Modulation of the expression of matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases by TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 in primary human articular and bovine nasal chondrocytes stimulated with TNF-alpha

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was able to promote collagen break down from bovine cartilage in explant culture. This release was dependent u pon matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and could be prevented by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) or insulin-like growth factor-1. Both grow th factors reduced the expression and secretion of collagenase enzymes, and TGF-beta1 induced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase production. This s tudy shows for the first time that these anabolic growth factors can protec t cartilage against TNF-alpha -induced destruction. (C) 2001 Academic Press .