title: Effects of a biodegradable polymer synthesized with inorganic tin on the chondrogenesis of human articular chondrocytes.
abstract: Recent study has shown that biodegradable polymers are attractive candidates for chondrocyte fixation and further transplantation in cartilage tissue engineering. Poly (glycolic acid) (PGA), a polymer of glycolic acid, is widely used in orthopedic applications as a biodegradable polymer. Organotin, lead, antimony, and zinc are catalysts commonly used in synthesizing PGA. Here, we investigated the biocompatibility of PGA, synthesized with and without inorganic tin as a catalyst in chondrogenesis of human articular chondrocytes in a micromass culture system. Significant enhancement of chondrocyte proliferation and expression of the collagen type II protein gene were observed in cultures treated with PGA synthesized with a tin catalyst. However, aggrecan gene expression was very similar to the control culture. Amount of collagen type II protein was also increased in the same group of cultured chondrocytes. In contrast, PGA without a catalyst caused overall inhibition of chondrogenesis. Despite several positive findings, extensive investigations are essential for the feasibility of this PGA(Sn) in future clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Devices, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan.
authors.forename: Nasreen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Banu
authors.forename: Toshie
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tsuchiya
authors.forename: Rumi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sawada
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D020219:Chondrogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D014001:Tin / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D024043:Collagen Type II; D011108:Polymers; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D014001:Tin