activator protein 1 complex, c-Jun, JunD, and Fra-1 were activated. Surprisingly, further experiments revealed that the specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 202190 also inhibited collagenase 3 production early in the HGF-induced process. The 50% inhibitory concentration was as low as 50 nM, which is unlikely to be related to p38 MAPK inhibition (which is usually in the microM range), suggesting the involvement of another kinase sensitive to SB 202190. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that HGF has the ability to induce both the expression and synthesis of collagenase 3 in OA chondrocytes. The effect is mediated by kinase cascades involving SAPK/JNK and another, unidentified kinase. This study provides novel information implicating a role for HGF in the pathophysiology of OA through its effect on the production of collagenase 3, which is an enzyme that is possibly involved in OA cartilage remodeling.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

In vivo dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase by ML-3000 reduces the progression of experimental osteoarthritis: suppression of collagenase 1 and interleukin-1beta synthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effectiveness of ML-3000, a new antiinflammatory drug that has balanced dual inhibitory activity against 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, on the development of lesions in the experimental osteoarthritis (OA) dog model, and to determine the action of ML-3000 on the synthesis of collagenase 1 in cartilage and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in synovial membrane. METHODS: The anterior cruciate ligament of the right stifle joint of 21 mongrel dogs was sectioned with a stab wound. Dogs were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 7) received placebo; groups 2 (n = 7) and 3 (n = 7) were treated with therapeutic dosages of oral ML-3000 at 2.5 mg/kg/day and 5 mg/kg/day, respectively. The dogs began receiving medication the day after surgery and were killed 8 weeks later. The size and grade of cartilage erosions on both the condyles and plateaus were evaluated, and the severity of the cartilage lesions and synovial inflammation was examined histologically. Levels of collagenase 1 in cartilage and IL-1beta in the synovial membrane were measured by immunohistochemistry. In addition, levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the synovial fluid and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in cultured synovial membrane explants were determined using specific enzyme immunoassays. RESULTS: Serum levels of ML-3000 in treated dogs were within the therapeutic range. ML-3000 significantly decreased the size and grade of the cartilage lesions in tibials and plateaus, compared with placebo. At the histologic level, the severity of cartilage lesions was also decreased in the ML-3000-treated dogs versus the placebo-treated dogs in both the condyles and the plateaus. All 3 OA groups exhibited a notable and similar level of synovial inflammation. ML-3000 significantly decreased the level of PGE2 in synovial fluid and LTB4 production by synovium. It also markedly reduced the levels of collagenase 1 in cartilage and IL-1beta in synovial membrane. CONCLUSION: ML-3000 significantly reduced the development of lesions in experimental dog OA. The drug acts by reducing the synthesis of the inflammation mediators PGE2 and LTB4 and catabolic factors such as collagenase 1 and IL-1beta, which are known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of OA lesions. The effect of the drug on catabolic factors could possibly be related to its inhibitory action on LTB4 synthesis.

Acetates↗

Lymphopenia in occupational pulmonary silicosis with or without autoimmune disease.

An increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis has been demonstrated in silica-exposed patients. The aim of this study was to determine the peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotype in a population of silicotic workers employed in the slate mines of the district. Silicosis was assessed in 58 patients according to the International Labor Office's criteria. Clinical and biological data including flow cytometric evaluation of the lymphocyte subsets were compared with those from 41 healthy volunteers. The silicotic patients had a higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases (6/58 versus 0/41: P < 0.05) and of elevated antinuclear antibody titres compared to the control group. A very significant decrease of total lymphocyte count (P < 0.001) involving B, T and Natural Killer cells was found in silicotic patients as compared with matched healthy volunteers. A significant increase in the percentage of activated T cells (12.3%) was observed in the silicotic group as compared to 6.5% in the control group (P = 5 x 10(-5)). Our results show that in silicotic patients, the absolute number of circulating lymphocytes is diminished with an increased proportion of activated T cells. Whether these findings could predispose to the development of autoimmune disorders is discussed.

Adult↗

Modulation of TIMP-1 synthesis by antiinflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 in interleukin 17 stimulated human monocytes/macrophages.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the regulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) synthesis by interleukin 17 (IL-17) stimulated human monocytes/macrophages in primary culture in the presence of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and antiinflammatory cytokines, and to compare this with the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) production. METHODS: IL-17 stimulated human monocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors were cultured in the presence of PGE2, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mimetics (IBMX, cAMP, forskolin, cholera toxin), or antiinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13), or with protein kinase inhibitors of diverse specificity. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured using specific ELISA, while expression of specific messenger RNA was determined by Northern blotting. RESULTS: IL-17 stimulated an increased level of MMP-9 production relative to TIMP-1 production in monocytes/macrophages. Stimulation was accompanied by upregulation of specific MMP-9 mRNA expression relative to TIMP-1 mRNA. Exogenous PGE2, cAMP, and cAMP-mimetics completely inhibited both basal and IL-17 induced MMP-9 synthesis, while only IL-17 induced TIMP-1 synthesis was abrogated. The same effect was found for the antiinflammatory cytokines. Both basal and IL-17 induced production of TIMP-1 involved p42/44 and p38 kinases and nuclear factor kappaB signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: The excess of MMP-9 over TIMP-1 production, and decreased inhibition of MMP-9 activity in chronic rheumatoid diseases, may result in cartilage degradation and joint destruction.

Adult↗

Diacerein reduces the excess synthesis of bone remodeling factors by human osteoblast cells from osteoarthritic subchondral bone.

OBJECTIVE: Although cartilage degradation characterizes osteoarthritis (OA), there is evidence that remodeling of subchondral bone in this disease is a contributing factor. Therapeutic strategies to modify the metabolism of subchondral bone osteoblasts may be indicated to treat OA. We studied the effects of diacerein and rhein on the metabolic and inflammatory variables of OA subchondral osteoblasts. METHODS: Human OA primary subchondral osteoblast cells were used. The effect of diacerein and rhein at therapeutic concentrations (5-20 microg/ml) was determined by osteoblast phenotypic factors, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and cAMP; on metabolic agents urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); and on inflammatory mediators interleukin 6 (IL-6), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). RESULTS: Diacerein and rhein did not affect either basal and 1,25(OH)2D3 induced alkaline phosphatase or parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulated cAMP formation. Conversely, they dose dependently and statistically inhibited 1,25(OH)2D3 induced osteocalcin release, a situation explained by a reduction of mRNA levels for osteocalcin. Of the metabolic factors, they inhibited the production of uPA, with rhein showing slightly more potency; inhibitions of 69% and 57% were reached at the highest concentration (20 microg/ml) of rhein and diacerein, respectively. Both drugs also inhibited the PAI-1 level, albeit at a much lower level than for uPA. Interestingly, determination of the uPA/PAI1 ratio revealed that both drugs inhibited it about 55%, suggesting a decrease in uPA activity. In contrast, IGF-1 levels only increased slightly when cells were treated with rhein but not with diacerein. A transient dose dependent effect was found on IL-6 production; an inhibition was noted at low drug concentrations, which returned to basal levels at the highest concentration tested. PGE2 levels increased exponentially and were related to a concomitant increase in COX-2 levels in response to both drugs. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that diacerein and rhein do not appear to affect OA subchondral bone cells' basal cellular metabolism, yet both agents reveal a direct effect at reducing the synthetic activities of osteoblasts, which could be responsible for abnormal subchondral bone remodeling occurring during the course of OA.

Aged↗

Transforming growth factor-beta induced collagenase-3 production in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes is triggered by Smad proteins: cooperation between activator protein-1 and PEA-3 binding sites.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the signaling pathways leading to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) induced collagenase-3 production in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes, as well as the transcription factors and their binding sites involved in the transcriptional control of collagenase-3 gene. METHODS: Identification of the TGF-beta signaling pathway was by Western immunoblotting using specific antibodies for the phosphorylated forms of p44/42 and p38 MAPK, SAPK/JNK, and the Smad2 protein. Electromobility shift assays (EMSA) were carried out for activator protein- (AP-1), polyomavirus enhancer A (PEA-3), activin-response-element-like, Smad-binding-element-like, and TGF-beta inhibitory element oligonucleotides. Supershift assays using antibodies to the Jun, Fos, and Smad families of proteins were used for identification of transcription factors. Chondrocyte transfections were also performed using the -133CAT collagenase-3 promoter plasmid (containing PEA-3, AP-1, and TATA sites) and mutated AP-1 and PEA-3 sites. RESULTS: The primary target of TGF-beta induced collagenase-3 in OA chondrocytes was the Smad2 protein, with significant phosphorylation within 5 min. Contrasting with the Smad2, the untreated OA chondrocytes already had detectable levels of the phosphorylated forms of p38 and p44/42 MAPK. Of the oligonucleotides tested, EMSA revealed that TGF-beta treated OA chondrocyte proteins bound only to the AP-1 and PEA-3. Supershifts with the AP-1 oligonucleotide showed the presence of the Jun (c-Jun, JunB, JunD) and Fos (c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1, Fra-2) proteins in the untreated and TGF-beta treated OA chondrocytes, whereas only Smad proteins (Smad2, 3, 4) were present in the AP-1 binding proteins from the TGF-beta treated chondrocytes. The AP-1 mutation decreased both basal (95%) and TGF-beta induced (99%) collagenase-3 production, whereas the PEA-3 mutation decreased the basal (15%) but more significantly (50%) the TGF-beta induced transcription. CONCLUSION: Smad proteins are the main cytoplasmic signaling pathways in TGF-beta stimulated collagenase-3 in OA chondrocytes. The AP-1 site appears critical for upregulation of collagenase-3 production, but TGF-beta stimulation requires both AP-1 and PEA-3 sites for optimal response.

Aged↗

Chondrocyte death in experimental osteoarthritis is mediated by MEK 1/2 and p38 pathways: role of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms responsible for in situ induction of chondrocyte death in experimental dog osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage. The roles of 2 mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), MEK 1/2 and p38, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the caspase cascade were investigated. METHODS: OA knee cartilage was obtained from dogs that had received sectioning of the anterior cruciate ligament and were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery. Cartilage explants were cultured in different inhibitors: Z-DEVD-FMK (caspase 3 inhibitor), Z-LEHD-FMK (caspase 9 inhibitor), PD 98059 (MEK 1/2 inhibitor). SB 202190 (p38 inhibitor), SN-50 (NF-kappaB inhibitor), NS-398 (COX-2 inhibitor), N-iminoethyl-l-lysine (L-NIL) (iNOS inhibitor). Cartilage specimens were stained for TUNEL reaction and immunostained using specific antibodies for caspase 3, COX-2, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine. Morphometric analyses were performed. RESULTS: The significant level of chondrocyte death in OA cartilage was markedly decreased by caspase 3 and caspase 9 inhibitors. The two MAPK inhibitors, but not the NF-kappaB inhibitor, decreased chondrocyte death concomitant with the levels of caspase 3 and iNOS. COX-2 level was reduced by all 3 inhibitors. Specific inhibition of either COX-2 or iNOS reduced the level of chondrocyte death and caspase 3. There was evidence of crosstalk between these 2 latter systems; specific inhibition of COX-2 reduced the iNOS level, and selective inhibition of iNOS reduced COX-2 expression. COX-2 and iNOS seem to function in a positive autoregulatory manner that triggers transcription of their own biosynthetic machinery, since the specific inhibition of each system downregulates its expression. CONCLUSION: This study shows that in the early lesions of experimental OA cartilage in situ, activation of the caspase cascade is responsible for induction of chondrocyte death. Marked inhibition of cell death by caspase inhibitors indicates a significant participation of apoptosis in the phenomenon. This phenomenon is linked to the activation of at least 2 major kinase pathways, MEK 1/2 and p38. These pathways are responsible for upregulating the expression of iNOS and COX-2, each of which seems essential for the induction of apoptosis. Data are provided about possible regulation and interregulation of the COX-2 and iNOS systems by prostaglandin E2 and NO.

Animals↗

The induction of cell death in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes by nitric oxide is related to the production of prostaglandin E2 via the induction of cyclooxygenase-2.

There is increasing evidence suggesting that chondrocyte death may contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). This study focused on the characterization of signaling cascade during NO-induced cell death in human OA chondrocytes. The NO generator, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), promoted chondrocyte death in association with DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Both caspase-3 inhibitor Z-Asp(OCH3)-Glu(OCH3)-Val-Asp(OCH3)-CH2F and caspase-9 inhibitor Z-Leu-Glu(OCH3)-His-Asp(OCH3)-CH2F prevented the chondrocyte death. Blocking the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 inhibitor PD98059 or p38 kinase inhibitor SB202190 also inhibited the SNP-mediated cell death, suggesting possible requirements of both extracellular signal-related protein kinase 1/2 and p38 kinase for the NO-induced cell death. Furthermore, the selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 by NS-398 or the inhibition of COX-1/COX-2 by indomethacin blocked the SNP-induced cell death. The chondrocyte death induced by SNP was associated with an overexpression of COX-2 protein (as determined by Western blotting) and an increase in PGE2 release. PD98059 and SB202190, but neither Z-DEVD FMK nor Z-LEHD FMK completely inhibited the SNP-mediated PGE2 production. Analysis of interactions between PGE2 and the cell death showed that PGE2 enhanced the SNP-mediated cell death, whereas PGE2 alone did not induce the chondrocyte death. These data indicate that NO-induced chondrocyte death signaling includes PGE2 production via COX-2 induction and suggest that both extracellular signal-related protein kinase 1/2 and p38 kinase pathways are upstream signaling of the PGE2 production. The results also demonstrate that exogenous PGE2 may sensitize human OA chondrocytes to the cell death induced by NO.

Aged↗

Glucosamine sulfate modulates dysregulated activities of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of glucosamine sulfate (GS) in the symptomatic treatment of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) is suggested to be mediated by still unknown effects on the altered OA cartilage. DESIGN: Using human OA chondrocytes in culture, the effects of GS on protein synthesis, caseinase, collagenase, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and protein kinase C (PKC) activities as well as production of nitric oxide and cyclic AMP were studied in both cells and culture medium. RESULTS: GS significantly reduced PLA2 activity, and more modestly collagenase activity, in the OA chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, PLA2 and collagenase activity of the culture medium was not modified. No effects on caseinase activity was seen. GS significantly and dose-dependently increased protein synthesis. GS did not modify nitric oxide and cAMP production but significantly increased PKC production. CONCLUSION: GS modified cultured OA chondrocyte metabolism by acting on PKC, cellular PLA2, protein synthesis and possibly collagenase activation. Extrapolation of the effect to the in-vivo situation remains hypothetical but they might represent some possible mechanisms of action of the drug in human.

Caseins↗

Osteoarthritic cartilage fibrillation is associated with a decrease in chondrocyte adhesion to fibronectin.

OBJECTIVE: Cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis (OA) is generally accepted as a failed repair process. Cell adhesion is implicated in tissue repair. Therefore, adhesion of OA chondrocytes to extracellular matrix proteins was investigated. DESIGN: Using chondrocytes from human OA femoral head cartilage, adhesion to fibronectin and type II collagen of cells from distinct areas showing an intact cartilage surface or a fibrillated cartilage surface was studied. Modulation of chondrocyte adhesion by both protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and glucosamine sulfate (GS) was also investigated. RESULTS: A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in adhesion to fibronectin of chondrocytes from fibrillated cartilage, relative to those from grossly normal OA cartilage, was demonstrated. Adhesion to type II collagen was not modified by the chondrocyte origins (either from normal or fibrillated OA cartilage). Adhesion to fibronectin of cells from grossly intact cartilage was decreased by the addition of PKC and calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitors, W7 and sphingosine, to the cell culture. Adhesion to fibronectin of chondrocytes from fibrillated cartilage was significantly (P < 0.05) increased after glucosamine sulfate treatment. CONCLUSION: Fibrillation of cartilage from OA femoral head is associated with a defective adhesion of chondrocytes to fibronectin. The process is suggested to be dependent of PKC and/or calmodulin-dependent kinases and potentially reversible. Conceivably, it could play a role in OA cartilage destruction.

Aged↗

The presence of cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (C-ANCA) in the course of subacute bacterial endocarditis with glomerular involvement, coincidence or association?

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies positivity with cytoplasmic pattern (C-ANCA) and proteinase-3 (PR-3) specificity was found in two patients with both subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) and glomerular involvement. Renal biopsy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in one case and focal segmental glomerulonephritis in the second case. Immunofluorescence study showed granular immune deposits in both cases evocating immune complex glomerulonephritis. Renal and biological manifestations disappeared with clinical improvement secondary to antibiotherapy. Physicians have to consider the possible occurrence of such C-PR-3 ANCA, claimed to be specific markers for Wegener's granulomatosis, in infectious diseases such as SBE. Hence we focus on the necessity of performing a renal biopsy with light microscopy and immunofluorescence studies in all patients with ANCA associated glomerular disease.

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗

Phospholipase A2 activity in herniated lumbar discs. Clinical correlations and inhibition by piroxicam.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of phospholipase A2 activity in the serum and intervertebral discs of patients undergoing surgery for sciatica due to disc herniation. OBJECTIVES: To determine correlations between herniated disc phospholipase A2 and clinical, radiographic, and anatomic signs of common sciatica; to evaluate serum phospholipase A2 activity as a marker of disc phospholipase A2; and to investigate the in vivo effect of piroxicam on disc phospholipase A2. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Several studies suggest disc inflammation as a mechanism of sciatica due to disc herniation, and phospholipase A2 emerges as a key enzyme of cartilage and disc tissues. METHODS: Phospholipase A2 activity was determined, using the degradation of a specific substrate, in the serum and discs of 31 patients (14 treated with acetaminophen and 17 treated with piroxicam) undergoing surgery for sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation. Visual analog scale for pain, Dallas Pain Questionnaire, Lasègue's sign, radiographic stage of degeneration of the herniated disc, volume of disc herniation shown by computed tomography, and surgical findings were recorded. RESULTS: Disc phospholipase A2 activity was independent of the patient's age or sex, the radiologic stage of disc degeneration, and the volume of the herniation, and showed no significant correlation with Lasègue's sign or pain measured on a visual analog scale. The correlation between disc phospholipase A2 and the Dallas category of items measuring the impact of pain on daily activities approached the level of significance (P = 0.07). Disc phospholipase A2 activity was significantly higher in cases of sequestrated discs than in other herniations. Disc phospholipase A2 was significantly correlated with serum phospholipase A2, and was significantly lower in patients treated with piroxicam than in those treated with acetaminophen. CONCLUSIONS: Disc phospholipase A2 is thought to participate in the physiopathology of sciatica and to bemodulated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Serum phospholipase A2 is suggested as a biologic marker of disc inflammation in patients with sciatica.

Acetaminophen↗

The new collagenase, collagenase-3, is expressed and synthesized by human chondrocytes but not by synoviocytes. A role in osteoarthritis.

Recently, a new human collagenase, collagenase-3 has been identified. Since collagen changes are of particular importance in cartilage degeneration, we investigated if collagenase-3 plays a role in osteoarthritis (OA). Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis revealed that in articular tissues collagenase-3 was expressed by the chondrocytes but not by the synoviocytes. Northern blot analysis of the chondrocyte mRNA revealed the presence of two major gene transcripts of 3.0 and 2.5 kb, and a third one of 2.2 kb was occasionally present. Compared to normal, OA showed a significantly higher (3.0 kb, P < or = 0.05; 2.5 kb, P < or = 0.03) level of collagenase-3 mRNA expression. Collagenase-3 had a higher catalytic velocity tate (about fivefold) than collagenase-1 on type II collagen. With the use of two specific antibodies, we showed that human chondrocytes had the ability to produce collagenase-3 as a proenzyme and as a glycosylated doublet. The chondrocyte collagenase-3 protein is produced in a significantly higher (P < or = 0.04) level in OA (approximately 9.5-fold) than in normal. The synthesis and expression of this new collagenase could also be modulated by two proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This study provides novel and interesting data on collagenase-3 expression and synthesis in human cartilage cells and suggest its involvement in human OA cartilage patho-physiology.

Aged↗

Normal expression of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor by human osteoarthritic chondrocytes with increased expression and synthesis of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins.

OBJECTIVE: Our previous research demonstrated that, in contrast to normal chondrocytes, human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes were hyporesponsive to stimulation by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The aim of the present investigation was to examine whether this finding was due to an alteration in the level of IGF receptors (IGFRs) and/or IGF binding proteins (IGFBP). METHODS: A quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique (RT-PCR) was used to measure the type 1 IGFR messenger RNA (mRNA) level, and Northern blotting was used to measure type 2 IGFR and IGFBP mRNA levels. Western immunoblotting was used to identify and measure IGFBP levels. RESULTS: There were similar levels of type 1 IGFR mRNA in normal and OA chondrocytes. The level of type 2 IGFR mRNA, in which an increased amount of which can interfere with the biologic effects of IGF-1, was lower in OA chondrocytes compared with normal chondrocytes. Articular chondrocytes produced IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, and IGFBP-4, and OA chondrocytes secreted and expressed higher amounts than did normal chondrocytes. There was also an increased level of IGFBP-3 in the OA chondrocyte lysates. IGFBPs 1, 5, and 6 were not detectable. CONCLUSION: OA chondrocytes synthesize and express a larger amount of 3 IGFBPs. This observation, along with a lack of detectable change in type 1 IGFR mRNA level, suggests that the hyporesponsiveness of OA chondrocytes to IGF-1 might implicate the involvement of IGFBPs in this pathologic process.

Aged↗

Study of O-sialylation of glycoproteins in C6 glioma cells treated with retinoic acid.

When treated with retinoic acid in vivo, C6 glioma cells show an enhancement of CMP-Neu5Ac:Gal beta 1-3 GalNAc-R alpha-2,3 sialyltransferase activity. A 300 kDa glycoprotein was detected by lectin affinoblotting in retinoic acid-treated C6 cells which stained weakly or not at all in control cells. Comparative studies with different lectins demonstrated that this glycoprotein contains alpha 2,3 Neu5Ac Gal-GalNAc O-glycan moieties. Cultures in the presence of an inhibitor of O-glycan synthesis (N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha-O-benzyl) demonstrated that enhancement of staining of the 300 kDa glycoprotein was not due to the increase of the alpha 2,3 sialytransferase but to the de novo synthesis of the polypeptide chain of this glycoprotein.

Animals↗

IGF and IGF-binding protein system in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic and rheumatoid arthritic patients.

Various arthritic disorders result from a disruption of the equilibrium between the synthesis and degradation of tissue matrix macromolecules. Growth factors, particularly insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), are believed to play an important role in maintaining this equilibrium. In this study, we determined the levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, and characterized and measured the amount of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in the synovial fluid (SF) of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and normal individuals. Furthermore, we characterized the IGFBP found in these SFs. The levels of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3 were determined by specific radioimmunoassays (RIAs). IGFBP identification and measurement were carried out using the Western ligand blot (WLB) technique, and characterization performed by Western immunoblot. IGFBP-3 proteolysis was analyzed by autoradiography after incubation of SF with radiolabeled IGFBP-3. Results showed a statistically significant increase (P < 0.001) in the IGF-I level in arthritic SF vs normal controls; 75 +/- 11 ng/ml and 82 +/- 11 ng/ml were recorded for RA (N = 8) and OA (N = 10), respectively, whilst normal controls (N = 9) were at 19 +/- 7 ng/ml. No difference in the level of IGF-II was recorded between the three groups studied. Human SF demonstrated the presence of IGFBP-1, -2, -3 and -4, but not that of IGFBP-5 and -6. The level of IGFBP-3 tested either by WLB or RIA was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in RA and OA patients. Moreover, a statistical and positive correlation between the levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 was noted. WLB analysis indicated that the amount of IGFBP-1 did not vary among the groups. The levels of IGFBP-2 and -4 were significantly increased (P < 0.02) solely in the RA SF. Further experiments demonstrated that a limited IGFBP-3 proteolysis occurred in human SF. Moreover, the ratio of total IGF over total bioactive IGFBPs was lower in RA (P < 0.05), and to a lesser extent in OA than normal specimens. This study showed the presence of four IGFBPs (1 4) in human SF for which the IGFBP-2, -3 and -4 were enhanced in arthritic fluid. Importantly, although proteolysis occurred in the SF, an increased amount of bioactive IGFBPs were present in arthritic SF, which may affect the bioavailability of IGF-I within the articular tissues.

Aged↗