Effects of free and bound insulin-like growth factors on proteoglycan metabolism in articular cartilage explants

The Concentration of Plasma Provides Additional Bioactive Proteins in Platelet and Autologous Protein Solutions

BACKGROUND

Currently, platelet-poor plasma (PPP) is a discarded waste product of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and may contain valuable proteins.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The study's goal was to evaluate the concentration of plasma as a potential additive biotherapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis. We hypothesized that a novel polyacrylamide concentration device would efficiently concentrate insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) from PPP and be additive to PRP or autologous protein solution (APS).

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

A laboratory study was conducted with human and equine whole blood from healthy volunteers/donors. Fresh samples of blood and plasma were processed and characterized for platelet, white blood cell, and growth factor/cytokine content and then quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays specific for IGF-1, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist as representatives of cartilage anabolic and inflammatory mediators.

RESULTS

A potent cartilage anabolic protein, IGF-1, was significantly concentrated by the polyacrylamide concentration device in both human and equine PPP. The polyacrylamide device also substantially increased plasma proteins over whole blood, most dramatically key proteins relevant to the treatment of osteoarthritis, including transforming growth factor-β (29-fold over blood) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (70-fold over plasma).

CONCLUSION

Concentrated PPP is a unique source for biologically relevant concentrations of IGF-1. PRP and APS can produce greater concentrations of other anabolic and anti-inflammatory proteins not found in plasma.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The polyacrylamide device efficiently concentrated PPP to create a unique source of IGF-1 that may supplement orthopaedic biologic therapies.

IGFBP-5 Metabolism Is Disrupted in the Rat Medial Meniscal Tear Model of Osteoarthritis

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) has been proposed to promote cartilage anabolism through insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signaling. A proteolytic activity towards IGFBP-5 has been detected in synovial fluids from human osteoarthritic (OA) joints. The purpose of this study was to determine if protease activity towards IGFBP-5 is present in the rat medial meniscal tear (MMT) model of OA and whether inhibition of this activity would alter disease progression. Sprague-Dawley rats were subject to MMT surgery. Synovial fluid lavages were assessed for the presence of IGFBP-5 proteolytic activity. Treatment animals received intra-articular injections of vehicle or protease inhibitor peptide PB-145. Cartilage lesions were monitored by India ink staining followed by macroscopic measurement of lesion width and depth. The MMT surgery induced a proteolytic activity towards IGFPB-5 that was detectable in joint fluid. This activity was stimulated by calcium and was sensitive to serine protease inhibitors as well as peptide PB-145. Significantly, intra-articular administration of PB-145 after surgery protected cartilage from lesion development. PB-145 treatment also resulted in an increase in cartilage turnover as evidenced by increases in serum levels of procollagen type II C-propeptide (CPII) as well as synovial fluid lavage levels of collagen type II neoepitope (TIINE). IGFBP-5 metabolism is disrupted in the rat MMT model of OA, potentially contributing to cartilage degradation. Inhibition of IGFBP-5 proteolysis protected cartilage from lesion development and enhanced cartilage turnover. These data are consistent with IGFBP-5 playing a positive role in anabolic IGF signaling in cartilage.

Complement 1s is the serine protease that cleaves IGFBP-5 in human osteoarthritic joint fluid

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) are trophic factors for cartilage and have been shown to be chondroprotective in animal models of osteoarthritis (OA). IGFBP-5 is degraded in joint fluid and inhibition of IGFBP-5 degradation has been shown to enhance the trophic effects of IGF-I.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the identity of IGFBP-5 protease activity in human OA joint fluid.

METHOD

OA joint fluid was purified and the purified material was analyzed by IGFBP-5 zymography.

RESULTS

Both crude joint fluid and purified material contained a single band of proteolytic activity that cleaved IGFBP-5. Immunoblotting of joint fluid for complement 1s (C1s) showed a band that had the same Mr estimate, e.g., 88 kDa. In gel tryptic digestion and subsequent peptide analysis by LC-MS/MS showed that the band contained human C1s. A panel of protease inhibitors was tested for their ability to inhibit IGFBP-5 cleavage by the purified protease. Three serine protease inhibitors, FUT175 and CP-143217 and CB-349547 had IC50's between 1 and 6 microM. Two other serine protease inhibitors had intermediate activity (e.g., IC50's 20-40 microM) and MMP inhibitors had no detectible activity at concentrations up to 300 microM.

CONCLUSION

Human OA fluid contains a serine protease that cleaves IGFBP-5. Zymography, immunoblotting and LC-MS/MS analysis indicate that C1s is the protease that accounts for this activity.

Regulation of immature cartilage growth by IGF-I, TGF-beta1, BMP-7, and PDGF-AB: role of metabolic balance between fixed charge and collagen network

Cartilage growth may involve alterations in the balance between the swelling tendency of proteoglycans and the restraining function of the collagen network. Growth factors, including IGF-I, TGF-beta1, BMP-7, and PDGF-AB, regulate chondrocyte metabolism and, consequently, may regulate cartilage growth. Immature bovine articular cartilage explants from the superficial and middle zones were incubated for 13 days in basal medium or medium supplemented with serum, IGF-I, TGF-beta1, BMP-7, or PDGF-AB. Variations in tissue size, accumulation of proteoglycan and collagen, and tensile properties were assessed. The inclusion of serum, IGF-I, or BMP-7 resulted in expansive tissue growth, stimulation of proteoglycan deposition but not of collagen, and a diminution of tensile integrity. The regulation of cartilage metabolism by TGF-beta1 resulted in tissue homeostasis, with maintenance of size, composition, and function. Incubation in basal medium or with PDGF-AB resulted in small volumetric and compositional changes, but a marked decrease in tensile integrity. These results demonstrate that the phenotype of cartilage growth, and the associated balance between proteoglycan content and integrity of the collagen network, is regulated differentially by certain growth factors.

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor gene with spinal disc degeneration in postmenopausal Japanese women

STUDY DESIGN

An association study investigating the genetic etiology for spinal disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) with spinal disc degeneration.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway is involved in cartilage development and homeostasis, suggesting that genetic variations of genes involved in this pathway may affect the pathogenesis of cartilage-related diseases, such as disc degeneration.

METHODS

We evaluated the presence of endplate sclerosis, osteophytes, and narrowing of disc spaces in 434 Japanese postmenopausal women. A SNP in the IGF1R gene at intron 1 was determined using TaqMan polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

We compared those who carried the G allele (GG or GC, n = 290) with those who did not (CC, n = 144). We found that the subjects with the G allele (GG or GC) were significantly over-represented in the subjects having higher disc narrowing score (P = 0.0033; odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-3.29 by logistic regression analysis).

CONCLUSION

We suggest that a genetic variation at the IGF1R gene locus is associated with spinal disc degeneration, in line with the involvement of the IGF1R gene in the cartilage metabolism.

Chondroprotective drugs in degenerative joint diseases

Catabolic cytokine and anabolic growth factor pathways control destruction and repair in osteoarthritis (OA). A unidirectional TNF-alpha/IL-1-driven cytokine cascade disturbs the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage in OA. Although chondrocytes in OA cartilage overexpress anabolic insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and its specific receptor (IGFRI) autocrine TNF-alpha released by apoptotic articular cartilage cells sets off an auto/paracrine IL-1-driven cascade that overrules the growth factor activities that sustain repair in degenerative joint disease. Chondroprotection with reappearance of a joint space that had disappeared has been documented unmistakably in peripheral joints of patients suffering from spondyloarthropathy when treated with TNF-alpha-blocking agents that repressed the unidirectional TNF-alpha/IL-1-driven cytokine cascade. A series of connective tissue structure-modifying agents (CTSMAs) that directly affect IL-1 synthesis and release in vitro and down-modulate downstream IL-1 features, e.g. collagenase, proteoglycanase and matrix metalloproteinase activities, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, the increased release of nitric oxide, and the secretion of prostaglandin E(2), IL-6 and IL-8, have been shown to possess disease-modifying OA drug (DMOAD) activities in experimental models of OA and in human subjects with finger joint and knee OA. Examples are corticosteroids, some sulphated polysaccharides, chemically modified tetracyclines, diacetylrhein/rhein, glucosamine and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables.

Soy protein may alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms

Alternative and complementary therapeutic approaches, such as the use of a wide array of herbal, nutritional, and physical manipulations, are becoming popular for relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). The present study evaluated the efficacy of soy protein (SP) supplementation in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with OA. One hundred and thirty-five free-living individuals (64 men and 71 women) with diagnosed OA or with self-reported chronic knee joint pain not attributed to injury or rheumatoid arthritis were recruited for this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design study. Study participants were assigned randomly to consume 40 g of either supplemental SP or milk-based protein (MP) daily for 3 months. Pain, knee range of motion, and overall physical activity were evaluated prior to the start of treatment and monthly thereafter. Serum levels of glycoprotein 39 (YKL-40), a marker of cartilage degradation, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a growth factor associated with cartilage synthesis, were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Overall, SP improved OA-associated symptoms such as range of motion and several factors associated with pain and quality of life in comparison to MP. However, these beneficial effects were mainly due to the effect of SP in men rather than women. Biochemical markers of cartilage metabolism further support the efficacy of SP in men as indicated by a significant increase in serum level of IGF-I and a significant decrease in serum level of YKL-40 compared to MP. This study is the first to provide evidence of possible beneficial effects of SP in the management of OA. Examining and verifying the long-term effects of SP on improving symptoms of OA, particularly in men, is warranted.

Homeostasis of the extracellular matrix of normal and osteoarthritic human articular cartilage chondrocytes in vitro

OBJECTIVE

In normal articular cartilage cells, the IGFRI/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) autocrine pathway was shown to overrule the catabolic effects of the IL-1/IL-1RI pathway by up-regulation of the IL-1RII decoy receptor. The activity of the IGF-1/IGFR1 and IL-1/IL-1R pathways, and of the IL-1RII control mechanism in the synthesis and turnover of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by chondrocytes from normal and osteoarthritic (OA) articular cartilage was compared in order to identify possible therapeutic targets of this disease.

METHODS

Phenotypically stable human articular cartilage cells were obtained from normal and OA cartilage of the same knee showing focal OA. The cells were cultured in alginate beads over 1 week to re-establish the intracellular cytokine and growth factors, to reexpress the respective plasma membrane receptors and to reach equilibrium in accumulated cell-associated matrix (CAM) compounds. Following liberation of the cells from the alginate beads, the levels of cell-associated matrix (CAM) aggrecan, type II collagen and fibronectin, of intracellular IGF-1, IL-1alpha and beta and of their respective plasma membrane-bound receptors, IGFR1, IL-1RI and the decoy receptor IL-1RII, were assayed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Coordinated production and accumulation of CAM aggrecan and type II collagen under the effect of the IGFR1/IGF-1 autocrine pathway-as documented for chondrocytes from healthy controls-was absent when the chondrocytes had been obtained from OA joints. When compared with cells obtained from normal tissues, chondrocytes from fibrillated OA cartilage expressed significantly higher intracellular IGF-1 levels and plasma membrane-bound IGFR1. At the same time, significantly higher intracellular IL-1alpha and beta levels and upregulated plasma membrane-bound IL-1RI were observed. Plasma membrane-bound IL-1RII decoy receptor was downregulated in OA chondrocytes. The levels of CAM aggrecan, type II collagen and fibronectin were significantly reduced in the chondrocytes obtained from pathological tissue.

CONCLUSION

Paired analysis of normal and OA chondrocytes from the same knee joint has shown an enhanced capacity of chondrocytes from OA cartilage to produce ECM macromolecules. However, the same cells have increased catabolic signalling pathways. As a consequence of this increased IL-1 activity and the reduced amounts of IL-1RII decoy receptor, less of the produced ECM macromolecules may persist in the CAM of the OA chondrocytes.

Insulin-like growth factor 1-induced interleukin-1 receptor II overrides the activity of interleukin-1 and controls the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix of cartilage

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effect of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)/IGF receptor I (IGFRI) autocrine/paracrine anabolic pathway on the extracellular matrix (ECM) of human chondrocytes and the mechanism by which IGF-1 reverses the catabolic effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1).

METHODS

Phenotypically stable human articular cartilage cells were obtained from normal cartilage and maintained in culture in alginate beads for 1 week to reach equilibrium of accumulated cell-associated matrix (CAM) compounds. Levels of CAM components aggrecan and type II collagen (CII) and levels of intracellular IGF-1, IL-1alpha, and IL-1beta and their respective plasma membrane-bound receptors IGFRI, IL-1 receptor I (IL-1RI), and the decoy receptor IL-1RII were assayed using flow cytometry to investigate the relationship between the autocrine/paracrine pathways and the homeostasis of ECM molecules in the CAM. The effects of IGF-1 on the expression of IGF-1, IL-1alpha, and IL-1beta and their respective receptor systems, the aggrecan core protein, and CII were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Cause-effect relationship experiments showed that IGF-1 up-regulates the levels of IGF-1, IGFRI, aggrecan, and CII in the CAM. No effects on the expression of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta and their signaling receptor IL-1RI were observed. However, IGF-1 was able to reverse IL-1beta-mediated degradation of aggrecan and the repression of the aggrecan synthesis rate. Interestingly, levels of aggrecan and CII in the CAM strongly correlated not only with IGF-1, but also with IL-1RII, which acts as a decoy receptor for IL-1alpha and IL-1beta. This suggests that IGF-1 and IL-1RII may cooperate in regulating ECM homeostasis. Additional experiments demonstrated that IGF-1 up-regulated IL-1RII, thereby overriding the catabolic effects of IL-1.

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal a new paradigm by which IGF-1 influences chondrocyte metabolism, by reversing the IL-1-mediated catabolic pathway through up-regulation of its decoy receptor.

Fibronectin fragments upregulate insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in chondrocytes

Addition of fibronectin fragments (Fn-fs) to cultured cartilage explants has been shown to mediate extensive cartilage matrix degradation followed by anabolic responses.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether specific Fn-fs regulate cartilage metabolism through a mechanism, in part, involving insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs).

METHODS

Primary bovine articular chondrocyte cultures were treated with Fn-fs. mRNA from the cultures was analysed by Northern blotting. Changes in the levels of IGFBPs in cellular extracts and conditioned media were analysed by Western ligand blotting. Explant cultures of bovine articular cartilage were used to assay release of exogenous IGF-I and IGFBP-2. An analog of IGF-I with altered affinity for IGFBPs was used to assay the effect of IGFBPs on proteoglycan synthesis.

RESULTS

The Fn-fs increased protein levels of IGFBPs-2, -3 and -5 in conditioned media and of IGFBP-2 in cell extracts by as much as nine-fold. Conversely, the protein level of constitutively expressed IGBP-4 was decreased in conditioned medium. Northern blot analysis reflected increased IGFBP-3 mRNA but not decreased IGFBP-4 mRNA. The IGF-I analog was more effective at restoring PG synthesis suppression by Fn-fs than was wild type IGF-I.

CONCLUSIONS

The Fn-fs increased levels of IGFBPs in cultures of bovine articular chondrocytes and elicited release of IGFBP-2 and IGF-I from articular cartilage. The increased level of IGFBPs may trap IGF-I and account in part for the initial suppression of PG synthesis. Induced proteinases may subsequently liberate IGF-I and cause greatly enhanced anabolic processes, contributing to cartilage repair.

Inhibition of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 proteolysis in articular cartilage and joint fluid results in enhanced concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 and is associated with improved osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

The complement component C1s is present in dog joint fluid in an activated state. Since C1s degrades insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5), we undertook to determine whether inhibiting C1s in joint fluid would result in an increase in the amount of intact IGFBP-5 and IGF-1 in cartilage and joint fluid, and whether C1s inhibition would be associated with a reduction in cartilage destruction during the development of osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Twenty-two dogs were randomized to 3 treatment groups. All dogs underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection and were exercised. Dogs received 1 of 3 treatments: buffer alone (controls; n = 6); PB-145, a peptide derived from the sequence of antithrombin III (n = 9); and pentosan polysulfate (PPS; n = 7). PB-145 or saline was injected into the joint space 3 times per week for 3 weeks. PPS was injected intramuscularly weekly for 3 weeks.

RESULTS

Joint histology showed preservation of chondrocytes and a smooth joint surface in the animals treated with PB-145 and PPS. Mankin scoring showed statistically significant reductions in joint destruction with PB-145 and PPS treatments (P < 0.01) compared with buffer control. Mean active collagenase concentrations were decreased by these two treatments. Immunoblotting of joint fluid showed that both treatments increased concentrations of intact IGFBP-5. Direct analysis of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 protease activity showed that IGFBP-5 was degraded more rapidly and that PB-145 and PPS inhibited the degradation of both proteins. Total IGF-1 concentrations in joint fluid were increased 5.6-5.8-fold by these two treatments. Analysis showed that C1s was being activated in joint fluid and that its activation was inhibited by the addition of PB-145 or PPS.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that direct inhibition of the serine protease C1s results in increased concentrations of intact IGFBP-5 and that proteolysis of IGFBP-3 is also inhibited, probably by the inhibition of some other protease. This increase in concentrations of intact IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 leads to an increase in IGF-1 which is associated with an improvement in joint architecture during the development of OA.

Mechanisms of age-related decline in insulin-like growth factor-I dependent proteoglycan synthesis in rat intervertebral disc cells

STUDY DESIGN

Age-related fluctuations in insulin-like growth factor-I dependent proteoglycan synthesis in rat intervertebral disc cells were investigated.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether synthetic responses to insulin-like growth factor-I decline with age and to explore the possibility that an age-related increase in the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins suppresses matrix synthesis in intervertebral disc cells.

SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA

Several studies have reported that the responsiveness of chondrocytes to insulin-like growth factor-I decreases with age and furthermore that this phenomenon may be related to increased expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins by chondrocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nucleus pulposus tissue and cells were obtained from the coccygeal vertebrae of 8-week-old, 40-week-old, and 120-week-old rats. Age-related changes in the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I and its receptor were assessed together with insulin-like growth factor-I dependent proteoglycan synthesis by the cultured nucleus pulposus cells. Also, western blot analysis of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 was carried out, and further examination was performed of insulin-like growth factor-I signal transduction through tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1, which is a signal transducer of insulin-like growth factor-I.

RESULTS

Semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor in 120-week cells decreased clearly in comparison with the cells of younger animals. By contrast, insulin-like growth factor-I dependent proteoglycan synthesis decreased with age, and the sharpest decline of synthesis was found between 8-week and 40-week cells, although the level of insulin-like growth factor-I/insulin-like growth factor-I receptor gene expression was maintained in 40-week-old animals. Consistent with the results of proteoglycan synthesis, the expression of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 decreased with age. Thus, the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 and proteoglycan synthesis was investigated by use of Long R3 insulin-like growth factor-I, which was not influenced by insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 was strongly expressed in 40-week cells in comparison with the expression in 8-week cells. Furthermore, proteoglycan synthesis in 40-week cells supplemented with Long R3 insulin-like growth factor-I was upregulated in comparison with that in 40-week cells supplemented with insulin-like growth factor-I.

CONCLUSION

The present findings indicate that the age-related decline in insulin-like growth factor-I dependent proteoglycan synthesis in nucleus pulposus is caused, at least in part, by the increase in insulin-like growth factor binding proteins at the early stages of aging, and further suggest that a loss of proteoglycan synthesis during the late stages of aging is caused by the downregulation of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor in addition to an increase in insulin-like growth factor binding proteins.

Insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression patterns during spontaneous repair of acute articular cartilage injury

This study evaluated the constitutive insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) gene expression pattern in spontaneously healing cartilage defects over the course of 16 weeks, and correlated the tissue morphology and matrix gene expression with IGF-I mRNA levels. Full-thickness 15 mm cartilage defects were debrided in the femoral trochlea of both femoropatellar joints of 8 horses and the healing defects examined 2, 4, 8, or 16 weeks after surgery. Samples were harvested for histologic assessment of tissue healing using H&E staining, toluidine blue histochemical reaction for proteoglycan deposition, and in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry procedures to demonstrate collagen type II mRNA and protein expression. Total RNA was isolated for Northern analysis to measure cartilage matrix molecule expression, and for semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine IGF-I gene expression patterns in healing cartilage defects. Full-thickness cartilage defects in horses were slow to heal compared to smaller lesions in similar locations in other animals. However, a progressive decline in tissue cellularity and vascularity, and increased tissue organization were observed on H&E stained specimens over the 16-week experiment. Evidence of early chondrogenic repair was detected through collagen type II in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. However, levels of collagen type II and aggrecan mRNA in lesions were not abundant on Northern analysis indicating incomplete chondrogenesis. IGF-I message expression followed a cyclic pattern with low levels at 2 weeks, followed by an increase at 4 and 8 weeks, and a subsequent decline at 16 weeks. There was no direct correlation between the stage of healing and cartilage matrix message expression, and the abundance of IGF-I mRNA in the healing lesions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the spontaneous healing of articular defects was accompanied by a temporal fluctuation in IGF-I gene expression which was discoordinate to the steady rise in expression of cartilage matrix molecules such as procollagen type II.

Basic fibroblast growth factor regulates expression of growth factors in rat epiphyseal chondrocytes

Chondrocytes produce several local regulatory factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). In this study, we examined the effect of bFGF on the expressions of both mRNA and protein of the growth factors synthesized by chondrocytes. Treatment of chondrocytes with bFGF (1-100 ng/ml) stimulated the mRNA expression of bFGF and TGF-beta up to 121-604% and 130-220% at 12 h compared with the controls, respectively. On the other hand, the treatment of chondrocytes with bFGF (1-100 ng/ml) suppressed IGF-I mRNA expression to 79-47% at 12 h compared with the controls. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that the treatment of chondrocytes with bFGF (1-100 ng/ml) also enhanced the production of TGF-beta proteins in the chondrocytes up to 299-508% at 24 h compared with controls. We conclude that bFGF influenced the local expression of growth factors by chondrocytes, suggesting autoregulation of growth factor expression during chondrogenesis.

Articular chondrocytes from aging rats respond poorly to insulin-like growth factor-1: an altered signaling pathway

This study investigates the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and phorbol 12-myrystate 13-acetate (PMA) on 3H-thymidine, 35SO(4) and 3H -glycine incorporations, adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production and protein kinase C (PKC) activation in cultured rat articular chondrocyte monolayers (RACM) derived from animals of different ages. It was found that IGF-1 stimulates all these cellular functions in cultures derived from all age groups in a concentration dependent manner, although the cells from 14-month old animals responded poorly. IGF-1 also induces in cells from 1-month old rats an increase in the expression of mRNAs specific for aggrecan and type II collagen molecules as shown with RT-PCR. These effects are mediated via IGF-1 interaction with specific receptors because the monoclonal antibody against the receptor protein suppresses more than 60% of the ligand-induced DNA synthesis. PMA, a direct PKC activator, potentiated IGF-1-induced effects in all cells but much more strongly in cells from young than in cells from 14-month old animals. The age-related failure of RACM to respond adequately to IGF-1 was correlated with a decrease in IGF-1-induced cAMP production, and IGF-1-induced and PMA-induced PKC activations. These results show that IGF-1 regulates the synthesis of DNA, proteoglycans (PG) and collagen II at the level of transcription and suggest that the reduced response of cell monolayers derived from 14-month old rats to IGF-1 is probably due to a failure of old cells to adequately transduce IGF-1 receptor-generated downstream signaling.

Estrogen replacement therapy modulation of the insulin-like growth factor system in monkey knee joints

OBJECTIVE

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that estrogen replacement therapy may lower the risk of osteoarthritis in women, but the mechanism of this effect is unknown. Since estrogen acts in other tissues in part through regulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system as well as cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), we determined whether estrogen replacement regulates the levels of these factors in synovial fluid (SF).

METHODS

Levels of IGF-1, IGF-2, IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) 1-3, and IL-6 were measured in SF samples obtained from 67 female adult cynomolgus monkeys that had been ovariectomized and treated for 30 months in 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 24) had no estrogen replacement (control), group 2 (n = 22) received estrogen (Premarin) at the human equivalent of 0.625 mg/day, and group 3 (n = 21) received estrogen at the same dose as group 2, plus progesterone (Provera) at the equivalent of 2.5 mg/day.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, estrogen-treated monkeys had 2-fold higher SF levels of IGF-1 (P < 0.001), 1.7-fold higher IGF-2 (P < 0.006), 5.9-fold higher IGFBP-1 (P < 0.02), and 2.5-fold higher IGFBP-3 (P < 0.001). Estrogen plus progesterone-treated monkeys had SF levels of IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 that were intermediate between the levels in the control and estrogen groups, except that the level of IGFBP-3 was significantly greater than that in the control group (P < 0.001). SF levels of IGFBP-2 and IL-6 did not differ by treatment group. Treatment group did not affect the serum levels of IGF-1 and IL-6, but IGF-2 and IGFBP-3 were increased by 1.6- and 1.8-fold, respectively, in the estrogen group (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between changes in serum and SF levels of IGF components, except for a weak correlation for IGFBP-3 levels from control (r = 0.464, P = 0.04) and estrogen-treated (r = 0.577, P = 0.008) animals.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a significant effect of estrogen replacement on IGF system components in synovial fluid, of which at least some are distinct from any systemic changes observed. The results indicate a potential stimulatory effect of estrogen on joint tissues in vivo.

Glucose regulation of the IGF response system in chondrocytes: induction of an IGF-I-resistant state

Nonresponsiveness to the growth-stimulatory actions of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in chondrocytes has been reported in a number of disease states associated with impaired glucose metabolism. Primary rabbit chondrocytes were investigated for changes in their IGF response system [type-I IGF receptor and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) expression] and in their ability to mount a synthetic response to IGF-I [as 35S-labeled proteoglycan ([35S]PG) production] in media containing varying ambient glucose concentrations. Whereas basal [35S]PG synthetic rate was unaffected by glucose concentration, synthetic responsiveness to IGF-I was lost in media containing <5 mmol/l glucose or in media containing a "diabetic" glucose concentration (25 mmol/l). IGFBP expression, as measured by Northern analysis of mRNA levels and Western ligand blotting of secreted protein levels, was not significantly altered in the different glucose media, nor were there any differences in the cell surface localization of IGFBPs as assessed by affinity cross-linking with 125I-labeled IGF-I, suggesting that IGFBPs do not induce the IGF-I resistance. The nonresponsiveness to IGF-I in reduced glucose occurred with 25-50% reductions in steady-state levels of IGF type-I receptor mRNA and protein. A significant correlation between IGF receptor mRNA level and synthetic response to IGF-I was observed between 0 and 10 mmol/l glucose concentrations, suggesting that the loss of responsiveness in reduced glucose is manifested at the level of transcription and/or receptor mRNA stability. In contrast, nonresponsiveness to IGF-I in chondrocytes in diabetic glucose concentrations occurred without changes in receptor mRNA and protein levels, suggesting that IGF-I resistance was due to post-ligand-binding receptor defects. It is proposed that IGF-I resistance in chondrocytes subjected to inappropriate glucose levels may constitute an important pathogenic mechanism in degenerative cartilage disorders.

Differentiated cellular function in fetal chondrocytes cultured with insulin-like growth factor-I and transforming growth factor-beta

This study examined fetal chondrocyte proliferation and function following exposure to transforming growth factor-beta and insulin-like growth factor-I. Fetal equine articular chondrocytes of the early third-trimester were isolated and cultured in monolayer conditions, then exposed to 0, 1, 5, or 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor-beta or 0, 10, 50, or 100 ng/ml insulin-like growth factor-I for 48 hours. Proliferative responses were assessed by cell counts and [3H]thymidine uptake into precipitable DNA. Differentiated chondrocyte metabolic activity was determined by sulfated glycosaminoglycan quantitation, 35[SO4] incorporation into precipitable glycosaminoglycan, and proteoglycan molecular sizing by CL-2B column chromatography. Morphological changes seen on phase-contrast microscopy included a larger proportion of rounded cells in monolayer cultures supplemented with insulin-like growth factor-I and cytotoxic changes in cells treated with transforming growth factor-beta. Both insulin-like growth factor-I and transforming growth factor-beta resulted in significant elevations of [3H]thymidine uptake; however, cell numbers did not rise sufficiently over the 48-hour culture period to reach significant levels. Maximum mitogenic responses were evident at 50 and 100 ng/ml insulin-like growth factor-I and 5 ng/ml transforming growth factor-beta. The production of proteoglycan was also enhanced (435%) by exposure to 50 ng/ml insulin-like growth factor-I, and an increased proportion of larger proteoglycan monomer species was evident in cultures treated with 50 and 100 ng/ml insulin-like growth factor-I. A similar dose-response was also evident in cultures treated with transforming growth factor-beta (maximal 164% increase with 5 ng/ml), although the presence of serum in the culture medium altered the pattern of enhanced proteoglycan synthesis to favor the lower concentration of 1 ng/ml (191%). Additionally, larger proteoglycan molecules were synthesized in response to high concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta in serum-free cultures. Significant biochemical changes resulted from the addition of transforming growth factor-beta to fetal chondrocyte cultures; however, monolayer cultures that were treated with transforming growth factor-beta and supplemented with serum began to develop cellular toxicity, including nuclear pyknosis and cytoplasmic fragmentation. Degenerative cellular changes were not evident in cultures treated with insulin-like growth factor-I, and significant differentiated metabolic activity resulted from the presence of insulin-like growth factor-I in the culture medium. These data suggest that the responses of fetal chondrocytes to insulin-like growth factor-I and transforming growth factor-beta were enhanced compared with the responses of chondrocytes derived from postnatal animals and that these metabolically active cells can be primed by endogenous or exogenous growth factors to provide enhanced articular function and repair.

Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA for growth factors and growth factor receptors from normal and healing rabbit medial collateral ligament tissue

Growth factors and their receptors play an essential role in the development, maturation, and response to injury of all tissues. A number of studies have explored the possibility of improving ligament healing with exogenous growth factors. However, limited data is available regarding the endogenous growth factor network in ligaments on which any exogenous growth factors must impact. The purpose of this study was to assess the endogenous growth factor network with molecular techniques. By the sensitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique, transcripts for a number of growth factors and receptors were detected with RNA isolated from normal and healing rabbit medial collateral ligament tissues. These include transforming growth factor-beta1, insulin-like growth factors I and II, basic fibroblast growth factor, endothelin-1, and the receptors for insulin and insulin-like growth factor II. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of RNA from normal and scar tissues from the medial collateral ligament revealed that the levels of several transcripts were elevated in the scar tissue. It was not possible to confirm biological activity because of the hypocellularity of the tissues; however, the results obtained indicate that the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction approach to defining the endogenous growth factor-receptor phenotype is feasible, and further definition should contribute to the development of rational approaches to exogenous therapy to improve healing.

Changes in third carpal bone articular cartilage after synovectomy in normal and inflamed joints

OBJECTIVE

To determine if arthroscopic synovectomy in normal and inflamed joints had temporal or site-related effects on articular cartilage.

STUDY DESIGN

Alterations in equine third carpal bone articular cartilage were studied at two time periods: groups 1 and 2 (6 weeks) and groups 3 and 4 (2 weeks) after synovectomy in normal (groups 2 and 4) and inflamed carpi (groups 1 and 3).

ANIMAL POPULATION

16 carpi from eight horses.

METHODS

Biochemical and biomechanical properties of dorsal and palmar articular cartilage were determined by radioloabeling, proteoglycan (PG) extraction, chromatography, electrophoresis, and indentation testing.

RESULTS

Synovectomy in inflamed joints produced the greatest concentration of newly synthesized PG in articular cartilage by 2 weeks. Synovectomy in normal joints produced significantly greater newly synthesized PG in articular cartilage by 6 weeks. Dorsal sites had greater newly synthesized and endogenous PG in some groups. Chromatographic profiles of newly synthesized PG demonstrated early and late PG peaks. Electrophoresis of late PG peak showed a toluidine blue-positive band that comigrated with human A1D1 PG monomer in the two groups with the most newly synthesized PG> This band was reactive with monoclonal antibody 1C6 specific for the hyaluronic acid-binding region of aggrecan. For the material properties evaluated, only Poisson's ratio was significantly decreased between groups as a function of time (6 weeks < 2 weeks). and this was most pronounced in the thicker dorsal sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Synovectomy in inflamed joints produced site-specific, significantly greater responses in articular cartilage as compared with synovectomy in normal joints.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Synovectomy may not be beneficial to the articular cartilage in inflamed joints.

Synergistic action of transforming growth factor-beta and insulin-like growth factor-I induces expression of type II collagen and aggrecan genes in adult human articular chondrocytes

Reexpression of aggrecan and type II collagen genes in dedifferentiated adult human articular chondrocytes (AHAC) in suspension culture varied widely depending on the specific lot of bovine serum used to supplement the culture medium. Some lots of serum provided strong induction of aggrecan and type II collagen expression by AHAC while others did not stimulate significant production of these hyaline cartilage extracellular matrix molecules even following several weeks in culture. Addition of 50 ng/ml insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to a deficient serum lot significantly enhanced its ability to induce aggrecan and type II collagen mRNA. Given this observation, IGF-I and other growth factors were tested in defined serum-free media for their effects on the expression of these genes. Neither IGF-I nor insulin nor transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) alone stimulated induction of aggrecan or type II collagen production by dedifferentiated AHAC. However, TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 2 combined with IGF-I or insulin provided a strong induction as demonstrated by RNase protection and immunohistochemical assays. Interestingly, type I collagen, previously shown to be downregulated in serum supplemented suspension cultures of articular chondrocytes, persisted for up to 12 weeks in AHAC cultured in defined medium supplemented with TGF-beta and IGF-I.

Age-related changes in effects of insulin-like growth factor I on human osteoblast-like cells

The role of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in extracellular matrix metabolism was studied in both proliferating and confluent human osteoblast-like cultures derived from donors of different ages. In proliferating cultures, recombinant human (rh)IGF-I was found to increase the incorporation of [3H]thymidine in a dose- and age-dependent manner. To study cell proliferation dynamically, continuous growth curves with and without rhIGF-I were modelled by a modified logistic function. Increasing doses of rhIGF-I decreased the lag time and maximal growth rates, whereas plateau values decreased only at the highest dose (100 ng/ml). In post-proliferative cell strains, rhIGF-I (0.1-100 ng/ml) increased levels of type I collagen, biglycan and decorin, and to a smaller extent fibronectin and thrombospondin, whereas it decreased the levels of hyaluronan and a versican-like proteoglycan when protein and proteoglycan metabolism were followed by steady-state radiolabelling with [3H]proline, [3H]glucosamine or [35S]sulphate. These responses to rhIGF-I were found to be age-dependent, with osteoblast-like cells derived from younger patients being more responsive to rhIGF-I. When extracellular matrix turnover was analysed by pulse-chase experiments, rhIGF-I had no effect. The steady-state levels of collagen, decorin, hyaluronan and a versican-like proteoglycan for bone cells treated with rhIGF-I on day 7 in culture were equivalent to levels of these matrix components in untreated osteoblasts grown for 14 days. These results are consistent with rhIGF-I's altering cellular proliferative capacity and matrix synthesis, causing a change in the osteoblast differentiated state.

Similar effects of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I and II on cellular activities in flexor tendons of young rabbits: experimental studies in vitro

To improve the understanding of factors with the potential of affecting the healing of flexor tendons, this study compared the cellular effects of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-II with those of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I in matched pairs of deep flexor tendons of young rabbits. Dose-response effects on the synthesis of DNA and matrix proteins of either factor alone or in combination were investigated in short-term culture, and effects on synthesis and turnover of matrix components were compared in long-term culture. Both factors stimulated proteoglycan, collagen, noncollagen protein, and DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 10-500 ng/ml. Insulin-like growth factor-I increased proteoglycan synthesis to as much as six times that of controls but was less potent than insulin-like growth factor-II. Both factors stimulated increased cell proliferation by as much as five times compared with control values, but insulin-like growth factor-I was more potent than insulin-like growth factor-II. The two factors in combination did not enhance the synthesis of matrix proteins and DNA as compared with either factor alone. Insulin-like growth factor-I counteracted the decrease in collagen synthesis and stimulated protein synthesis to a higher degree than insulin-like growth factor-II in long-term culture. Both factors had similar effects on matrix turnover, with estimated half times (t1/2) for elimination of newly labeled proteoglycans and proteins of 11 and 8 days, respectively. Insulin-like growth factor-II is capable of stimulating cell proliferation and matrix metabolism in tendon explants of young rabbits at levels similar to those of insulin-like growth factor-I; in combination, the two growth factors are unable to augment the stimulatory effects of either of the factors alone.

Articular cartilage destruction in experimental inflammatory arthritis: insulin-like growth factor-1 regulation of proteoglycan metabolism in chondrocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis, a disease of unknown aetiology, is characterized by joint inflammation and, in its later stages, cartilage destruction. Inflammatory mediators may exert not only suppression of matrix synthesis but also cartilage degradation, which eventually leads to severe cartilage depletion. Systemically and locally produced growth factors and hormones regulate cartilage metabolism. Alterations in levels of these factors or in their activity can influence the pathogenesis of articular cartilage destruction in arthritic joints. The main topic of the present review is the role of the anabolic factor insulin-like growth factor-1 in the regulation of chondrocyte metabolic functions in normal and in diseased cartilage. This is the most important growth factor that balances chondrocytes proteoglycan synthesis and catabolism to maintain a functional cartilage matrix. A brief overview of how chondrocytes keep the cartilage matrix intact, and how catabolic and anabolic factors are thought to be involved in pathological cartilage destruction precedes the review of the role of this growth factor in proteoglycan metabolism in cartilage.

Prostaglandin E2 up-regulates insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 expression and synthesis in human articular chondrocytes by a c-AMP-independent pathway: role of calcium and protein kinase A and C

Insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-1, is believed to be an important anabolic modulator of cartilage metabolism and its bioactivity and bioavailability is regulated, in part, by IGF-1 binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulates IGF-1 production by articular chondrocytes and we determined whether the eicosanoid could regulate IGFBP-3 and, as such, act as a modifier of IGF-1 action at a different level. Using human articular chondrocytes in high density primary culture, Western and Western ligand blotting to measure secreted IGFBP-3 protein, and Northern analysis to monitor IGFBP-3 mRNA levels, we demonstrated that PGE2 provoked a 3.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 3) fold increase in IGFBP-3 mRNA and protein. This effect was reversed by the Ca++ channel blockers, verapamil and nifedipine, and the Ca++/calmodulin inhibitor, W-7. The Ca+2 ionophore, ionomycin, mimicked the effects of PGE2 as did the phorbol ester PMA, which activates Ca++/-phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C (PKC). Cyclic AMP mimetics, such as forskolin, IBMX, Ro-20-1724, and Sp-cAMP, inhibited the expression and synthesis of the binding protein. PGE2 did not increase the levels of cAMP or protein kinase A (PKA) activity in chondrocytes. The PGE2 secretagogue, IL-1 beta, down-regulated control levels of IGFBP-3 which could be completely abrogated by pre-incubation with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, erbstatin, and partially reversed (50 +/- 8%) by KT-5720, a PKA inhibitor. These observations suggested that PGE2 does not mediate the effect of its secretagogue and that IL-1 beta signalling in chondrocytes may involve multiple kinases of diverse substrate specificities. Dexamethasone down-regulated control, constitutive levels of IGFBP-3 mRNA and protein eliminating the previously demonstrated possibility of cross-talk between glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and PGE2 receptor signalling pathways. Taken together, our results suggest that PGE2 modulates IGFBP-3 expression, protein synthesis, and secretion, and that such regulation may modify human chondrocyte responsiveness to IGF-1 and influence cartilage metabolism.

Prostaglandin E2 stimulates incorporation of proline into collagenase digestible proteins in human articular chondrocytes: identification of an effector autocrine loop involving insulin-like growth factor I

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulates collagen gene promoter activity in transfected human chondrocytes though no canonical cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element has been yet identified. Human insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) induces an increase in collagen type II expression and synthesis in chondrocytes. Since our preliminary data suggested that PGE2 can stimulate IGF-1 release from human articular chondrocytes, we examined whether the eicosanoid could influence collagen synthesis and whether the effect was mediated by IGF-1. Incubation of primary cultures of human articular chondrocytes with increasing concentrations of PGE2 resulted in a dose-dependent (ANOVA, F= 51.62, P < 0.0001, n = 5) and saturable increase in the synthesis and release of IGF-1 and expression of IGF-1 mRNA. At relatively low concentrations (30 pmol/1 to 30 nmol/l), PGE2 stimulated an increase in the incorporation of [3H]proline into collagenase digestible protein (CDP) (P < 0.01, n = 5) whereas at high levels (300 nmol/l to 3 micromol/l) of the eicosanoid, incorporation diminished precipitously. Human IGF-1 mimicked the effects of low PGE2 concentrations by stimulating in a dose-dependent (ANOVA, F= 31.65, P < 0.001, n = 3) and saturable fashion the incorporation of [3H]proline into CDP although the magnitude of the response induced by IGF-1 was far greater (3.5-fold). An IGF-1 receptor blocking antibody completely abrogated the IGF-1 induced response suggesting that the effect was specifically IGF-1 receptor mediated. Furthermore, the PGE2-induced increase in [3H]proline incorporation into CDP was inhibited (63%, P < 0.001, n = 7) by the addition to the culture medium of an anti-IGF-1 antibody. We conclude that PGE2 may act as a secretagogue of IGF-1 and that the latter growth factor may mediate, via an autocrine loop and the IGF-1 receptor, at least some of the anabolic effects of the eicosanoid on cartilage metabolism.

Local disruption of the insulin-like growth factor system in the arthritic joint

OBJECTIVE

To identify differences in levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding proteins (IG-FBPs) between 30 patients with arthritis (14 with rheumatoid arthritis [RA], 16 with osteoarthritis [OA]) and 11 normal control subjects. IGF and IGFBP levels were correlated to the disease activity marker C-reactive protein (CRP) to determine whether they were disease related. We also examined the degree of proteolytic modification of the IGFBPs.

METHODS

Radioimmunoassays were used for measuring IGF and IGFBP-3 levels; CRP was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western blotting, chemiluminescence, and autoradiography were used for visualizing binding proteins.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in synovial fluid levels of both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in both RA and OA. This resulted in an elevated IGFBP-3 to IGF molar ratio of 1.49 in the OA group and 1.47 in the RA group, compared with 0.86 in the normal control group (P = 0.0002 for both). A significantly lower degree of IGFBP-3 proteolysis was also seen in the synovial fluids from the patients compared with the controls. There were significant correlations between the CRP level and levels of IGF-1, IGF-2, and IGFBP-3 in the RA patients (r = 0.62-0.898, P = 0.04-0.0007).

CONCLUSION

There was significant local disruption of the IGF system in patients with arthritis. This may result in a lower amount of IGF that is able to bind to IGF receptors in the arthritic joint. Levels of IGF-1 IGF-2, and IGFBP-3 all correlated with the CRP level in patients with RA, which indicates the possibility that the IGF system is involved in the disease process.

Autocrine/paracrine mechanism of insulin-like growth factor-1 secretion, and the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 on proteoglycan synthesis in bovine intervertebral discs

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 on proteoglycan synthesis and the autocrine/paracrine mechanism involving insulin-like growth factor-1 in the bovine coccygeal intervertebral disc. Insulin-like growth factor-1 stimulated proteoglycan synthesis in cultured cells of the nucleus pulposus of bovine intervertebral discs in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect was inhibited by an anti-insulin-like growth factor-1 monoclonal antibody. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 mRNA in the cultured cells, and its production in these cells was demonstrated by radioimmunoassay. Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in the cultured cells was also demonstrated immunohistochemically. Scatchard analysis using an [125I]insulin-like growth factor-1 binding assay showed that the cells cultured in monolayer had a single type of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, whose affinity and number were estimated to be 7.38 x 10(8)/M and 9.27 x 10(4)/cell, respectively. These results suggest that insulin-like growth factor-1 stimulates proteoglycan synthesis in cells of the nucleus pulposus and that these cells in culture have an insulin-like growth factor-1 autocrine/paracrine mechanism. The expressions of insulin-like growth factor-1 mRNA and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in disc tissue were greater in cells of the nucleus pulposus of fetal bovine intervertebral discs than in those of the adult discs. These findings suggest that the action of autocrine/paracrine insulin-like growth factor-1 is more active in cells of the young nucleus pulposus than in cells of mature subjects.

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.

Histochemical analysis of insulin-like growth factor-1 binding sites in mouse normal and experimentally induced arthritic articular cartilage

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a key role in regulation of chondrocyte metabolism. We examined the localization of IGF-1 binding sites on chondrocytes in cartilage from normal and experimentally induced arthritic mouse knee joints. Cryostat sections from patellar cartilage were incubated either with IGF-1 receptor antibody or biotinylated IGF-1. Subsequently confocal laser scanning microscopy was applied to compare the two staining procedures qualitatively and quantitatively. This approach allowed detailed analysis of membrane-associated and intracellular staining. Using IGF-1 receptor antibody, IGF-1 receptors were found on the cell membrane of chondrocytes in the middle and deeper cartilage zones, whereas intracellular staining was highest in chondrocytes of superficial zones. After incubation with biotinylated IGF-1, distinct membrane staining was not present and fluorescence was localized homogeneously in the middle and deeper zones but not in superficial zones. In cartilage from inflamed knee joints staining with the use of IGF-1 receptor antibody did not change significantly, whereas a pronounced increase in staining was noted with biotinylated IGF-1 in chondrocytes of the middle and deeper zones of cartilage. It is concluded that the staining patterns obtained with the use of IGF-1 receptor antibody and biotinylated IGF-1 are remarkably different, suggesting that the latter also detects IGF-binding proteins. The results suggest that joint inflammation has no consistent effect on IGF-1 receptor expression but may induce a significant upregulation of IGF-binding proteins in chondrocytes of the middle and deeper zones of cartilage.

IL-1 has no direct role in the IGF-1 non-responsive state during experimentally induced arthritis in mouse knee joints

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the involvement of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the induction or maintenance of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) non-responsive state of chondrocytes during experimental arthritis in mouse knee joints.

METHODS

To characterise IGF-1 nonresponsiveness during arthritis, we measured chondrocyte proteoglycan (PG) synthesis by assaying incorporation of 35S-sulphate into mouse patellar cartilage, obtained from knee joints with experimentally induced arthritis and normal knee joints, cultured with IGF-1. We investigated whether suppressive mediators produced by the arthritic synovium or chondrocytes abolished the IGF-1 stimulation of normal cartilage, and used IL-1 primed cartilage to mimic the arthritic in vivo state. Specific inflammatory mediators responsible for the maintenance of the suppressed IGF-1 response were sought. We measured IGF-1 responsiveness in normal and arthritic patellae cultured with antibodies against tumour necrosis factor (TNF) or IL-1 alpha/beta, with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and with several inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes or reactive oxygen species, and analysed the role of IL-1 in the development of IGF-1 non-responsiveness by studying IGF-1 responses in cartilage treated with IL-1 antibodies in vivo, at the onset of arthritis.

RESULTS

Mediators from the surrounding tissue of both normal and arthritic cartilage suppressed chondrocyte IGF-1 responses. Priming the cartilage with IL-1 did not directly induce IGF-1 non-responsiveness, but enhanced the ability of suppressive mediators from synovium or chondrocytes to downregulate the IGF-1 responsive state. IL-1ra, IL-1 alpha/beta antibody, TNF antibody, or the inhibitors tested did not markedly improve the disturbed IGF-1 response, but treatment with anti-IL-1 at the onset of arthritis prevented the development of IGF-1 non-responsiveness.

CONCLUSION

IL-1 alone does not induce IGF-1 non-responsiveness and is not critical in the maintenance of this phenomenon. However, IL-1 does appear to be an important cofactor in the generation of the IGF-1 non-responsive state.

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGF-BPs) in bovine articular and ovine growth-plate chondrocyte cultures: their regulation by IGFs and modulation of proteoglycan synthesis

Cultured chondrocytes respond to insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) by increasing the production of proteoglycans and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGF-BPs). To investigate the biological effects of IGFs and IGF-BPs, isolated bovine articular and ovine growth-plate chondrocytes were cultured at high density in the presence of IGF-1, and its truncated form, des (1-3) IGF-I. Both growth factors stimulated the production of IGF-BPs in articular and growth-plate chondrocyte monolayers. Western ligand blots showed that bovine articular chondrocytes released two forms of IGF-BPs into conditioned medium with molecular weights of 29 and 31 kDa. Ovine growth-plate chondrocytes released four different forms of IGF-BPs of approx. 22, 24; 29-30 and 34 kDa. IGF-I and des (1-3) IGF-I stimulated total proteoglycan synthesis by articular chondrocytes up to 1.5-fold. The truncated analogue was more potent at lower concentrations, particularly in stimulating incorporation of newly synthesized proteoglycans into the cell-layer. The maximal stimulation of proteoglycan synthesis in ovine growth-plate chondrocyte culture was 3-fold with des (1-3) IGF-I, while IGF-I enhanced proteoglycan production by only 2-fold over the concentrations used. Our results suggest that endogenous IGF-BPs in chondrocyte cultures act as a part of a feed-back mechanism which diminishes the bioactivity of IGF-I.

Chondrocyte IGF-1 receptor expression and responsiveness to IGF-1 stimulation in mouse articular cartilage during various phases of experimentally induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the distribution of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptors and the biological response to IGF-1 stimulation in articular cartilage of normal mouse knee joints and arthritic joints taken at various stages of experimentally induced arthritis.

METHODS

In situ IGF-1 receptor expression and responsiveness to IGF-1 stimulation were examined in murine articular cartilage at different phases in two models of experimentally induced arthritis. IGF-1 receptor expression was visualised in joint sections with the use of anti-IGF-1 receptor antibodies and quantified by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Chondrocyte proteoglycan (PG) synthesis was measured by incorporation of 35S-sulphate.

RESULTS

In control cartilage, the majority of IGF-1 receptors were found on chondrocytes localised in the middle and deeper zones of the cartilage, whereas receptor expression in surface zone chondrocytes was very low. During culture of normal articular cartilage, IGF-1 was able to maintain chondrocyte PG synthesis at the in vivo level. Concurrently with the development of arthritis, cartilage lost its capacity to react to IGF-1, but IGF-1 stimulation recovered when the inflammatory response waned. Shortly after induction of arthritis, IGF-1 receptor expression initially declined, but it had returned to normal levels by day 1 and remained increased thereafter.

CONCLUSION

The distribution of IGF-1 receptor expression in the different zones of normal articular cartilage reflects IGF-1 stimulation and metabolic activity of chondrocytes in these layers. This correlation is disturbed in arthritic cartilage, suggesting inadequate or overruled signalling.

Administration of growth hormone modulates the gene expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in rat costal cartilage, both in vivo and in vitro

We examined the effect of growth hormone on local growth factor mRNA expression in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Repetitive systemic administration of growth hormone (0.4 IU every 4 h) increased the expression of IGF-I mRNA up to 2.8-fold in costal cartilage tissue compared with controls. Basic FGF (bFGF) mRNA expression gradually increased up to 15.5-fold compared with pre-injection samples, where the mRNA expression was 5.3-times greater than vehicle-injected controls. TGF-beta mRNA showed little changes. Moreover, one microgram/ml of growth hormone enhanced the expression of bFGF mRNA in costal chondrocytes in culture. We conclude that growth hormone increased the local expression of bFGF, as well as that of IGF-I, in cartilage, and suggest that bFGF is directly regulated by growth hormone within a local area.

Expression of reduced amounts of structurally altered aggrecan in articular cartilage chondrocytes exposed to high hydrostatic pressure

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on proteoglycan (PG) metabolism of chondrocyte cultures was examined using a specially designed test chamber. Primary cultures of bovine articular chondrocytes at confluence were exposed for 20 h to 5 and 30 MPa continuous hydrostatic pressures and 5 MPa hydrostatic pulses (0.017, 0.25 and 0.5 Hz) in the presence of [35S]sulphate. Northern blot analyses showed that chondrocyte cultures used in this study expressed abundant mRNA transcripts of aggrecan, typical of chondrocytes, but not versican. The cultures also expressed biglycan and decorin. Enzymic digestions with keratanase and chondroitinases AC, ABC and B and subsequent SDS/agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the synthesis of aggrecans and small dermatan sulphate PGs. The continuous 30 MPa pressure reduced total PG synthesis by 37% as measured by [35S]sulphate incorporation, in contrast to the 5 MPa continuous pressure which had no effect. The high static pressure also reduced total [3H]glucosamine incorporation by 63% and total [14C]leucine incorporation by 57%. The cyclic pressures showed a frequency-dependent stimulation (0.5 Hz, 11%) or inhibition (0.017 Hz, -17%) of [35S]sulphate incorporation. Aggrecans secreted under continuous 30 MPa pressure showed a retarded migration in 0.75% SDS/agarose gel electrophoresis and they also eluted earlier on Sephacryl S-1000 gel filtration, indicative of a larger molecular size. The increased size was consistent with an increase of average glycosaminoglycan chain length as determined by Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration. No change in aggrecan size was observed with the lower (5 MPa) static or cyclic pressures. Continuous 30 MPa hydrostatic pressure slightly reduced the steady-state mRNA level of aggrecan, in parallel with the decline in PG synthesis measured by [35S]sulphate incorporation. The results demonstrated that high hydrostatic pressure could influence the synthesis of PGs, especially of aggrecans, in chondrocytes both at the transcriptional and translational/post-translational levels.

Serum factors, growth factors and UDP-sugar metabolism in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes

1. The effect of different batches of fetal bovine serum and of growth factors on [35S]sulphate incorporation into glycosaminoglycans and on UDP-sugar pools in explant cultures of bovine articular cartilage was investigated. 2. [35S]Sulphate incorporation was variably stimulated between 1.2- and 3.5-fold by four different batches of serum. The UDP-glucuronate pool size expanded 4.3-6.5-fold in the presence of serum, even in those cultures in which little stimulation of [35S]sulphate incorporation occurred. The UDP-N-acetylhexosamine and UDP-hexose pools expanded by about 1.5- and 2.0-fold respectively in the presence of serum. UDP-xylose was not detected. 3. Equilibrium-labelling and pulse-chase experiments with D-[1-3H]glucose indicated that the rate of flux through the UDP-sugar pools was unaffected by serum. UDP-hexose, UDP-N-acetylhexosamine and UDP-glucuronate have approximate half-lives (t1/2) of 7, 12 and 3-4 min respectively. At equilibrium, the 3H specific activities of UDP-hexose and UDP-N-acetylhexosamine were very similar but that for the UDP-glucuronate pool was much higher, especially in serum-supplemented cultures. The results suggest that UDP-glucuronate synthesis occurs via a pathway which is independent of the main UDP-hexose pathway. 4. Supplementing cultures with heat-treated serum had no effect on the serum-induced expansion of UDP-sugar pools but stimulation of [35S]sulphate incorporation into glycosaminoglycans was 50% lower than for native serum. Acid-treated serum promoted a 2-fold expansion of the UDP-glucuronate and UDP-N-acetylhexosamine pool over that obtained with native serum but was 20% less effective in stimulating [35S]sulphate incorporation than the latter. Prior dialysis of serum had no effect on its modulatory action on either [35S]sulphate incorporation or on the size of UDP-sugar pools. 5. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (BB homodimer) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) all stimulated [35S]sulphate incorporation into glycosaminoglycans as expected. The UDP-glucuronate pool expanded by 1.5- and 2.0-fold in the presence of IGF-1 and TGF beta-1 respectively, and by about 1.8-fold in the presence of PDGF or EGF. None of the factors investigated, or combinations of IGF-1 and TGF beta-1 or IGF-1 and EGF, stimulated expansion of the UDP-glucuronate pool to the same extent as native serum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Human osteoarthritic chondrocytes possess an increased number of insulin-like growth factor 1 binding sites but are unresponsive to its stimulation. Possible role of IGF-1-binding proteins

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor in human osteoarthritic (OA) and normal adult chondrocytes. The biologic response of chondrocytes to IGF-1 stimulation was examined, as was the presence and synthesis of IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) in these cells.

METHODS

Binding studies, Northern blot, immunohistochemical analysis, and affinity cross-linking experiments were performed for characterization of the IGF receptor, and the latter method was also used for IGFBP determination. The biologic response was estimated via the incorporation of radiolabeled proline into a newly synthesized protein.

RESULTS

Binding experiments revealed a single class of binding sites. The mean +/- SEM affinity (Kd) of normal chondrocytes was 1.4 +/- 0.4 nM, with 26.8 +/- 5.5 x 10(3) binding sites/cell. OA chondrocytes had a lower affinity (Kd 15.4 +/- 4.7 nM) and a higher density (1,178.3 +/- 299.5 x 10(3) binding sites/cell) compared with normal cells (P < 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). Immunohistochemical studies with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the type 1 IGF receptor (alpha IR3) showed increased staining in OA cartilage compared with normal tissue. Biologic responses of chondrocytes after IGF-1 stimulation revealed that OA chondrocytes were unresponsive, whereas a 2.5-fold increase in new protein synthesis was observed in normal cells. Competition studies in normal chondrocytes revealed that both IGF-1 and IGF-2 displaced radiolabeled IGF-1 in a comparable manner; however, insulin at high concentration weakly competes. Moreover, MAb alpha IR3 effectively blocked specific binding in normal chondrocytes (77%), but not in OA chondrocytes (26%). Northern blot and covalent cross-linking analyses revealed the specific band characteristic of type 1 receptor. With the latter technique, other bands corresponding to the IGFBPs were also detected. Comparison between normal and OA chondrocytes showed increased intensity of the IGFBP bands, particularly those corresponding to the IGFBP-3 doublet.

CONCLUSION

It is shown that type 1 IGF receptor is expressed in human articular cartilage and that the level of binding sites is significantly increased in OA chondrocytes. Interestingly, despite the higher level of binding sites in OA cells, no response to IGF-1 stimulation was found in these cells. Our data suggest that this increase in specific binding may involve not only the type 1 IGF receptor but also IGFBP on the cell surface. The latter, by binding the IGF-1, will diminish the bioavailability of IGF-1 and thus prevent its anabolic action.

Maintenance of the synthesis of large proteoglycans in anatomically intact murine articular cartilage by steroids and insulin-like growth factor I

OBJECTIVES

The exact regulation of the synthesis of cartilage specific molecules, such as collagen type II and aggrecan, by articular chondrocytes is unknown, but growth factors and hormones probably play an important part. The effects of glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone and triamcinolone), in combination with insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), on the synthesis and hydrodynamic volume of proteoglycans from murine patellar cartilage were investigated.

METHODS

The in vitro effect of IGF-I and steroids on proteoglycan synthesis in murine patellar cartilage was evaluated by [35S]sulphate incorporation in combination with dissociative gel chromatography using a Sephacryl S-1000 column. The impact of in vivo prednisolone (0-5 mg/kg) on proteoglycan synthesis in murine patellar cartilage was analysed by [35S]sulphate incorporation immediately after dissection from the knee joint.

RESULTS

Prednisolone stimulated proteoglycan synthesis in murine patellar cartilage from normal knees and in cartilage from knees injected with papain in vitro in the absence and presence of IGF-I. Moreover, oral administration of prednisolone for seven days to C57Bl10 mice resulted in enhanced proteoglycan synthesis in patellar cartilage. The incubation of patellar cartilage for 48 hours without serum or growth factors led to the synthesis of proteoglycans with a smaller hydrodynamic volume than those synthesised immediately after dissection of the patellae. This could either be circumvented by the addition of IGF-I or by the addition of glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone or triamcinolone) to the culture medium.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that in a dose range of 0.0003-0.3 mmol/l, glucocorticosteroids, like IGF-I, stimulate proteoglycan synthesis and maintain the synthesis of hydrodynamically large proteoglycans by chondrocytes from murine articular cartilage. This indicates that glucocorticosteroids might play a part in the preservation of matrix integrity in articular cartilage.

Modulation of aggrecan and link-protein synthesis in articular cartilage

The addition of serum or insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to the medium of explant cultures of bovine articular cartilage is known to stimulate the synthesis of aggrecan in a dose-dependent manner. The half-life of the pool of proteoglycan core protein was measured in adult articular cartilage cultured for 6 days in the presence and absence of 20 ng of IGF-I/ml and shown to be 24 min under both sets of conditions. The half-life of the mRNA pool coding for aggrecan was also determined and shown to be approx. 4 h in cartilage maintained in culture with or without IGF-I. The pool size of mRNA coding for aggrecan core protein increased 5-6-fold in cartilage explants maintained in culture in medium containing 20% (v/v) fetal-calf serum; however, in tissue maintained with medium containing IGF-I there was no increase in the cellular levels of this mRNA. This suggests that aggrecan synthesis is stimulated by IGF-I at the level of translation of mRNA coding for the core protein of this proteoglycan and that other growth factors are present in serum that stimulate aggrecan synthesis at the level of transcription of the core-protein gene. Inclusion of serum or IGF-I in the medium of cartilage explant cultures induced increases in the amounts of mRNA coding for type II collagen and link protein, whereas only serum enhanced the amount of mRNA for the core protein of decorin.