Identification of important interactions between subchondral bone ...
Identification of important interactions between subchondral bone ...
Identification of important interactions between subchondral bone ...
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Abstract<br />
In conclusion, we have established a pre-clinical whole-tissue model for investigating cell-cell<br />
<strong>interactions</strong> that reflect parts <strong>of</strong> the processes in the pathogenesis <strong>of</strong> joint degenerative diseases.<br />
This model is also an excellent screening model for potential OA drugs. The model confirmed<br />
beneficial effects <strong>of</strong> glucocorticoids previously observed on articular cartilage, but not <strong>bone</strong>. The<br />
loss <strong>of</strong> sulphated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) from cartilage in early OA is not equivalent to<br />
loss <strong>of</strong> aggrecan, since there may be different pools <strong>of</strong> aggrecan that are sensitive to different<br />
types <strong>of</strong> proteases. Furthermore, the role <strong>of</strong> endogenous proteases probably depends on the stage<br />
<strong>of</strong> OA, as we did not observe the same release <strong>of</strong> biochemical markers in normal versus OA<br />
cartilage. This highlights the importance <strong>of</strong> developing different treatments specific for the<br />
different stages <strong>of</strong> OA.<br />
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