Publications

Abstract OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate collagen metabolism after anabolic and catabolic stimulation of chondrocytes ex vivo. DESIGN Metabolic activities in ex vivo bovine cartilage explants were stimulated with insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) or a combination of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and oncostatin M (OSM). Supernatants were assessed […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE Aggrecan is the major proteoglycan in articular cartilage and is known to be degraded by various proteases, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The present study was undertaken to develop immunoassays detecting aggrecan and its fragments generated by MMP and non-MMP-mediated proteolysis. METHODS Two immunoassays were developed: (1) the G1/G2 sandwich assay employing a monoclonal […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE Calcitonin was recently reported to counter progression of cartilage degradation in an experimental model of osteoarthritis, and the effects were primarily suggested to be mediated by inhibition of subchondral bone resorption. We investigated direct effects of calcitonin on chondrocytes by assessing expression of the receptor and pharmacological effects on collagen type II degradation […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE Both matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activity and cathepsin K (CK) activity have been implicated in cartilage turnover. We investigated the relative contribution of MMP activity and CK activity in cartilage degradation using ex vivo and in vivo models. METHODS Bovine articular cartilage explants were stimulated with oncostatin M (OSM) 10 ng/ml and tumor necrosis […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE To characterize and validate a novel, enzyme-linked immunoassay for measuring cross-linked dimer forms of C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) in serum and synovial fluid of rodents, and investigate whether CTX-II measurements can reflect joint status in two established animal models of destructive joint diseases. METHODS Firstly, the specificity, in vivo validity, […]

Abstract OBJECTIVE Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative joint diseases and a major cause of disability and impaired quality of life in the elderly. Recent observations suggest that calcitonin may act on both osteoclasts and chondrocytes. The present review was sought to summarize emerging observations from the molecular level to the preliminary […]