K. Huch, Long-term effects of osteogenic protein-1 on biosynthesis and proliferation of human articular chondrocytes, CLIN EXP RH, 19(5), 2001, pp. 525-531
Objective To study the long-term effects of OP-1 on the biosynthesis and pr
oliferation of human articular chondrocytes.
Methods Chondrocytes were released from human cartilage from 10 organ donor
s of different ages and cultured in alginate. They were exposed to OP-1 (0-
200 ng/ml) for 3 to 60 days. Proteoglycan (S-35-sulfate) and collagen (H-3-
proline) synthesis were measured by radiolabeling. Proteoglycan content was
determined by a dimethylmethylenblue assay, hydroxyproline content by a co
lorimetric assay, and DNA content by a fluorometric assay.
Results Long-term (60 days) cultures of human adult articular chondrocytes
stimulated by OP-1 (50 ng/ml) revealed a relative decrease of proteoglycan
and collagen synthesis. However, proteoglycan (5-fold) and collagen (1.4-fo
ld) content were increased even after 60 days in culture when compared to c
ontrols. Maintaining the chondrocyte phenotype (aggrecan synthesis as the m
ain proteoglycan) in long-term culture, OP-1 (50 ng/ml) stimulated prolifer
ation up to 2.4-fold.
Conclusion Maintaining a stable phenotype and accelerating matrix assembly
and proliferation in long-term culture OP-1 might support the tissue engine
ering of human cartilage.