Transforming growth factor-beta 1 blocks the release of collagen fragmentsfrom bovine nasal cartilage stimulated by oncostatin M in combination withIL-1 alpha

Oncostatin M in combination with interleukin-l (IL-1) induced a rapid and r eproducible release of collagen from bovine nasal cartilage in culture. Thi s release was accompanied by a high collagenolytic activity and low or abse nt tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 activity in the culture medium. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 was able to block this release of collage n from the tissue, and reduce the expression and secretion of collagenases whilst maintaining TIMP-1 levels from bovine nasal chondrocytes, This study shows for the first time that TGF-beta 1 can protect cartilage collagen fr om destruction. (C) 2000 Academic Press.