| Background and objective:Autologous chondrocyte transplantation is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. Autologous platelet-rich plasma has been reported to stimulate the formation of cartilage tissues in articular cartilage defects. This study was designed to explore whether platelet-pretreatment facilitates chondrocytes transplantation therapy in osteoarthritis and the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods and Results:In vitro, chondrocytes were isolated from the normal articular cartilage of SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats and cultured carefully to expansion. Whole blood was sampled from inferior vena cava to prepare washed platelets. Then, the co-culture model was established. In vivo, the rat model of osteoarthritis was induced by a single intra-articular injection of MIA (Mono-iodoacetate), and chondrocytes suspension pretreated with or without platelets was injected into the articular cavity for cartilage repair. Using real-time PCR technology, EdU cell proliferation assay, western blot, histological staining and immunohistochemistry, we found that platelet-pretreatment significantly enhanced the therapeutic effects of chondrocyte transplantation. The enhanced effect may be related to platelet promoted chondrocyte proliferation capability and altered anabolic and catabolic activity of chondrocyte. We had further identified that Bmp7production was significantly increased by platelet-pretreated chondrocytes, which may lead to an Erk phosphorylation-dependent accumulation of Cyclin Bl and CDKl in chondrocyte. The present study thus confirmed that platelet may enhance the therapeutic effect of chondrocyte transplantation in osteoarthritis, via a mechanism dependent on Bmp7-Erk-Cyclin B1-CDK1pathway. These findings might be helpful for shaping a better chondrocyte transplantation strategy in treating osteoarthritis. |
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