ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the method and effect of transinfection of rabbit early knee osteoarthritis models via chitosan microsphere with gene of recombined human IL-1Ra gene and TGF-β1 gene. Methods Chitosan microspheres with plasmids of IL-1Ra gene and TGF-β1 gene, and rabbit early knee osteoarthritis models were prepared. Rabbits in different groups had intra-articular injections of chitosan microsphere containing IL-1Ra gene and / or TGF-β1 gene, and chitosan solution as control group before being executed regularly and randomly. The joint specimens were evaluated by HE staining, lycopene red O staining and immunohistochemical analysis and Mankin's score. ELISA was used for detection of IL-IRa and TGF-β1 concentration of articular cavity fluid in each group. Results The control group was consistent with the pathological changes of early OA. In co-transinfection group, judging from the appearance and staining of cartilage,the OA damage of the specimens was less serious than other groups'. Its Mankin's score was significantly lower than single-gene transinfection group (P ＜ 0.05), and the latters Mankin's score were significantly lower than control group (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion Intra-articular injection of chitosan microspheres containing both IL-1Ra gene and TGF-β1 gene could inhibit the degeneration of cartilage and promote cartilage repair.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore transinfection of rabbit chondrocytes via chitosan microsphere with human IL-1Ra and TGF-β1 gene. Methods Chitosan-DNA microspheres carrying plasmids with IL-1 Ra and TGF-β1 genes were prepared.The encapsulation efficiency,DNA-released kinetics and lysozyme degradation in vitro were performed.Articular rabbit chondrocytes were co-transinfected with the plasmids with IL-1Ra and TGF-β1 genes via chitosan-DNA mierosphere,evaluated by fluorescence microscope,TaqMan real-time PCR assay and MTF test. Results The chitosan microspheres with IL-1Ra and TGF-β1 genes were(2.8±0.2)μm and(2.6±0.1)μm in diameters respectively.The encapsulation efficiency were(88.3±4.1)%and(87.2±2.6)%.During the degradation,significant morphological changes were noticed.The plasmids could be released in a multiphasic fashion.Enhanced green fluorescent protein and Real-Time PCR analysis showed that genes were expressed in chondrocytes.lasting near 30 days.MTT indicated that the cotransinfection promoted the chondrocytes'proliferation. Conclusion IL-1Ra and TGF-β1 genes cotransfected into chondrocytes via chitosan-DNA microsphere could be expressed in a long term and cotransinfection promoted the chondroeytes'proliferation,which is the base of inhibiting the degeneration of cartilage and promote cartilage repair.