title: Load application induces changes in the expression levels of Sox-9, FGFR-3 and VEGF in condylar chondrocytes.
abstract: Experimental and clinical observations have proven the modulatory effects of mechanical loading on the development and maintenance of cartilage architecture. Here we examined the involvement of Sox-9, FGFR-3 and VEGF (pivotal factors controlling cartilage development and growth) in the mechano-transduction pathway of mandibular condylar cartilage by changing the dynamics of the transmitted load via changes in food hardness. To this end, condyle cartilage tissue of rats fed with hard or soft food was analyzed immunohistochemically at various time points. Our findings demonstrate that different mechanical loading conditions in condylar chondrocytes trigger differentiation-/maturation-related processes by affecting the expression levels of these factors, ultimately influencing condylar cartilage growth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexandra K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Papadopoulou
authors.forename: Dionysios J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Papachristou
authors.forename: Stavros A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Chatzopoulos
authors.forename: Pertti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pirttiniemi
authors.forename: Athanasios G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Papavassiliou
authors.forename: Efthimia K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Basdra
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006984:Hypertrophy; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D051498:Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D055758:SOX9 Transcription Factor; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*; D016474:Weight-Bearing
chemical_list: D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins; D055758:SOX9 Transcription Factor; D014157:Transcription Factors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D051498:Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3