Copper modulation of extracellular matrix synthesis by human articular chondrocytes.
OBJECTIVE
The effects of Cu2+ on human articular chondrocytes, arising from both N (normal) and OA (osteoarthritic) cartilage, were investigated "in vitro".


METHODS
Chondrocytes, cultured in high density, were incubated with copper chloride (0.01-0.25 microM/mL). Proteoglycan and collagen were assessed by incorporation of [35S]-Sulfate and [3H]-Proline. SDS-PAGE analysis was performed to quantify the ratio of type II to type I collagen.


RESULTS
Cu2+ neither increased proteoglycan synthesis by chondrocytes. of origin N or OA, nor influenced their proliferation rate. Collagen synthesis was increased. This effect is time and concentration dependant: in cultures treated for 12 days, collagen synthesis stimulation was +20% and +26% (P < 0.02) in N and OA cultures respectively, the ratio of type II to type I collagen was slightly increased. This effect was more obvious in OA cell lines than in N ones.


CONCLUSIONS
The observations suggest that Cu2+ upregulates collagen anabolism in human articular chondrocytes.
Héraud
F
F
INSERM U443, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France.
Savineau
C
C
Harmand
M F
MF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation
D011509:Proteoglycans; D003300:Copper; D003094:Collagen; C029892:cupric chloride