Glucosamine modulates chondrocyte proliferation, matrix synthesis, and gene expression.
Published
Journal Article
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of glucosamine (GlcN) on chondrocyte proliferation, matrix production, and gene expression for providing insights into the biochemical basis of its reported beneficial effects in osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Dose-dependent effect of GlcN on cell morphology, proliferation, cartilage matrix production and gene expression was examined by incubating primary bovine chondrocytes with various amounts of GlcN in monolayers (2D) and in cell-laden hydrogels (3D constructs). Histology, immunofluorescent staining and biochemical analyses were used to determine the effect of GlcN on cartilage matrix production in 3D constructs. The impact of GlcN on gene expression was evaluated with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: GlcN concentration and culture conditions significantly affected the cell behavior. Quantitative detection of matrix production in cell-laden hydrogels indicated a relatively narrow window of GlcN concentration that promotes matrix production (while limiting cellular proliferation, but not cell viability). Notably, GlcN enhanced cartilage specific matrix components, aggrecan and collagen type II, in a dose-dependent manner up to 2 mM but the effect was lost by 15 mM. Additionally, GlcN treatment up-regulated transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA levels. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that culture conditions play a significant role in determining the effect of GlcN on chondrocytes, explaining both the previously reported beneficial and deleterious effects of this sugar. The ability of GlcN to alter TGF-beta1 signaling provides a biochemical mechanism for GlcN activity on chondrocytes that up to now has remained elusive. The observed anabolic effect of optimal GlcN concentrations on chondrocytes may be useful in formulating effective cartilage repair strategies.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Varghese, S; Theprungsirikul, P; Sahani, S; Hwang, N; Yarema, KJ; Elisseeff, JH
Published Date
- January 1, 2007
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 15 / 1
Start / End Page
- 59 - 68
PubMed ID
- 16849037
Pubmed Central ID
- 16849037
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1063-4584
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.joca.2006.06.008
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- England