Lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor 1 mediates matrix metalloproteinase 3 synthesis enhanced by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein in rheumatoid arthritis cartilage

Objective

To investigate for the presence of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) and lectin‐like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX‐1) in cartilage specimens from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joints and to determine whether the interaction of ox‐LDL with LOX‐1 can induce matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP‐3) in articular cartilage explant culture.

Methods

Human articular cartilage specimens obtained from patients with RA, osteoarthritis (OA), and femoral neck fractures were examined for LOX‐1 and ox‐LDL by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The association between ox‐LDL and LOX‐1 was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis. Articular cartilage specimens from patients with femoral neck fractures were incubated with ox‐LDL, with or without preincubation with neutralizing anti–LOX‐1 antibody. MMP‐3 synthesis by chondrocytes in explant cartilage was evaluated by immunofluorescence, and protein secretion into conditioned medium was monitored by immunoblotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The majority of the RA chondrocytes stained positively with both anti–LOX‐1 and anti–ox‐LDL antibodies; however, no positive cells were found in OA and normal cartilage specimens. Anti–LOX‐1 antibody suppressed the binding of DiI‐labeled ox‐LDL to chondrocytes in explant culture, suggesting that the interaction was mediated by LOX‐1. In contrast to native LDL, ox‐LDL induced MMP‐3 synthesis by articular chondrocytes in association with the induction of LOX‐1, which resulted in enhanced secretion of MMP‐3 into the culture medium. Anti–LOX‐1 antibody reversed ox‐LDL–stimulated MMP‐3 synthesis to control levels.

Conclusion

Ox‐LDL, principally mediated by LOX‐1, enhanced MMP‐3 production in articular chondrocytes. Increased accumulation of ox‐LDL with elevated expression of LOX‐1 in RA cartilage indicates a specific role of the receptor–ligand interaction in cartilage pathology in RA.

     

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 mediates leukocyte infiltration and articular cartilage destruction in rat zymosan-induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis has been recognized for >20 years. This study aimed to elucidate the roles of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL; one of the main pathogenic factors of atherosclerosis) and its endothelial receptor, lectin-like ox-LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1), in arthritic joints using a rat zymosan-induced arthritis (ZIA) model. METHODS: LOX-1 expression and ox-LDL accumulation in arthritic joints were detected by immunohistochemistry using specific mouse anti-LOX-1 and anti-ox-LDL monoclonal antibodies, respectively. To elucidate the effects of the expressed LOX-1 on arthritis, ZIA rats were treated with anti-LOX-1 antibody or normal mouse IgG. The severity of arthritis was analyzed by joint swelling. Cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, and proteoglycan losses were also determined by histologic scoring. Proinflammatory cytokine and nitrite levels in serum and joint fluid were also measured. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical study of ZIA demonstrated LOX-1 expression on synovial endothelium and postcapillary venules at 6 hours after the induction of inflammation, with maximum expression detected at 24 hours. LOX-1 was also expressed weakly on both joint cartilage and synovium. Ox-LDL, a ligand of LOX-1, was also detected in articular chondrocytes. Administration of anti-LOX-1 antibody, which blocks LOX-1 activity, suppressed joint swelling (by 33.5%), leukocyte infiltration, and joint nitrite accumulation at 24 hours, as well as cartilage destruction at 7 days, compared with control rats. CONCLUSION: LOX-1 induction in arthritic joints might play a role in promoting joint inflammation and cartilage destruction by mediating leukocyte infiltration into the arthritic joints of ZIA rats.     

The oral anti-diabetic agent, gliclazide, inhibits oxidized LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression, metalloproteinase-9 secretion and apoptosis in human aortic endothelial cells

The mechanisms linking diabetes to plaque rupture and thrombotic occlusion remain largely speculative, yet matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and endothelial apoptosis may represent central elements. Binding of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) to endothelial lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) induces oxidative stress, MMP expression and apoptosis. In the present study, we examined the effect of gliclazide, a second generation sulfonylurea with antioxidant properties, on LOX-1 expression and LOX-1-mediated MMP-9 expression and apoptosis in oxLDL-treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Incubation of HAECs with oxLDL increased LOX-1 expression and enhanced MMP-9 production by these cells. Treatment with an anti-LOX-1 antibody or with antioxidants, including gliclazide, inhibited these effects. Induction of LOX-1 and LOX-1-mediated MMP-9 production involved endothelin-1 production and nuclear factor-kappaB activation. These biological parameters were inhibited by gliclazide and anti-LOX-1 antibody treatment. In HAECs, oxLDL induced apoptosis, an effect associated with reduced protein kinase B (PKB) activity. Anti-LOX-1 antibody, antioxidants including gliclazide, as well as caspase inhibitors prevented oxLDL-induced apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic effect of gliclazide was associated with an increase in PKB activity and a decrease in caspase-3 and -9 activities. These results demonstrate that gliclazide inhibits endothelial LOX-1 expression and prevents LOX-1-mediated proatherogenic effects associated with endothelial dysfunction and plaque rupture.     

Inhibition of interleukin-1beta-stimulated production of matrix metalloproteinases by hyaluronan via CD44 in human articular cartilage

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory action of hyaluronan (HA) on interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-stimulated production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human articular cartilage. METHODS: IL-1beta was added to normal and osteoarthritic (OA) human articular cartilage in explant culture to stimulate MMP production. Articular cartilage was incubated or preincubated with a clinically used form of 800-kd HA to assess its effect on IL-1beta-induced MMPs. Levels of secreted MMPs 1, 3, and 13 in conditioned media were detected by immunoblotting; intracellular MMP synthesis in chondrocytes was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Penetration of HA into cartilage tissue and its binding to CD44 were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy using fluoresceinated HA. Blocking experiments with anti-CD44 antibody were performed to investigate the mechanism of action of HA. RESULTS: Treatment and pretreatment with 800-kd HA at 1 mg/ml resulted in significant suppression of IL-1beta-stimulated production of MMPs 1, 3, and 13 in normal and OA cartilage explant culture. Fluorescence histocytochemistry revealed that HA penetrated cartilage tissue and localized in the pericellular matrix around chondrocytes. HA-binding blocking experiments using anti-CD44 antibody demonstrated that the association of HA with chondrocytes was mediated by CD44. Preincubation with anti-CD44 antibody, which suppressed IL-1beta-stimulated MMPs, reversed the inhibitory effect of HA on MMP production that was induced by IL-1beta in normal and OA cartilage. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that HA effectively inhibits IL-1beta-stimulated production of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13, which supports the clinical use of HA in the treatment of OA. The action of HA on IL-1beta may involve direct interaction between HA and CD44 on chondrocytes.     

Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) expression in human articular chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the involvement of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and the expression of its receptor lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) in osteoarthritis, by determining the ox-LDL in synovial fluid and the expression of LOX-1 mRNA and protein in osteoarthritic as well as normal cartilage. In addition, the effect of ox-LDL on chondrocyte viability and the effect of ascorbic acid (a well-known anti-oxidant) on LOX-1 expression were studied. METHODS: Fifteen patients were included in the study. Osteoarthritic articular cartilage was obtained from two distinct locations in the knee (n = 10) and hip (n = 5), specifically from weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas of the same joints. Five individuals were used as controls. mRNA and protein expression were studied by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. Ox-LDL was measured in the synovial fluid and in paired serum samples from the patients using the ELISA method. RESULTS: Ox-LDL was detected in the synovial fluid and its receptor LOX-1 was detected in cartilage from both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas, whereas no LOX-1 expression was found in normal cartilage. Ox-LDL reduced chondrocyte viability in cell cultures, while the addition of ascorbic acid to osteoarthritic chondrocytes resulted in a decrease in LOX-1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: The detection of LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression in osteoarthritic cartilage drawn from both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing regions of the same patients suggest that LOX-1 may be involved in the progression and pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.     

Chemokines differentially induce matrix metalloproteinase-3 and prostaglandin E2 in human articular chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE: To explore prostaglandin (PG) E2 production by human articular chondrocytes induced by different chemokines. METHODS: Human chondrocytes were enzymatically isolated from the articular cartilage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) or traumatic fracture (N) who underwent total joint replacement. They were cultured in vitro as monolayers and then exposed to MCP-1, RANTES or SDF-1 for 24 h. Levels of PGE2 and MMP-3 in the culture supernatant were then immunoassayed. RESULTS: PGE2 production was enhanced up to 2.7-fold in a subset of samples. Responses to different chemokines were heterogeneous even within the same disease groups. As previously reported, chemokines induced MMP-3 secretion by chondrocytes, but there was no significant correlation between levels of PGE2 and MMP-3. CONCLUSION: We here document the presence of "responders" among OA, RA and normal chondrocytes that produce enhanced levels of PGE2 upon stimulation by chemokines. The relationship between chemokines and prostaglandins could differentially influence the pathogenic network responsible for cartilage degradation in arthropathy.     

Increased proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage in experimental canine osteoarthritis does not reflect a permanent change in chondrocyte phenotype

Objective. To determine whether chondrocytes in early experimental osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage continue to show increased synthesis and turnover of proteoglycans (PGs) during explant culture. A comparison was also made between the responsiveness of experimental OA and control cartilage to interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) after 1 day and 3 days in culture. Methods. OA was induced in mature animals by sectioning of the anterior cruciate ligament followed by 3 months of normal exercise. PG synthesis in the articular cartilage was determined by measuring ³⁵S-sulfate incorporation during explant culture over 1–3 days. Inhibition of PG synthesis was also determined with various concentrations of IL-1β and TNFα after 1 and 3 days in culture. PGs extracted from the articular cartilage over 1–3 days in culture were examined by agarose–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results. Up to 24 hours after excision from the joint, PG synthesis was higher in experimental OA cartilage than in control cartilage. It was also less sensitive to inhibition by TNFα. These differences were no longer detected after 48–72 hours in culture. There were no changes in the relative proportions of aggrecan and decorin/biglycan extracted from and synthesized by control and experimental OA cartilage over the 3 days in culture. Conclusion. Previous results indicated that PG synthesis and turnover in articular cartilage was increased for many months after induction of experimental OA. Our present results show that the enhanced rate of PG synthesis and turnover were evident in freshly explanted tissue, but the differences were lost over 3 days in culture. A decreased responsiveness to TNFα was also lost. The hypermetabolic activity of experimental OA chondrocytes was thus reversible and not a permanent change in chondrocyte phenotype.     

氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导肝窦内皮细胞植物血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1的表达

目的：探讨植物血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白（ox-LDL）受体1（LOX-1）在肝窦内皮细胞（HSECs）中的表达和ox-LDL对其表达的调控作用。方法使用实时定量聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）和Western blotting法从基因和蛋白水平检测未经处理HSECs 中LOX-1的表达。应用不同浓度ox-LDL（0、20、40、60、80和100 mg/L）对HSECs作用24 h并应用80 mg/L ox-LDL对HSECs作用不同时间（0、12、24和48 h）,作用后实时定量PCR检测HSECs内LOX-1 mRNA的表达水平,Western blotting法检测细胞内LOX-1蛋白表达。给予80 mg/L ox-LDL干预组多聚肌苷酸250 mg/L作用24 h后,测定LOX-1 mRNA和蛋白的表达。采用单因素方差分析及t检验进行数据分析。结果 LOX-1 mRNA和蛋白在HSECs中均有表达。20～80 mg/L ox-LDL组HSECs中LOX-1 mRNA、蛋白表达水平随ox-LDL剂量增加而升高,与剂量有明显相关性（F＝38.7、3.43,均P＜0.05）。与80 mg/L ox-LDL组相比,100 mg/L ox-LDL 组 LOX-1 mRNA、蛋白表达下降,差异有统计学意义（ t ＝23.75、18.26, P ＜0.05）。80 mg/L ox-LDL对HSECs作用时间在0～24 h时,随着时间延长,LOX-1 mRNA、蛋白表达递增,与ox-LDL作用时间有明显相关性（F＝2.36、0.33,均P＜0.05）。与作用24 h相比,作用48 h组HSECs中LOX-1 mRNA、蛋白表达下降（t＝69.21、36.27,均P＜0.05）。与80 mg/L ox-LDL组相比,多聚肌苷酸组中LOX-1 mRNA和蛋白表达降低,两组差异均有统计学意义（ t＝54.93、28.19,均P＜0.05）。结论LOX-1存在于HSECs。在一定浓度和时间范围内,ox-LDL对HSECs LOX-1的调控作用具有时间和浓度依赖性,而多聚肌苷酸可部分抑制这种效应。     

3'UTR/T polymorphism of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is associated with modified anti-platelet activity of atorvastatin in hypercholesterolemic subjects

Oxidized-low density lipoproteins (ox-LDL) and the specific receptor LOX-1 are involved in atherogenesis and atherothrombosis. LOX-1 downregulation is associated with the anti-platelet action of atorvastatin. 3'UTR/T LOX-1 polymorphism has been associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease. This study was planned to determine whether LOX-1 genetic variations could affect anti-platelet action of atorvastatin. We studied by platelet P-selectin (P-sel), CD36 and LOX-1 expression (cytofluorimetric detection) whether differences in cellular activation could be suitable in 109 3'UTR/T carriers out of 201 hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with atorvastatin 20mg/day. Hyperactivated platelets (P-sel in resting cells and % variation upon thrombin activation, p<0.001) were detected at baseline in patients without significant differences between T or C carriers. P-sel and platelet-associated ox-LDL, were significantly decreased (all p<0.001) in C carriers after one week of treatment before LDL reduction. In 3'UTR/T carriers P-sel was reduced (p<0.01) after 6 weeks of treatment according to LDL and ox-LDL reduction. In 3'UTR/T carriers atorvastatin reduced platelet activity by LDL and ox-LDL lowering and not by rapid CD36 and LOX-1 downregulation as in C carriers. Such data suggest that in T carriers LDL lowering is needed to achieve anti-platelet action.     

凝血酶及凝血因子Xa诱导血管平滑肌细胞中植物凝集素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体-1表达的实验研究

目的研究血管平滑肌细胞中凝血酶及凝血因子xa对新型的氧化型低密度脂蛋白的清道夫受体,即植物凝集素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体-1（LOX-1）表达的影响。方法培养的牛主动脉平滑肌细胞,予凝血酶及凝血因子xa刺激后,用鼠抗LOX-1单克隆抗体,对细胞裂解液和浓缩的培养基进行Western blot分析,观察LOX-1表达的变化。结果在凝血酶2．0U／ml及凝血因子Xa 50 nmol／L时,可观察到细胞膜结合型LOX-1表达明显增加。凝血酶3．0U／ml和凝血因子Xa100nmol／L刺激14h后,细胞培养基中可溶型LOX-1表达明显升高。对平滑肌细胞给予1．0U／ml凝血酶及100nmol／L凝血因子xa刺激,4h后LOX-1表达开始增加,12h后达高峰。AGl478是表皮生长因子受体相关酪氨酸激酶抑制剂。用指定浓度AGl478预刺激后,再予凝血酶和凝血因子xa,然后对细胞裂解液进行Western blot分析。AGl478可显著抑制凝血酶及凝血因子xa导致的LOX-1表达增加。结论凝血酶及凝血因子Xa可诱导LOX-1表达增加,此作用由表皮生长因子受体介导。     

Relative messenger RNA expression profiling of collagenases and aggrecanases in human articular chondrocytes in vivo and in vitro

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage destruction depends on collagen- and aggrecan-degrading proteases such as collagenases (MMP-1 and MMP-13), stromelysin (MMP-3), MMP-14, as well as the so-called aggrecanases (ADAM-TS4 and ADAM-TS5). In this study, we tried to clarify whether these proteases are expressed in vivo in human normal and OA cartilage (and whether they are up-regulated or down-regulated during the disease process) and in interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-stimulated chondrocytes in vitro. METHODS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were developed and performed on RNA isolated directly from normal and degenerative cartilage tissue as well as from primary human articular chondrocytes cultured with and without IL-1beta. RESULTS: In vivo, MMP-1 was detectable only at very low levels in any condition. MMP-13 expression was low in normal and early degenerative cartilage but was strongly up-regulated in late-stage OA specimens. MMP-1 and MMP-13 were expressed much higher in vitro than in vivo and were up-regulated by IL-1beta. Among all proteases, MMP-3 was by far the most strongly expressed, although it was strongly down-regulated in late-stage OA specimens. Expression of MMP-3 was higher in vitro than in vivo and was up-regulated by IL-1beta. ADAM-TS5 and MMP-14 were expressed in all sample groups. Expression of ADAM-TS4 was very low in vivo and was induced in vitro after stimulation by IL-1beta. CONCLUSION: Our expression data clearly support MMP-13 as the major collagenase in OA cartilage. The most strongly expressed aggrecanase was ADAM-TS5. ADAM-TS4 was expressed only at a very low level in normal cartilage and was only slightly up-regulated in OA cartilage, casting doubt on this enzyme being the relevant aggrecanase of articular cartilage. Results of our study show that expression of many enzymes is significantly different in vitro and in vivo and suggest that IL-1beta stimulation of articular chondrocytes might not be a good model for the matrix catabolism in OA cartilage.     

Inhibition of interleukin‐1β‐stimulated production of matrix metalloproteinases by hyaluronan via CD44 in human articular cartilage

Objective

To investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory action of hyaluronan (HA) on interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐stimulated production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human articular cartilage.

Methods

IL‐1β was added to normal and osteoarthritic (OA) human articular cartilage in explant culture to stimulate MMP production. Articular cartilage was incubated or preincubated with a clinically used form of 800‐kd HA to assess its effect on IL‐1β‐induced MMPs. Levels of secreted MMPs 1, 3, and 13 in conditioned media were detected by immunoblotting; intracellular MMP synthesis in chondrocytes was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Penetration of HA into cartilage tissue and its binding to CD44 were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy using fluoresceinated HA. Blocking experiments with anti‐CD44 antibody were performed to investigate the mechanism of action of HA.

Results

Treatment and pretreatment with 800‐kd HA at 1 mg/ml resulted in significant suppression of IL‐1β‐stimulated production of MMPs 1, 3, and 13 in normal and OA cartilage explant culture. Fluorescence histocytochemistry revealed that HA penetrated cartilage tissue and localized in the pericellular matrix around chondrocytes. HA‐binding blocking experiments using anti‐CD44 antibody demonstrated that the association of HA with chondrocytes was mediated by CD44. Preincubation with anti‐CD44 antibody, which suppressed IL‐1β‐stimulated MMPs, reversed the inhibitory effect of HA on MMP production that was induced by IL‐1β in normal and OA cartilage.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that HA effectively inhibits IL‐1β‐stimulated production of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13, which supports the clinical use of HA in the treatment of OA. The action of HA on IL‐1β may involve direct interaction between HA and CD44 on chondrocytes.

     

Angiotensin II increases the expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 in human vascular smooth muscle cells via a lipoxygenase-dependent pathway

BACKGROUND: Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a membrane protein that can act as a surface endocytosis receptor for oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). As increased cellular uptake of ox-LDL by macrophages and activated smooth muscle cells may transform these cells into foam cells, potential interactions among LDL oxidation, ox-LDL uptake, and regulators of vascular smooth muscle cell function are of obvious interest. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of angiotensin II (AII) on the expression of LOX-1 and ox-LDL degradation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) METHODS: We performed in vitro experiments in a human VSMC line (T/G HA-VSMC) derived from normal aortic VSMC, using standards methods. RESULTS: We found that AII (10(-7) mol/L) increased the expression of LOX-1 (approximately 2.5-fold, P < .0001) in association with higher degradation of ox-LDL by HA-SMC (from 4019 +/- 529 ng/mg cell protein to 6207 +/- 287 ng/mg cell protein; P = .0033). AII also increased the expression of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) by approximately 2.2-fold (P = .03) and approximately 3-fold (P = .006), respectively. In addition, AII (10(-7) mol/L) increased the release of 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid from VSMC within 10 min approximately 3-fold (P = .03) and 50% (P < .05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings provide evidence that angiotensin II upregulates LOX-1 and 12-LO and 15-LO expression in human VSMC, thereby potentially providing mechanisms for both accelerated LDL oxidation within the cell and the internalization of exogenous ox-LDL, two processes that could increase the susceptibility of human VSMC to further transformation into foam cells.     

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1-mediated autophagy in human granulosa cells as an alternative of programmed cell death

The LOX-1 receptor, identified on endothelial cells, mediates the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The oxLDL-dependent LOX-1 activation causes endothelial cell apoptosis. We here investigated the presence of LOX-1 in granulosa cells from patients under in vitro fertilization therapy. We were interested in the oxLDL-dependent LOX-1 receptor biology, in particular in the induction of apoptosis. In the human ovary, LOX-1 was localized in regressing antral follicles. In granulosa cell cultures, oxLDL-induced mRNA expression of LOX-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The LOX-1 inhibitors (anti-LOX-1 antibody and kappa-carrageenan) abrogated the up-regulation of LOX-1. The oxLDL (100 microg/ml) treatment caused the autophagy form of programmed cell death: 1) reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton at the 6-h time point; 2) uptake of YO-PRO, a marker for the early step of programmed cell death, before propidium iodide staining to signify necrosis; 3) absence of apoptotic bodies and cleaved caspase-3; 4) abundant vacuole formation at the ultrastructural level; and 5) decrease of the autophagosome marker protein MAP LC3-I at the 6-h time point indicative of autophagosome formation. We conclude that follicular atresia is not under the exclusive control of apoptosis. The LOX-1-dependent autophagy represents an alternate form of programmed cell death. Obese women with high blood levels of oxLDL may display an increased rate of autophagic granulosa cell death.     

苯扎贝特对脐静脉内皮细胞基质金属蛋白酶-9表达的影响及机制

目的观察苯扎贝特对氧化型低密度脂蛋白所诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）表达的影响及是否与血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1表达相关。方法体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞,逆转录聚合酶链反应检测MMP-9和血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1 mRNA的表达。结果与对照组（0．151±0．004、0．562±0．021）比较,氧化型低密度脂蛋白组LOX-1 mRNA（0．943±0．003）、MMP-9 mRNA（1．020±0．039）表达均明显增加（P〈0．05）;与氧化型低密度脂蛋白组比较,苯扎贝特组和多聚肌甘酸（血凝素氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1阻滞剂）组血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1 mRNA（0．258±0．002、0．463±0．007）、MMP-9 mRNA（0．894±0．041、0．872±0．046）表达均减少（P〈0．05）;与苯扎贝特组比较,苯扎贝特组加多聚肌甘酸组血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1 mRNA（0．144±0．003）、MMP-9 mRNA（0．541±0．030）表达均明显减少（P〈0．05）。结论血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1可能参与苯扎贝特下调内皮细胞MMP-9基因的表达。     

Enhancement of sparc (osteonectin) synthesis in arthritic cartilage: Increased levels in synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and regulation by growth factors and cytokines in chondrocyte cultures

Objective. To investigate the roles of SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) (osteonectin) in arthritis, using cartilage and synovium specimens and synovial fluids (SF) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA), and to examine the effects of cytokines, growth factors, and hormones on SPARC synthesis by chondrocytes in culture. Methods. SPARC in cartilage and synovium was immunostained with monoclonal antibodies. SPARC synthesis by cultured chondrocytes was measured by Northern blot analysis, immunoblotting, and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. SPARC was identified in numerous chondrocytes in the superficial and middle zones and in regenerating chondrocytes of RA and OA joints, whereas such staining was absent in these zones of normal cartilage, except for weak signals from a few chondrocytes in the deep zone. In addition, SPARC synthesis was enhanced in synovial cells of RA and OA joints. The average SPARC level in SF was 10-fold higher in the RA than in the OA population. In rabbit articular chondrocyte cultures, administration of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 increased SPARC levels at 24–48 hours, whereas interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-1α, tumor necrosis factor α, lipopolysaccharide, phorbol myristate acetate, basic fibroblast growth factor, and dexamethasone decreased SPARC levels at 24–72 hours. TGFβ increased SPARC messenger RNA (mRNA) levels at 24 hours, whereas IL-1β caused a marked decrease in SPARC mRNA levels at 24 hours. Furthermore, IL-1 decreased the glycosylation of SPARC. Conclusion. These findings suggest that various growth factors and cytokines, including TGFβ1 and IL-1β, regulate the production of SPARC by chondrocytes at pre- and posttranslational levels, and that SPARC synthesis is markedly enhanced in arthritic joints.