[Study on correlation between connective tissue growth factor, macrophage colony-stimulating factor and cartilage degeneration in the osteoarthritis chondrocytes].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in osteoarthritis chondrocytes, and the relationship between CTGF, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and cartilage degeneration.


METHODS
Ten New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the normal group and OA model group established by Hulth's method. Sections were stained with Safranin O for histological examination. The cartilage histological characteristics were observed according to the method of Mankin. Immunohistochemical staining was performed. Articular cartilages were observed with microscopy and the image analysis method was used to measure the expression intensity of CTGF and M-CSF in each group, and the correlations of the expression of CTGF, M-CSF and cartilage degeneration were analyzed by statistics.


RESULTS
Immunohistochemical staining indicated that the expression intensity of CTGF, M-CSF in untreated group was significantly increased as compared with that in the normal group (P<0.05). Statistical analysis showed that there was a correlation between the expression of CTGF, M-CSF and cartilage degeneration (r=0.634, r=0.542, P<0.01 respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of CTGF and M-CSF protein is up regulated in osteoarthritis chondrocytes, which suggests that the activation of M-CSF is involved in the production of CTGF. CTGF and M-CSF play an important role in the pathogenesis of cartilage degeneration.
Sun
Jian
J
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200071, China.
Chen
Chao-wei
CW
He
Yong-huai
YH
Qiu
Min-lei
ML
Chen
Yong-qiang
YQ
D000818:Animals; D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011817:Rabbits
D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor