title: Effect of zoledronate on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-a by articular chondrocytes and synovial cells: an in vitro study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of zoledronate, which is frequently used to treat osteoporosis, on osteoarthritis by analyzing zoledronate-induced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in chondrocytes and synovial cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  After chondrocytes and synovial cells were separated and cultured, zoledronate was added, and VEGF-A and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) expression were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in the expression of VEGF-A mRNA in chondrocytes between the zoledronate group and the control group on the 8th day of culture. The expression of both VEGF-A and PEDF mRNA in synovial cells was significantly decreased in the zoledronate group (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Zoledronate decreases the expression of VEGF-A in synovial cells and may affect the development and progression of osteoarthritis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Woong
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Yi
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Woo-Suk
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang-Bum
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Youn-Moo
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Heo
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Dong-Sik
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Chae
keywords: Chondrocytes; Osteoarthritis; Synovial cells; Vascular endothelial growth factor-A; Zoledronate