The differentiation of prehypertrophic into hypertrophic chondrocytes drives an OA-remodeling program and IL-34 expression.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesize that chondrocytes from the deepest articular cartilage layer are pivotal in maintaining cartilage integrity and that the modification of their prehypertrophic phenotype to a hypertrophic phenotype will drive cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Murine immature articular chondrocytes (iMACs) were successively cultured into three different culture media to induce a progressive hypertrophic differentiation. Chondrocyte were phenotypically characterized by whole-genome microarray analysis. The expression of IL-34 and its receptors PTPRZ1 and CSF1R in chondrocytes and in human osteoarthritis tissues was assessed by RT-qPCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. The expression of bone remodeling and angiogenesis factors and the cell response to IL-1ß and IL-34 were investigated by RT-qPCR and ELISA. RESULTS: Whole-genome microarray analysis showed that iMACs, prehypertrophic and hypertrophic chondrocytes each displayed a specific phenotype. IL-1ß induced a stronger catabolic effect in prehypertrophic chondrocytes than in iMACs. Hypertrophic differentiation of prehypertrophic chondrocytes increased Bmp-2 (95%CI [0.78; 1.98]), Bmp-4 (95%CI [0.89; 1.59]), Cxcl12 (95%CI [2.19; 5.41]), CCL2 (95%CI [3.59; 11.86]), Mmp 3 (95%CI [10.29; 32.14]) and Vegf mRNA expression (95%CI [0.20; 1.74]). Microarray analysis identified IL-34, PTPRZ1 and CSFR1 as being strongly overexpressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes. IL-34 was released by human osteoarthritis cartilage; its receptors were expressed in human osteoarthritis tissues. IL-34 stimulated CCL2 and MMP13 in osteoblasts and hypertrophic chondrocytes but not in iMACs or prehypertrophic chondrocytes. CONCLUSION: Our results identify prehypertrophic chondrocytes as being potentially pivotal in the control of cartilage and subchondral bone integrity. Their differentiation into hypertrophic chondrocytes initiates a remodeling program in which IL-34 may be involved.

Differential expression of interleukin-17 and interleukin-22 in inflamed and non-inflamed synovium from osteoarthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Synovitis associated with osteoarthritis (OA) is directly responsible for several clinical symptoms and reflects OA's structural progression. This study sought to analyze the expression of proinflammatory mediations, including Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22, which play key roles in regulating inflammatory processes, in inflamed and non-inflamed areas of osteoarthritic synovium. METHODS: Synovium from knees of 32 OA patients were collected at surgery. Macroscopic evaluation of inflammation enabled inflamed and non-inflamed areas to be separated. Samples were incubated to obtain tissue-conditioned media. Quantitative mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators was analyzed by RT-PCR and protein levels by ELISA and gelatin zymography. Immunohistochemistry and histology were performed. RESULTS: Inflamed synovium were characterized by increased leukocyte infiltration and a higher vessel-to-tissue area ratio than non-inflamed tissues. Macrophages, T and B lymphocytes, and some neutrophils were found only in the inflamed tissue, and only in the subintimal layer. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines and MMP-9 were significantly higher in tissue-conditioned media from inflamed than non-inflamed tissues. Inflamed areas were associated with higher expression of IL-17 and IL-22, both correlated with the combined release of IL-6, IL-23, and TGFß1. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17 and IL-22, are expressed at higher levels by inflamed OA synovium and suggest IL-22 involvement in OA pathophysiology. This study will help identify new therapeutic strategies for OA, especially the targeting of IL-22 to decrease inflammation.

Stress-induced signaling pathways in hyalin chondrocytes: inhibition by Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU).

OBJECTIVE: Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) represent one of the most commonly used drugs for symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). The mechanisms of its activities are still poorly understood. We investigate here the effects of ASU on signaling pathways in mouse or human chondrocytes. METHODS: Mouse or human chondrocytes stimulated with interleukin-1beta (IL1beta, 10 ng/ml) and cartilage submitted to a compressive mechanical stress (MS) were studied in the presence or absence of ASU (10 microg/ml). Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation was assessed by immunoblot, using an I-kappa B alpha antibody, nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB using p65 antibody, and extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activation using phospho and ERK1/2 antibodies. The binding of the p50/p65 complex on DNA was studied by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS: ASU decrease matrix metalloproteinases-3 and -13 expressions and Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) release in our model. The degradation of I-kappa B alpha is prevented in the presence of ASU as shown by the persistent expression of I-kappa B alpha protein in the cytosol when chondrocytes are stimulated by IL1beta or MS. Nuclear translocation of the NF-kappaB complex is shown by the decrease of the p65 protein from the cytosol, whereas p65 appears in the nucleus under IL1beta stimulation. This translocation is abolished in the presence of ASU. Moreover, bandshift experiments show an inhibition of the IL1beta-induced binding of p50/p65 complexes to NF-kappaB responsive elements in response to ASU. Finally, among the different mitogen-activated protein kinases known to be induced by IL1beta, ERK1/2 was the sole kinase inhibited by ASU. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that ASU express a unique range of activities, which could counteract deleterious processes involved in OA, such as inflammation.