Vascular endothelial growth factor activities on osteoarthritic chondrocytes

• Published in: Clinical and experimental rheumatology 2005-07, Vol.23 (4), p.487-493
• Main Authors: PULSATELLI, L, DOLZANI, P, SILVESTRI, T, FRIZZIERO, L, FACCHINI, A, MELICONI, R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Cartilage, Articular - drug effects; Cartilage, Articular - metabolism; Cartilage, Articular - pathology; Caspase 3; Caspases - metabolism; Cathepsin B - metabolism; Cells, Cultured; Chondrocytes - drug effects; Chondrocytes - metabolism; Chondrocytes - pathology; Cytokines - pharmacology; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Down-Regulation; Humans; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Miscellaneous. Osteoarticular involvement in other diseases; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Knee - metabolism; Osteoarthritis, Knee - pathology; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor - metabolism; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - metabolism
• ISSN: 0392-856X; 1593-098X

Evaluation of the role of VEGF in cartilage pathophysiology. VEGF release from chondrocytes in the presence of IL-1beta, TGFbeta and IL-10 was detected by immunoassay. VEGF receptor -1 and -2 expression and VEGF ability to modulate caspase -3 and cathepsin B expression were detected by immunohistochemistry on cartilage biopsies and cartilage explants. VEGF effects on chondrocyte proliferation was analysed by a fluorescent dye that binds nucleic acids. VEGF production by osteoartritis (OA) chondrocytes was significantly reduced by IL-1beta while it was increased in the presence of TGFbeta. Cartilage VEGFR-1 immunostaining was significantly downregulated in 'early' OA patients compared to normal controls (NC). VEGFR-2 expression was negligible both in OA and in NC. VEGF decreased the expression of caspase-3 and cathepsin B, whereas it did not affect proliferation. VEGF is able to down-modulate chondrocyte activities related to catabolic events involved in OA cartilage degradation.