The chondrocyte channelome: A narrative review

Chondrocytes are the main cells in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of articular cartilage and possess a highly differentiated phenotype that is the hallmark of the unique physiological functions of this specialised load-bearing connective tissue. The plasma membrane of articular chondrocytes contains a rich and diverse complement of membrane proteins, known as the membranome, which defines the cell surface phenotype of the cells. The membranome is a key target of pharmacological agents and is important for chondrocyte function. It includes channels, transporters, enzymes, receptors, and anchors for intracellular, cytoskeletal and ECM proteins and other macromolecular complexes. The chondrocyte channelome is a sub-compartment of the membranome and includes a complete set of ion channels and porins expressed in these cells. Many of these are multi-functional proteins with “moonlighting” roles, serving as channels, receptors and signalling components of larger molecular assemblies. The aim of this review is to summarise our current knowledge of the fundamental aspects of the chondrocyte channelome, discuss its relevance to cartilage biology and highlight its possible role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Excessive and inappropriate mechanical loads, an inflammatory micro-environment, alternative splicing of channel components or accumulation of basic calcium phosphate crystals can result in an altered chondrocyte channelome impairing its function. Alterations in Ca²⁺ signalling may lead to defective synthesis of ECM macromolecules and aggravated catabolic responses in chondrocytes, which is an important and relatively unexplored aspect of the complex and poorly understood mechanism of OA development.     

Displaced acetabular fractures

Displaced acetabular fractures occur primarily in young adults involved in high energy trauma and can lead to disabling posttraumatic arthritis. An initial roentgenographic evaluation with accurate delineation of all fracture lines provides the key to decisions about whether to give closed or open treatment. When open treatment is indicated, a surgical approach can be chosen that will almost always lead to reduction without the necessity of a second approach. The authors have found that the Kocher-Langenbeck, ilioinguinal, and extended iliofemoral approaches are the most useful. A fracture table and specialized reduction instruments aid fracture reduction and fixation. Satisfactory operative reduction of the fracture is the factor that correlates best with a satisfactory clinical result. The rate of satisfactory operative reductions improved gradually over the first 50 operations of a prospective study of 121 displaced acetabular fractures. Overall, there were 80% satisfactory clinical results in this series. Complications included a 3% infection rate and a 5% incidence of nerve palsy. Open reduction and internal fixation are indicated for the majority of displaced fractures. However, closed treatment can produce satisfactory results in selected patients.     

Buserelin in premenstrual syndrome.

Buserelin, a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonist was administered nasally in doses of 900 micrograms daily to inhibit the ovarian cycle. Of 16 patients recruited, ten completed the treatment. Daily symptoms were measured on the Visual Analogue Scale and Trigg's trend analysis utilized for the analysis. The peak severity of symptoms (ESAmax) and the maximum global scores (Gmax) reduced on buserelin treatment. The minimum global scores (Gmin) and the minimum score for each symptom (ESAmin) increased, suggesting worsening of underlying symptoms. The difference between ESAmax and ESAmin (ESAdelta) and Gmax and Gmin (Gdelta) were calculated to determine the degree of symptom change. The delta scores for symptoms of depression, bloatedness and breast symptoms, and Gdelta were significantly reduced (p less than 0.05) on buserelin, whilst the latter significantly worsened in the follow-up months. Side-effects may limit the place of buserelin in the long-term treatment of premenstrual syndrome, although combination of additional hormonal treatment may facilitate long-term treatment.     

Antigenic studies on an enzymatically sialylated carbohydrate: NeuAc(alpha 2-3)Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc

Sialic acid residues are often the end moiety of the carbohydrate chain of biologically important glycoconjugates. It is difficult to study sialylated glycoconjugates because the purification of these compounds is often laborious yielding only very small amounts of oligosaccharides for study. Chemical synthesis of sialylated compounds is complicated by the labile nature of the sialic acid bond. In both of these cases the sialylated compounds would need to be conjugated to a polypeptide to be an effective immunogen, and again, such conjugation is fraught with problems due to the instability of the sialic acid linkage. We have developed a combined enzymatic and synthetic route for obtaining quantities of sialylated carbohydrates conjugated to a protein carrier in amounts sufficient for antigenic studies. The notable novelty of this protocol is the addition of sialic acid after the carbohydrate-protein conjugation step. Antiserum to the compounds was developed and after absorption, antibodies that demonstrate a requirement for sialic acid for their binding were produced and studied. CA 125 has been shown to be a prognostically significant marker for ovarian adenocarcinoma. The nature of the epitope involved has been analyzed with conflicting results. To attempt to resolve this conflict, we initiated studies on sialylated antigens with NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3GalNAc. This trisaccharide occupies the terminal region in a series of complex carbohydrates which have been suggested to be involved as the epitope. Hanisch et al. reported that the neuraminic acid was important for the reaction.     

Evaluation of three substitutes for Percoll in sperm isolation by density gradient centrifugation

Silane-coated silica particle solutions (ISolate(TM) and PureSperm)TM)) and iodixanol (OptiPrep(TM)) were compared to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated silica particles (Percoll(TM)) in their efficacy to recover spermatozoa by gradient centrifugation for use in assisted reproductive procedures. Efficacy was assessed in terms of percentages of sperm recovery, sperm vitality and motility, normal sperm morphology and normal sperm chromatin condensation. No significant difference was found in the recovery of spermatozoa for men with both normal sperm counts and oligozoospermia, between PVP-coated and silane-coated particle solutions. Iodixanol had significantly lower sperm recovery compared to the other products. Sperm vitality, progressive motility, normal morphology and normal chromatin condensation did not differ significantly between any of the sperm isolation products.