Transcriptional regulation of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycan chain-synthesizing glycosyltransferases by UV irradiation in cultured human dermal fibroblasts

Various kinds of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) have been known to be involved in structural and space-filling functions, as well as many physiological regulations in skin. To investigate ultraviolet (UV) radiation-mediated regulation of GAGs and PGs in cultured human dermal fibroblasts, transcriptional changes of many types of PGs and GAG chain-synthesizing enzymes at 18 hr after 75 mJ/cm(2) of UV irradiation were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction methods. Hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-1, -2, and -3 and hyaluronidase-2 mRNA expressions were significantly increased by UV irradiation. Expressions of lumican, fibromodulin, osteoglycin, syndecan-2, perlecan, agrin, versican, decorin, and biglycan were significantly decreased by UV irradiation, while syndecan-1 was increased. Expressions of GAG chain-synthesizing glycosyltransferases, xylosyltransferase-1, β1,3-glucuronyltransferase-1, β1,4-galactosyltransferase-2, -4, exostosin-1, chondroitin polymerizing factor, and chondroitin sulfate synthase-3 were significantly reduced, whereas those of β1,3-galactosyltransferase-6, β1,4-galactosyltransferase-3, -7, β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltran sferase-2, and -7 were increased by UV irradiation. Heparanase-1 mRNA expression was increased, but that of heparanase-2 was reduced by UV irradiation. Time-course investigation of representative genes showed consistent results. In conclusion, UV irradiation may increase hyaluronic acid production through HAS induction, and decrease other GAG productions through downregulation of PG core proteins and GAG chain-synthesizing glycosyltransferases in cultured human dermal fibroblasts.

Transglutaminase 2 regulates early chondrogenesis and glycosaminoglycan synthesis

The expression pattern for tissue transglutaminase (TG2) suggests that it regulates cartilage formation. We analyzed the role of TG2 in early stages of chondrogenesis using differentiating high-density cultures of mesenchymal cells from chicken limb bud as a model. We demonstrate that TG2 promotes cell differentiation towards a pre-hypertrophic stage without inducing precocious hypertrophic maturation. This finding, combined with distinctive up-regulation of extracellular TG2 in the pre-hypertrophic cartilage of the growth plate, indicates that TG2 is an autocrine regulator of chondrocyte differentiation. We also show that TG2 regulates synthesis of the cartilaginous glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-rich extracellular matrix. Elevated levels of TG2 down-regulate xylosyltransferase activity which mediates the key steps in chondroitin sulfate synthesis. On the contrary, inhibition of endogenous transglutaminase activity in differentiating chondrogenic micromasses results in increased GAG deposition and enhancement of early chondrogenic markers. Regulation of GAG synthesis by TG2 appears independent of TGF-β activity, which is a downstream mediator of the TG2 functions in some biological systems. Instead, our data suggest a major role for cAMP/PKA signaling in transmitting TG2 signals in early chondrogenic differentiation. In summary, we demonstrate that matrix synthesis and early stages of chondrogenic differentiation are regulated through a novel mechanism involving TG2-dependent inhibition of PKA. These findings further advance understanding of cartilage formation and disease, and contribute to cartilage bioengineering.

The potential of pulsed low intensity ultrasound to stimulate chondrocytes matrix synthesis in agarose and monolayer cultures

Pulsed low intensity ultrasound (PLIUS) has been used successfully for bone fracture repair and has therefore been suggested for cartilage regeneration. However, previous in vitro studies with chondrocytes show conflicting results as to the effect of PLIUS on the elaboration of extracellular matrix. This study tests the hypothesis that PLIUS, applied for 20 min/day, stimulates the synthesis of sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) by adult bovine articular chondrocytes cultured in either monolayer or agarose constructs. For both culture models, PLIUS at either 30 or 100 mW/cm(2) intensity had no net effect on the total sGAG content. Although PLIUS at 100 mW/cm(2) did induce a 20% increase in sGAG content at day 2 of culture in agarose, this response was lost by day 5. Intensities of 200 and 300 mW/cm(2) resulted in cell death probably due to heating from the ultrasound transducers. The lack of a sustained up-regulation of sGAG synthesis may reflect the suggestion that PLIUS only induces a stimulatory effect in the presence of a tissue injury response. These results suggest that PLIUS has a limited potential to provide an effective method of stimulating matrix production as part of a tissue engineering strategy for cartilage repair.

Trans-generational exposure to low levels of rhodamine B does not adversely affect litter size or liver function in murine mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA

MPS IIIA is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the sulphamidase gene, resulting in the accumulation of heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycans (HS GAGs). Symptoms predominantly manifest in the CNS and there is no current therapy that effectively addresses neuropathology in MPS IIIA patients. Recent studies in MPS IIIA mice have shown that rhodamine B substrate deprivation therapy (SDT) (also termed substrate reduction therapy/SRT) inhibits GAG biosynthesis and, improves both somatic and CNS disease pathology. Acute overexposure to high doses of rhodamine B results in liver toxicity and is detrimental to reproductive ability. However, the long-term effects of decreasing GAG synthesis, at the low dose sufficient to alter neurological function are unknown. A trans-generational study was therefore initiated to evaluate the continuous exposure of rhodamine B treatment in MPS IIIA mice over 4 generations, including treatment during pregnancy. No alterations in litter size, liver histology or liver function were observed. Overall, there are no long-term issues with the administration of rhodamine B at the low dose tested and no adverse effects were noted during pregnancy in mice.

Down-regulation of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase affects glycosaminoglycans synthesis and motility in HCT-8 colorectal carcinoma cells

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) catalyzes oxidation of UDP-glucose to yield UDP-glucuronic acid, a precursor of hyaluronic acid (HA) and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in extracellular matrix. Although association of extracellular matrix with cell proliferation and migration has been well documented, the importance of UGDH in these behaviors is not clear. Using UGDH-specific small interference RNA to treat HCT-8 colorectal carcinoma cells, a decrease in both mRNA and protein levels of UGDH, as well as the cellular UDP-glucuronic acid and GAG production was observed. Treatment of HCT-8 cells with either UGDH-specific siRNA or HA synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone effectively delayed cell aggregation into multicellular spheroids and impaired cell motility in both three-dimensional collagen gel and transwell migration assays. The reduction in cell aggregation and migration rates could be restored by addition of exogenous HA. These results indicate that UGDH can regulate cell motility through the production of GAG. The enzyme may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of colorectal cancers.

Glycosaminoglycan distribution in the rat uterine cervix during the estrous cycle

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the amount of glycosaminoglycans in the uterine cervix during each phase of the rat estrous cycle.

DESIGN

Based on vaginal smears, forty female, regularly cycling rats were divided into four groups (n = 10 for each group): GI - proestrous, GII - estrous, GIII - metaestrous and GIV - diestrous. Animals were sacrificed at each phase of the cycle, and the cervix was immediately removed and submitted to biochemical extraction and determination of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid. The results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test.

RESULTS

The uterine cervix had the highest amount of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans and dermatan sulfate during the estrous phase (8.90 +/- 0.55 mg/g of cetonic extract, p<0.001; and 8.86 +/- 0.57 mg/g of cetonic extract, p<0.001). In addition, there was more heparan sulfate at the cervix during the proestrous phase (0.185 +/- 0.03 mg/g of cetonic extract) than during any other phase (p<0.001). There were no significant changes in the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the uterine cervix during the estrous cycle.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the amount of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations related to the estrous cycle, with dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate being the glycosaminoglycans most sensitive to hormonal change.

Impairment of glycosaminoglycan synthesis in mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA cells by using siRNA: a potential therapeutic approach for Sanfilippo disease

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are severe inherited metabolic disorders from the group of lysosomal storage diseases. They are caused by deficiency in the activity of enzymes involved in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and resultant accumulation of these compounds in the cells of patients. Although enzyme replacement therapy has become available for some MPS types (MPS I, MPS II and MPS VI), this treatment is not efficient when neurological symptoms occur, especially in MPS III (Sanfilippo disease). Recent studies indicated that substrate reduction therapy (SRT) may be an effective option for the treatment of neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases, including MPS III. However, previous attempts to SRT for MPS III focused on the use of non-specific inhibitors of GAG synthesis. Thus, we aimed to use the small interfering RNA (siRNA) procedure to control expression of particular genes, whose products are involved in GAG synthesis. In this report we show that, in MPS IIIA fibroblasts, we were able to reduce mRNA levels of four genes, XYLT1, XYLT2, GALTI and GALTII, whose products are involved in GAG synthesis. This decrease in levels of transcripts corresponded to a decrease in levels of proteins encoded by them. Moreover, efficiency of GAG production in these fibroblasts was considerably reduced after treatment of the cells with siRNA. These results indicate that efficient reduction of GAG synthesis may be achieved by the use of siRNA.

Different amounts of isoflavones in various commercially available soy extracts in the light of gene expression-targeted isoflavone therapy

Isoflavones are plant-derived, biologically active compounds that are commonly used as natural drugs or diet supplements in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and as antioxidants. Recently, it was proposed that genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) may be used in the treatment of patients suffering from Sanfilippo disease (mucopolysaccharidosis type III), a severe genetic disorder for which no therapy is available. A pilot clinical study with this novel therapy, called 'gene expression-targeted isoflavone therapy' (GET IT), indicated that a standardized, genistin-rich soy isoflavone extract is effective in the treatment of such patients. Since various isoflavone-containing products are commercially available, the content of the main isoflavones were measured in such products. Extremely different amounts of isoflavones were determined in various products, from 0.13 to 39 mg per tablet. Only some of these products were found to be effective in inhibition of the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (compounds whose degradation is severely impaired in mucopolysaccharidoses, including Sanfilippo disease) in cultured fibroblasts. Since in GET IT the dose of genistein is calculated per patient's body weight, the amount of this isoflavone in a tablet is crucial for this therapy. Therefore, the results presented in this report indicate that a careful choice of a proper isoflavone extract is necessary for GET IT.

Accumulation of Glycosaminoglycans in Radiation-induced Muscular Fibrosis

The content and biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were studied in the pig thigh muscle after acute local gamma-irradiation. Seven months following irradiation, the muscular tissue next to the irradiation cone was replaced by severe mutilating fibrosis delimited by an intermediary perifbrotic zone. Fibrosis, perifibrotic tissue and normal muscle, were sampled and incubated with [3H]glucosamine and [35S]sulphate, and GAGs were isolated following pronase digestion. Results showed a parallel increase of collagen and GAG content in perifibrotic and fibrotic tissues. Sulphated GAGs, heparan sulphate and dermatan sulphate were preferentially accumulated in fibrotic tissue, while the hyaluronic acid content increased only slightly. Synthesis of sulphated GAGs was more elevated in fibrotic tissue than in perifibrotic zone as compared with normal muscle. Seven months after irradiation well-developed fibrotic tissue continued to synthesize and to accumulate extracellular matrix macromolecules, indicating the invasive aspect of post-irradiation fibrosis.

Glycosaminoglycan synthesis by human diabetic, normal adult, and embryonic fibroblasts in relation to insulin levels

Sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by human diabetic, non-diabetic, and embryonic cells was studied. No effect of insulin on net synthesis was noted. Thus, the data do not indicate a role for total sulfated glycosaminoglycan production in the diabetic connective tissue disturbance mediated by insulin.

Serum lipoprotein composition, platelet factor and arterial smooth muscle cells

The incorporation of [3H] thymidine and the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) by cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells were studied in the presence of human sera with high HDL cholesterol concentration, high LDL cholesterol concentration or with normal serum lipoprotein concentrations. The sera were prepared either conventionally (CPS, platelet factor present) or from platelet poor plasma by recalcification (PPPS). As compared to normolipidaemic sera, HDL-aemic CPS decreased the incorporation of thymidine but LDL-aemic sera had no effect. HDL-aemic sera decreased markedly the synthesis of sulphated GAG but had no effect on the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA). Therefore, the sulphated GAG/HA ratio was decreased. The decrease in sulphated GAG was observed only in the presence of CPS, not in the presence of PPPS. LDL-aemic sera decreased the synthesis of hyaluronic acid causing an increase in the sulphated GAG/HA ratio. This effect was observed in the presence of both CPS and PPPS. The results suggest that determination of the sulphated GAG/HA ratio in aortic smooth muscle cell cultures provides a useful method for estimating the atherogeneity of various sera. The anti-atherogenic effect of HDL-aemic sera seems to be dependent on the platelet factor while the atherogenic effect of LDL-aemic sera may be independent of the platelet factor.

Synthesis of collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycans by normal and scleroderma fibroblasts in culture, with and without addition of cyclofenil

The influence of the synthetic weak estrogen cyclofenil was studied in vitro on skin fibroblasts from scleroderma patients, normals, and human embryos. The drug had no effect on the synthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans or collagen. Collagen synthesis was lower in scleroderma fibroblasts than in normal cells, whereas there was no difference in sulfated glycosaminoglycans synthesis.

Correlation between severity of mucopolysaccharidoses and combination of the residual enzyme activity and efficiency of glycosaminoglycan synthesis

AIM

To develop a method for prediction of severity and clinical course of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of inherited metabolic diseases.

METHODS

Various biochemical and clinical parameters (including estimation of the level of clinical severity, presence of specific mutations, residual enzyme activity, urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) excretion, storage of GAG in fibroblasts and efficiency of GAG synthesis) of patients suffering from MPS types II, IIIA and IIIB were determined. Correlations between genetic, biochemical and clinical parameters were tested.

RESULTS

We found that efficiency of GAG synthesis may contribute to the level of severity of MPS. It appears that (i) combination of low or average efficiency of GAG synthesis and the presence of residual activity of the enzyme is responsible for an attenuated phenotype, (ii) a lack of detectable residual enzyme activity causes a severe phenotype, irrespective of the efficiency of GAG synthesis and (iii) high efficiency of GAG synthesis leads to a severe phenotype, even if residual enzyme activity is detected. This correlation was found to be valid in 15 out of 17 patients tested.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of efficiency of GAG synthesis and residual activity of the enzyme may be considered for prediction of severity of MPS patients' clinical phenotypes.

Modulation of xylosyltransferase I expression provides a mechanism regulating glycosaminoglycan chain synthesis during cartilage destruction and repair

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by loss of proteoglycans (PGs) and their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains that are essential for cartilage function. Here, we investigated the role of glycosyltransferases (GTs) responsible for PG-GAG chain assembly during joint cartilage destruction and repair processes. At various times after antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) and papain-induced cartilage repair in rats, PG synthesis and deposition, expression of GTs, and GAG chain composition were analyzed. Our data showed that expression of the GT xylosyltransferase I (XT-I) gene initiating PG-GAG chain synthesis was significantly reduced in AIA rat cartilage and was associated with a decrease in PG synthesis. Interestingly, interleukin-1beta, the main proinflammatory cytokine incriminated in joint diseases, down-regulated the XT-I gene expression with a concomitant decrease in PG synthesis in rat cartilage explants ex vivo. However, cartilage from papain-injected rat knees showed up-regulation of XT-I gene expression and increased PG synthesis at early stages of cartilage repair, a process associated with up-regulation of TGF-beta1 gene expression and mediated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Consistently, silencing of XT-I expression by intraarticular injection of XT-I shRNA in rat knees prevented cartilage repair by decreasing PG synthesis and content. These findings show that GTs play a key role in the loss of PG-GAGs in joint diseases and identify novel targets for stimulating cartilage repair.

Serum xylosyltransferase activity in diabetic patients as a possible marker of reduced proteoglycan biosynthesis

OBJECTIVE

Proteoglycan metabolism is altered in diabetic patients. The xylosyltransferases (XTs) are the initial and rate-limiting enzymes in the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycan chains in proteoglycans. Here, we analyzed whether the changed proteoglycan metabolism leads to altered serum XT levels in diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum XT activity was determined in 100 diabetic patients and 100 blood donors using a novel high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry assay.

RESULTS

Serum XT activities in male and female diabetic patients were significantly decreased compared with those in the corresponding normoglycemic control subjects (mean +/- SD: male patients, 19.3 +/- 4.44 mU/l; male nondiabetic control subjects, 26.6 +/- 2.79 mU/l; female patients, 18.9 +/- 3.14 mU/l; female nondiabetic control subjects, 21.8 +/- 3.74 mU/l; P < 0.0001). No significant differences were detected between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show decreased XT activity in patients with diabetes, a disease that is accompanied by an altered proteoglycan biosynthesis.

Can TGF-beta1 and rhBMP-2 act in synergy to transform bone marrow stem cells to discogenic-type cells?

INTRODUCTION

The recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is known to increase the proteoglycan production and chondrogenic gene expression in the disc cells. The transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) can transform the bone marrow stem cells (BMDCs) into the disc-like cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out an experiment to determine if TGF-beta(1) and rhBMP-2 can act in synergy on BMDCs by increasing the production of sulfated-glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and affecting the mRNA expression of aggrecan, type I collagen, and type II collagen. The BMDCs were isolated from the iliac crest and femur of a New Zealand white rabbit (1 year). The BMDCs were culured in monolayer and treated for 6 days with TGF-beta(1) 10 ng/ml (group 1), rhBMP-2 200 ng/ml (group 2), and both TGF-beta(1) 10 ng/ml and rhBMP-2 200 ng/ml (group 3: the combined group) in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium/F-12 with 1% fetal bovine serum. After 6 days, the sGAG content in the media was quantified using 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue staining and the mRNA expression of aggrecan, type I collagen, type II collagen, Sox-9, BMP-2, and BMP-7 were measured with the real-time PCR. The same BMDCs were also cultured in the chamber slide at 3 x 10(4) cells/chamber. After 6 days treatment, the treated cells were immunofluorescence stained with aggrecan, type I collagen, type II collagen, anti-BMP-2, anti-BMP-7 antibodies. After that, we compared the number of positive immunofluorescence stained cells with fluorescence microscope. The sGAG production and mRNA expression for each group were normalized against the same parameters for a non-treatment group.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The sGAG production was increased 1.15*, 1.34*, and 1.45* times in the TGF-beta(1) 10 ng/ml group, the rhBMP-2 200 ng/ml group, and the combined group respectively. The mRNA expression of aggrecan was increased 1.28, 3.42*, and 5.34* times, the mRNA expression of type I collagen was increased 0.86, 1.09, 1.17 times, the mRNA expression of type II collagen was increased 3.58*, 3.77*, and 10.78* times, the mRNA expression of Sox-9 was increased 1.29, 2.45, 2.75* times, the mRNA expression of BMP-2 was increased 1.14, 2.07, 4.43* times, and the mRNA expression of BMP-7 was increased 1.16, 1.49, 1.97* times, respectively for each group (* indicates p < 0.05). On the immunofluorescence staining of antibodies, the average positively immunofluorescence stained cells number for aggrecan were 4.2, 15.8*, 10*, and 22* according to the non-treatment group, TGF-beta(1) 10 ng/ml group, rhBMP-2 200 ng/ml group, and the combined group respectively. The average positively immunofluorescence stained cells number for type I collagen were 7, 14.2*, 9.2*, 17.4* and the average positively immunofluorescence stained cells number for type II collagen were 8.5, 28.25*, 20.25*, 42.25* and the average positively immunofluorescence stained cells number for anti-BMP-2 were 5, 16.75*, 8.75*, 27.25* and the average positively immunofluorescence stained cells number for anti-BMP-7 were 3.25, 7.5*, 8.75*, 15.25* (* indicates p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both TGF-beta(1) and rhBMP-2 alone, can increase proteoglycan production in the BMDCs. However, if they were used in combination, there is a synergistic effect. Similarly, the mRNA expressions of both aggrecan, type II collagen, Sox-9, BMP-2, and BMP-7 except for type I collagen were increased significantly when TGF-beta(1) and rhBMP-2 were combined. The positive immunofluorescence stained cell numbers for aggrecan, type I, II collagen, BMP-2 and BMP-7 were also increased after each TGF-beta(1) and rhBMP-2 treatment, and also more increased significantly in the aggrecan, type I, II collagen, BMP-2, and 7 when they were used jointly.

Glucosamine inhibits the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan chains on vascular smooth muscle cell proteoglycans by depletion of ATP

Glucosamine via GlcNAc is a precursor for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on proteoglycans. We previously found that proteoglycans synthesized and secreted by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in the presence of supplementary glucosamine had GAG of decreased not increased size. We investigated the possibility that the inhibition of GAG chains synthesis on proteoglycans might be related to cellular ATP depletion. Confluent primate VSMCs were exposed to glucosamine, azide, or 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). Each of these agents depleted cell ATP content by 25-30%. All agents decreased (35)S-SO(4) incorporation and reduced the size of the proteoglycans, decorin and biglycan as assessed by SDS-PAGE. On withdrawal of the glucosamine, azide or 2-DG ATP levels and proteoglycan synthesis returned towards baseline values. Glucosamine decreased glucose uptake and consumption suggesting that ATP depletion was due preferential phosphorylation of glucosamine over glucose. Thus, glucosamine inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis is due, at least in part, to depletion of cellular ATP content.

Cell viability, proliferation and extracellular matrix production of human annulus fibrosus cells cultured within PDLLA/Bioglass composite foam scaffolds in vitro

The objective of this study was to assess cell viability, attachment, morphology, proliferation, and collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycan (s-GAG) production by human annulus fibrosus (HAF) cells cultured in vitro in poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA)/Bioglass composite foams. PDLLA foams with different percentages (0, 5 and 30wt.%) of Bioglass particles were prepared by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). HAF cell viability in the PDLLA/Bioglass foam was analysed using Live/Dead staining. HAF cell attachment was observed using SEM. An assessment of cell proliferation was conducted using the WST-1 assay. The level of s-GAG and collagen produced by HAF cells was quantified using the 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay and Sircoltrade mark assay after 4 weeks of culture. The presence of collagen types I and II within the PDLLA/Bioglass composite foams was analysed using immunohistochemistry. Live/dead staining showed that many viable HAF cells were present on the top surface of the foams as well as penetrating into the internal pore structure, suggesting that the PDLLA/Bioglass composite materials are non-toxic and that the presence of Bioglass particles within PDLLA scaffolds does not inhibit HAF cell growth. The SEM observations revealed that more clusters of HAF cells were attached to the pore walls of both the PDLLA/5BG foam and the PDLLA/30BG foam when compared with the PDLLA/0BG foam. WST-1 assay performed over a period of 4 weeks showed an increased tendency of HAF cells to proliferate within both the PDLLA/5BG foam and the PDLLA/30BG foam when compared with both the tissue culture plastic control and the PDLLA/0BG foam, indicating the presence of Bioglass in the foam has a positive effect on HAF cell proliferation. Sircoltrade mark and DMMB assays showed that HAF cells cultured within the PDLLA/30BG foam had a greater ability to deposit collagen and proteoglycan when compared with the control and the PDLLA/0BG foam after 4 weeks in culture, suggesting that the increase of Bioglass content may induce microenvironmental changes which promote the production of extracellular matrix containing abundant collagen and s-GAG. The immunohistochemical analysis of collagen production demonstrated that collagen produced in all cultures was predominantly of type I. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the use of PDLLA/Bioglass composite as cell-carrier materials for future treatments of the intervertebral disc with damaged AF region.

Alginate/lactose-modified chitosan hydrogels: a bioactive biomaterial for chondrocyte encapsulation

A new bioactive scaffold was prepared from a binary polysaccharide mixture composed of a polyanion (alginate) and a polycation (a lactose-modified chitosan, chitlac). Its potential use for articular chondrocytes encapsulation and cartilage reconstructive surgery applications has been studied. The hydrogel combines the ability of alginate to act as a 3D supporting structure with the capability of the second component (chitlac) to provide interactions with porcine articular chondrocytes. Physico-chemical characterization of the scaffold was accomplished by gel kinetics and compression measurements and demonstrated that alginate-chitlac mixture (AC-mixture) hydrogels exhibit better mechanical properties when compared with sole alginate hydrogels. Furthermore, biochemical and biological studies showed that these 3D scaffolds are able to maintain chondrocyte phenotype and particularly to significantly stimulate and promote chondrocyte growth and proliferation. In conclusion, the present study can be considered as a first step towards an engineered, biologically active scaffold for chondrocyte in vitro cultivation, expansion, and cell delivery.

[Natural and synthetic glycosaminoglycans. Molecular characteristics as the basis of distinct drug profiles]

For several decades, anticoagulants based on glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are drugs of choice in the therapy and prophylaxis of thromboembolic diseases. In principle, it has to be differentiated between the natural GAG-anticoagulants, which are molecular mixtures with complex composition, and the synthetic GAG-anticoagulants, which are chemically defined oligosaccharides. The former include unfractionated heparin, the various low molecular weight heparins and danaparoid. Representatives of the second group are fondaparinux, idraparinux and the hexadecasaccharide SR123781A. They share a common mechanism of action together with the endogenous antithrombotic heparan sulfate, i.e. the catalysis of the antithrombin-mediated inhibition of factor Xa. Besides, considerable structural differences between the various GAG-anticoagulants result in rather distinct product characteristics. This concerns their pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics as well as practice-related aspects such as dosage, monitoring, accumulation tendency, antagonisation and HIT-Typ II.

Hypoxic conditions increase hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 2alpha and enhance chondrogenesis in stem cells from the infrapatellar fat pad of osteoarthritis patients

Stem cells derived from the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) are a potential source of stem cells for the repair of articular cartilage defects. Hypoxia has been shown to improve chondrogenesis in adult stem cells. In this study we investigated the effects of hypoxia on gene expression changes and chondrogenesis in stem cells from the IPFP removed from elderly patients with osteoarthritis at total knee replacement. Adherent colony-forming cells were isolated and cultured from the IPFP from total knee replacement. The cells at passage 2 were characterised for stem cell surface epitopes, and then cultured for 14 days as cell aggregates in chondrogenic medium under normoxic (20% oxygen) or hypoxic (5% oxygen) conditions. Gene expression analysis, DNA and glycosoaminoglycan assays and immunohistochemical staining were determined to assess chondrogenesis. IPFP-derived adherent colony-forming cells stained strongly for markers of adult mesenchymal stem cells, including CD44, CD90 and CD105, and they were negative for the haematopoietic cell marker CD34 and for the neural and myogenic cell marker CD56. Cell aggregates of IPFP cells showed a chondrogenic response. In hypoxic conditions there was increased matrix accumulation of proteoglycan but less cell proliferation, which resulted in 3.5-fold more glycosoaminoglycan per DNA after 14 days of culture. In hypoxia there was increased expression of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF)2α and not HIF1α, and the expression of key transcription factors SOX5, SOX6 and SOX9, and that of aggrecan, versican and collagens II, IX, X and XI, was also increased. These results show that cells with stem cell characteristics were isolated from the IPFP of elderly patients with osteoarthritis and that their response to chondrogenic culture was enhanced by lowered oxygen tension, which upregulated HIF2α and increased the synthesis and assembly of matrix during chondrogenesis. This has important implications for tissue engineering applications of cells derived from the IPFP.