WNT1 expression influences the development of dysplasia of the hip via regulating RBPMS2/NOG-BMP2/4-GDF5- WISP2 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of WNT family member 1 (WNT1) in the development of dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and the molecular mechanism involved in this process. Methods: Si-WNT1, pcDNA3.1-WNT1 or corresponding negative controls were transfected into human osteoblast hFOB1.19 and human chondrocyte C28/I2, respectively. The proliferation of cells was measured by EdU assay. The relative expressions of human noggin gene (NOG), growth differentiating factor 5 (GDF5), WNT1, and WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP2) were determined by immunofluorescence analysis. The protein expressions of RNA-binding protein of multiple splice forms 2 (RBPMS2), NOG, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), BMP4, WNT1 and WISP2 were determined by western blot. Animal experiment was also performed and the morphological development of hip joint was observed. Results: Overexpression of WNT1 promoted osteoblast proliferation and inhibited chondrocyte proliferation, while knockdown of WNT1 inhibited osteoblast proliferation. In chondrocytes, knockdown of WNT1 upregulated NOG expression, while overexpression of WNT1 downregulated its expression. In osteoblasts and chondrocytes, overexpression of WNT1 increased BMP2, BMP4, WNT1, and WISP2 expression. RBPMS2 and NOG were slightly expressed in each group. Conclusion: Overexpression of WNT1 promoted osteoblast proliferation, inhibited chondrocyte proliferation, and increased the expressions of BMP2, BMP4, WNT1, and WISP2. Therefore, WNT1 may be a new therapeutic target for DDH.

Current knowledge on the genetic background of developmental dysplasia of the hip and the histomorphological status of the cartilage.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) represents a morphological abnormality characterized by the incongruity of femoral head and acetabulum. It ranges from mild dysplastic changes to complete dislocation. DDH has been associated with several hereditary and environmental risk factors, which could explain the incidence variability among different countries. Numerous genes may be involved in the disease etiology and progression. However, there are controversies in the literature regarding some of these genes. DDH-induced secondary osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by changes in the macromolecule content of the cartilage and the expression of cartilage degradation markers. In addition, it exhibits a pattern of specific histological changes, with several reported differences between primary and DDH-induced secondary OA. The articular cartilage of patients with DDH shows specific radiological characteristics, including changes visible already in infancy, but also at pre-arthritic stages, early stages of OA, and in fully developed DDH-induced secondary OA. Although DDH has been extensively researched in different disease stages, the etiology of the disorder still remains uncertain. This review focuses on the current knowledge on the histomorphological status of the cartilage and the genetic background of DDH.

The H19/let-7 feedback loop contributes to developmental dysplasia and dislocation of the hip.

Developmental dysplasia and dislocation of the hip (DDH) is the most common type of lower limb deformity in pediatric orthopedics. The mechanism of the signaling pathway has been studied in depth. However, the role of epigenetic regulation, such as lncRNA, is still far from clear. In this study, we successfully established a rat model of DDH and demonstrated that H19 was down-regulated in the development of DDH. Further, we constructed H19 knockdown (KD) and overexpression chondrocytes. H19 KD suppressed the proliferation of normal chondrocytes, while overexpression of H19 promoted cell proliferation of DDH chondrocytes. Finally, we revealed that H19 bound to let-7 and inhibited its function, acting as a competing endogenous RNA. Down-regulation of H19 is closely associated with DDH progression and H19 is an important epigenetic factor that regulates the proliferation of chondrocytes. H19 may thus be a potential clinical marker for DDH diagnosis and treatment.

Defective mitochondrial protease LonP1 can cause classical mitochondrial disease.

LonP1 is a mitochondrial matrix protease whose selective substrate specificity is essential for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Recessively inherited, pathogenic defects in LonP1 have been previously reported to underlie cerebral, ocular, dental, auricular and skeletal anomalies (CODAS) syndrome, a complex multisystemic and developmental disorder. Intriguingly, although classical mitochondrial disease presentations are well-known to exhibit marked clinical heterogeneity, the skeletal and dental features associated with CODAS syndrome are pathognomonic. We have applied whole exome sequencing to a patient with congenital lactic acidosis, muscle weakness, profound deficiencies in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation associated with loss of mtDNA copy number and MRI abnormalities consistent with Leigh syndrome, identifying biallelic variants in the LONP1 (NM_004793.3) gene; c.1693T > C predicting p.(Tyr565His) and c.2197G > A predicting p.(Glu733Lys); no evidence of the classical skeletal or dental defects observed in CODAS syndrome patients were noted in our patient. In vitro experiments confirmed the p.(Tyr565His) LonP1 mutant alone could not bind or degrade a substrate, consistent with the predicted function of Tyr565, whilst a second missense [p.(Glu733Lys)] variant had minimal effect. Mixtures of p.(Tyr565His) mutant and wild-type LonP1 retained partial protease activity but this was severely depleted when the p.(Tyr565His) mutant was mixed with the p.(Glu733Lys) mutant, data consistent with the compound heterozygosity detected in our patient. In summary, we conclude that pathogenic LONP1 variants can lead to a classical mitochondrial disease presentations associated with severe biochemical defects in oxidative phosphorylation in clinically relevant tissues.

Cyclic compressive stress-induced scinderin regulates progress of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by a mismatch between acetabulum and femoral head. Mechanical force plays an important role during the occurrence and development of abnormities in acetabulum and femoral head. In this study, we established a mechanical force model named cyclic compressive stress (Ccs). To analyze the effect of Ccs on DDH, we detected special genes in chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Results showed that Ccs downregulated chondrogenesis of ADTC5 in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the mRNA level of Scinderin (Scin) considerably increased. We established lentivirus-SCIN(GV144-SCIN) to transfect hBMSCs, which were treated with different Ccs levels (0.25 Hz*5 cm, 0.5 Hz*5 cm, and 1 Hz*10 cm); the result showed that overexpression of Scin upregulated osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. By contrast, expression of chondrocyte-specific genes, including ACAN, COL-2A, and Sox9, decreased. Further molecular investigation demonstrated that Scin promoted osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis through activation of the p-Smad1/5/8, NF-κB, and MAPK P38 signaling pathways, as well as stimulated the expression of key osteoclast transcriptional factors NFATc1 and c-Fos. Moreover, Scin-induced osteogenesis outweighed osteoclastogenesis in defective femur in vivo. The results of the analysis of Micro-CT confirmed these findings. Overall, Ccs influenced the development of DDH by promoting osteogenesis and cartilage degradation. In addition, Scin played a vital role in the development of DDH.

Severe cartilage degeneration in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a developmental disorder that has long-term chronic pain and limited hip joint mobility as major pathological characteristics. This study aims to access the association between the development of DDH and cartilage metabolic disorders. Cartilage tissue samples were acquired from patients with DDH, osteoarthritis (OA) and femoral neck fracture. The proteoglycan level was evaluated by safranin O-fast green, toluidine blue and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of collagen-II (Col-II), collagen-X (Col-X) and metal matrix proteinase-13 (MMP-13) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting analysis. The morphologic evaluation of cartilage was conducted by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA level of aggrecan, Col-II, Col-X and MMP-13. The aggrecan level in the cartilage matrix was significantly decreased in DDH patients by safranin O-fast green and toluidine blue staining in comparison with that in the OA and control groups. In contrast with the OA group, the Col-II expression was reduced while the MMP-13 expression increased in DDH patients, as shown by IHC and Western blotting analysis. The collagenous fibrils in cartilage of DDH patients appeared significantly sparse and disordered in the TEM analysis. In DDH patients, the mRNA expression levels of Col-II and aggrecan were markedly reduced, while the mRNA expression of Col-X was markedly increased, compared with the OA patients. There is severe articular cartilage degeneration in DDH patients. This observation provides us with new insight into cartilage metabolic regulation in DDH. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(3):179-187, 2017.

Serum prolidase activity and oxidative-antioxidative status in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip and its relationship with radiographic severity.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate serum prolidase activity and to investigate its association with oxidative-antioxidative status in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). METHODS: Oxidative status parameters, including lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), total oxidant status (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI), and antioxidative status parameters, free sulfhydryl groups (Total -SH), and total antioxidative capacity (TAC), as well as serum prolidase activity were assessed in patients with DDH (n = 93), and in healthy controls (n = 82). The severity of dysplasia was evaluated according to the Tonnis grading system. RESULTS: Serum prolidase activity and the oxidant parameters (LOOH, TOS, and OSI) were significantly higher and the antioxidant parameters (Total -SH and TAC) were significantly lower in patients with DDH compared to the controls (P < 0.005 for all). Serum prolidase activity was positively correlated with the Tonnis grade of DDH and LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels (P < 0.001 for all), but inversely correlated with total -SH and TAC levels (P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: Increased levels of serum prolidase activity, LOOH, TOS, and OSI, and decreased levels of total -SH and TAC, may be associated with DDH, and these parameters may be useful adjunctive tools to assess the severity of DDH.

Does periacetabular osteotomy have depth-related effects on the articular cartilage of the hip?

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis may result from abnormal mechanics leading to biochemically mediated degradation of cartilage. In a dysplastic hip, the periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is designed to normalize the mechanics and our initial analysis suggests that it may also alter the cartilage biochemical composition. Articular cartilage structure and biology vary with the depth from the articular surface including the concentration of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), which are the charge macromolecules that are rapidly turned over and are lost in early osteoarthritis. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) enables noninvasive measurement of cartilage GAG content. The dGEMRIC index represents an indirect measure of GAG concentration with lower values indicating less GAG content. GAG content can normally vary with mechanical loading; however, progressive loss of GAG is associated with osteoarthritis. By looking at the changes in amounts of GAG in response to a PAO at different depths of cartilage, we may gain further insights into the types of biologic events that are occurring in the joint after a PAO. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We (1) measured the GAG content in the superficial and deep zones for the entire joint before and after PAO; and (2) investigated if the changes in the superficial and deep zone GAG content after PAO varied with different locations within the joint. METHODS: This prospective study included 37 hips in 37 patients (mean age 26 ± 9 years) who were treated with periacetabular osteotomy for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia and had preoperative and 1-year follow up dGEMRIC scans. Twenty-eight of the 37 also had 2-year scans. Patients were eligible if they had symptomatic acetabular dysplasia with lateral center-edge angle < 20° and no or minimal osteoarthritis. The change in dGEMRIC after surgery was assessed in the superficial and deep cartilage zones at five acetabular radial planes. RESULTS: The mean ± SD dGEMRIC index in the superficial zone fell from 480 ± 137 msec preoperatively to 409 ± 119 msec at Year 1 (95% confidence interval [CI], -87 to -54; p < 0.001) and recovered to 451 ± 115 msec at Year 2 (95% CI, 34-65; p < 0.001), suggesting that there is a transient event that causes the biologically sensitive superficial layer to lose GAG. In the deep acetabular cartilage zone, dGEMRIC index fell from 527 ± 148 msec preoperatively to 468 ± 143 msec at Year 1 (95% CI, -66 to -30; p < 0.001) and recovered to 494 ± 125 msec at Year 2 (95% CI, 5-32; p = 0.008). When each acetabular radial plane was looked at separately, the change from before surgery to 1 year after was confined to zones around the superior part of the joint. The only significant change from 1 to 2 years was an increase in the superficial layer of the superior zone (1 year 374 ± 123 msec, 2 year 453 ± 117 msec, p < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that PAO may alter the GAG content of the articular cartilage with a greater effect on the superficial zone compared with the deeper acetabular cartilage zone, especially at the superior aspect of the joint. Some surgeons have observed that surgery itself can be a stressor that can accelerate joint degeneration. Perhaps the decrease in dGEMRIC index seen in the superficial layer may be a catabolic response to postsurgical inflammation given that some recovery was seen at 2 years. The decrease in dGEMRIC index in the deep layer seen mainly near the superior part of the joint is persistent and may represent a response of articular cartilage to normalization of increased mechanical load seen in this region after osteotomy, which may be a normal response to alteration in loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study looks at the biochemical changes in the articular cartilage before and after a PAO for dysplastic hips using MRI in a similar manner to using histological methods to study alterations in articular cartilage with mechanical loading. Although PAO alters alignment and orientation of the acetabulum, its effects on cartilage biology are not clear. dGEMRIC provides a noninvasive method of assessing these effects.

Femoral head volume indicates the severity of developmental dysplasia of the hip by a method using three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging.

The aims of this study were to quantify the femoral head volume (FHV) in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and to estimate its relation with the severity of the disease. Fifty-one patients (age range 2-11 months) with unilateral DDH were evaluated using three-dimensional MRI. The relation among FHV, age, severity, and displacement was investigated. The affected FHV gradually decreased according to severity. Cephalad displacement of the femoral head correlated negatively with FHV. This new approach showed severity-dependent growth disturbance of the femoral head. This quantification is a promising technique for understanding the pathology of DDH.

Increasing expression of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in synovial tissue and fluid contribute to the progress of arthritis in developmental dysplasia of the hip.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that has pain and loss of joint function as major pathological features. In the present study, we explored the mechanisms of possible involvement and regulation of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the pathological and inflammatory processes of arthritis in DDH. METHODS: Blood, synovial tissue and fluid samples were collected from patients diagnosed with different severities of DDH and from patients with femoral neck fracture. Levels of SP, CGRP and inflammatory cytokines in synovium and synovial fluid (SF) in the different groups were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlations between neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines in SF were evaluated by partial correlation analysis. The proinflammatory effects of SP and CGRP on synoviocytes obtained from patients with moderate DDH were investigated in vitro by real-time PCR and ELISA. The mechanisms of those effects were evaluated by Western blot analysis and nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) DNA binding assay. RESULTS: Significantly increased levels of neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines were observed in synovium and SF from patients in the severe DDH group compared with the moderate DDH and control groups. In moderate DDH samples, SP in SF correlated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and CGRP in SF correlated with TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-10. In the severe DDH group, SP in SF correlated with interleukin (IL)-1ß, TNF-α and IL-10. CGRP in SF correlated with TNF-α. Additionally, SP might have had obvious proinflammatory effects on synoviocytes through the activation of NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS: The upregulation of SP and CGRP in synovium and SF might participate in the inflammatory process of arthritis in DDH. The activation of the NF-κB pathway seems indispensable in the proinflammatory effect of SP on synoviocytes. This original discovery may indicate a potential clinical drug target and the development of innovative therapies for DDH.

Bone and cartilage metabolism markers in synovial fluid of the hip joint with secondary osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the levels of bone and cartilage metabolism markers in the synovial fluid of the hip joint between patients with secondary OA due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), rapidly destructive arthrosis (RDA) and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). METHODS: We studied 70 synovial fluid samples obtained from 57 patients with ONFH (mean age 46 years, 34 males, 23 females), 21 samples obtained from 21 patients with RDA (mean age 70 years, 2 males, 19 females) and 20 samples obtained from 20 patients with DDH (mean age 56 years, 2 males, 18 females). The levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), as bone metabolism markers, and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and keratan sulphate (KS), as cartilage metabolism markers, were analysed. RESULTS: The levels of BAP, MMP-3 and KS were significantly higher in the ONFH group than in the RDA and DDH groups. The levels of TRACP-5b were highest in the RDA group. The levels of BAP in the ONFH group after the development of osteoarthritic changes were significantly lower than those observed in earlier stages. In comparisons between the samples obtained from each group with a terminal condition, the ONFH samples exhibited significantly higher MMP-3 and KS levels, while the TRACP-5 levels were highest in the RDA group. CONCLUSION: The ONFH patients showed a relatively bone formative condition before the osteoarthritic stage and maintained a higher rate of cartilage turnover throughout several stages compared with the RDA and DDH patients. RDA patients were characterized by a significantly high osteoclast activity.

Early articular cartilage degeneration in a developmental dislocation of the hip model results from activation of ß-catenin.

Developmental dislocation or dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common deformities in children. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent long-term complication. The molecular mechanism of early articular cartilage degeneration in DDH is still unclear. It is well known that ß-catenin plays a crucial role in articular cartilage degeneration. The objective of this study was to verify the relationship between ß-catenin and DDH cartilage degeneration. We used a DDH model that was established by modification of swaddling position in newborn Wistar rats. The hips were isolated from the DDH model rats and untreated control group at the age of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. ß-Catenin gene and protein were investigated by quantitative (q)RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Collagen X and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, markers of early cartilage degeneration, were assessed by qRT-PCR. Primary chondrocytes were cultured from cartilage of two groups at the age of 8 weeks. Expression of ß-catenin, collagen X and MMP-13 was detected. Continued high expression of ß-catenin was observed in cartilage from DDH model rats. mRNA and protein expression of ß-catenin was significantly increased in primary chondrocytes of the DDH model compared with the control group. Collagen X and MMP-13 expression was higher in the cartilage and chondrocytes from DDH model rats than the control group. Our findings suggest that early cartilage degeneration in DDH may result from activation of ß-catenin signaling.

Increasing substance P levels in serum and synovial tissues from patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

BACKGROUND: The tachykininergic neurotransmitters have been proved to be involved in the inflammatory progress and chronic pain in series of disease. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the levels of substance P (SP) and its receptors NK-1 receptor (NK-1R) in both serum and synovial tissues of hip joint from patients with different stages of DDH, and to detect the possible correlation of serum SP levels with pain sensation and dysfunction of the hip joint. METHODS: SP levels in serum and synovial tissues from patients with DDH and DDH combined with osteoarthritis (DDH&OA) group were compared through immunohistochemistry (IHC), ELISA, and 2-step acetic acid extraction method respectively. Expression of NK-1R in synovial tissues was compared through IHC, quantitive Real-Time PCR (QRT-PCR) and Western-Blot. The severities of pain sensation and the functional activities of hip joint were assessed by Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Harris hip score (HHS). Correlations of serum SP levels with VAS, HHS and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were evaluated respectively in these groups. RESULTS: Significantly elevated serum SP levels were detected in group of DDH and DDH&OA compared to that in normal group. IHC, QRT-PCR as well as tissue Elisa showed that SP levels in synovial tissue of DDH&OA group is stronger than that in DDH group. Serum SP levels in each group have no gender differences. The enhanced SP levels in synovial tissue mainly came from the segregation of peripheral nerve endings. Serum SP correlated with VAS and HHS in patients with DDH&OA (Male + Female). Serum SP correlated with HHS in patients with DDH (Male). Serum SP levels also correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in patients with DDH&OA (Male + Female). Up-regulated expression of NK-1R was also observed in synovial tissue of patients with DDH&OA compared to patients with DDH, through western-blot, IHC, and QRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that the increasing SP levels in serum and synovial tissues, observed from patients with DDH to patients with DDH&OA, might associate with the loss of function and chronic pain sensation in hip joint. SP along with its receptors NK-1R might be involved in the progression of DDH into DDH&OA. In the future, inhibitors of SP as well as NK-1R may represent a novel pharmacotherapy target for pain relieving, inflammation alleviating and joint degeneration delaying for patients with DDH.

Estrogen receptors in hip joint capsule and ligamentum capitis femoris of babies with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to detect the incidence of estrogen receptors in human hip joint capsule and ligamentum teres. METHODS: The study included biopsies of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) and hip joint capsule from 15 patients undergoing hip surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and from the control hips of 15 cases of intrauterine fetal death. Mean age was 10.3 (range: 6 to 18) months at the time of surgery. Full-thickness 1x1 cm anterior capsule and LCF portions were taken as biopsy specimens. An immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibody against estrogen receptors was performed to identify the rate of target estrogen cells in the hip joint capsule and LCF. RESULTS: Estrogen receptor (ER) staining rates were 1.6±0.2% for the LCF and 1.3±0.2% for the hip joint capsule in the control groups, and 2.5±0.3% for the LCF and 2.0±0.3% for the hip joint capsule in the DDH groups. Estrogen receptor staining rates in the LCF and hip joint capsule control groups were significantly lower than that in the DDH groups (p<0.001). In both groups, ER rates were significantly lower in the hip joint capsule than in the LCF (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The high rate of ERs in the LCF and hip joint capsule appears to support the effect of estrogen in the etiology of the DDH.

[Distribution and expression of TGF-ß2 in the capsule of children with developmental dysplasia of the hip].

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the distribution and expression of transforming growth factor-ß2 (TGF-ß2) in the hip capsule of children with developmental dysplasia (dislocation) of the hip (DDH) and non-DDH children in order to investigate the roles of TGF-ß2 in hip joint laxity. METHODS: Eight children with DDH and eight age- and gender-matched non-DDH children (control group) were enrolled. The immunohistochemical technique (S-P method) was used to examine the distribution and content of TGF-ß2 in the hip capsule. Semiquantitative RT-PCR method was used to detect mRNA expression of TGF-ß2 in the hip capsule. The quantitative analysis of TGF-ß2 was performed by professional image software. RESULTS: A high expression of TGF-ß2 was observed in the synovial layer with fibroblast regularly arranged parallel to the joint surface. There was decreased expression of TGF-ß2 in the fibrous layer of the capsule. The percentage of positive fibroblasts and the gray-scale density in the fibrous layer in the DDH group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). TGF-ß2 mRNA expression in the DDH group decreased compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The decreased TGF-ß2 in distribution, content and mRNA expression in the hip capsule might contribute to hip joint laxity in children with DDH.

[Experimental study on the expression of II type collagen and MMP-7 in acetabular cartilage of developmental dysplasia of hip].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the changes of expressions of II type collagen and matrix metalloproteinases-7 (MMP-7) of acetabular cartilage in early DDH (developmental dysplasia of hip) and to investigate the relevance between II type collagen and MMP-7 and the retrogression mechanism of acetabular cartilage. METHODS: The animal model of DDH was successfully established in 8 rabbits by applying the method of knee extension in which left lower extremity as experimental group and right one as control group. And the stains of HE and toluidine blue were applied on the samples of acetabular cartilage to observe the changes of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix (ECM). The techniques of immunohistochemical staining and Western blot were employed to respectively qualify and quantitate the expression of II type collagen and MMP-7. RESULTS: Pathohistological observation indicated the signs of retrogressive changes of acetabular cartilage in experimental group, including a loss of ECM in toluidine blue stain and a cluster of chondrocytes in HE stain. The positive numbers of II type collagen and MMP-7 by immunohistochemical staining in experimental group were both higher than that of control group. The quantitative amounts of II type collagen and MMP-7 by Western blot in experimental group were both higher than that of control group. Both significant differences existed between two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of II type collagen and MMP-7 is correlated to a retrogression of acetabular cartilage and increases obviously in early DDH. The amount and intensity of II type collagen and MMP-7 are probably the rationale of differential retrogression of cartilage.

[Developmental changes of acetabular cartilage complex: an experimental study of a straight-leg swaddle model of newborn rats].

OBJECTIVE: By establishing a model of straight-leg swaddle of newborn rats and observing the experimental animals'hips morphologically and pathologically, this study explored the changes of gross appearance of the acetabulum and the maturity of cartilage cells in the different regions of acetabular cartilage complex. METHODS: The legs and hips were fixed by adhesive tape for 10 days in the position of hip extension and adduction in 31 newborn Wistar rats (experimental group). The other 31 newborn rats without legs and hips treatment were used as the control group. After 10 days raising in the same condition, all the rats were sacrificed. The gross appearance, histological observations and VEGF and type X collagen immunohistochemistry were used for examining the acetabulum changes. RESULTS: A straight leg swaddle model of newborn rats was established successfully. In the experimental group the acetabulum became shallow and small and surrounded by more soft tissues. There were 49 dislocated hips (49/54) in the experimental group and 2 hips dislocated (2/60) in the control group (p<0.01). Fake acetabulum appeared in the experimental group. In the control group, the shape of the acetabulum was normol, and no fake acetabulum was found. The safranin O-fast green staining showed that the orange-red cartilage in the experimental group was wider than the control group. Immunohistochemistry observations showed VEGF and type X collagen immunoreactivities in the hypertrophic layer of the acetabular cartilage complex in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group. The percentages of VEGF positive and type X collagen positive cells in the iliac hypertrophic layer of the acetabular articular cartilage were significantly higher than those in the ischiadic ramus and the pubic branch in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF and type X collagen immunoreactivities in acetabular cartilage cells decrease in a straight-leg swaddle model of newborn rats. This suggests that this position might lead to dysmaturity of the acetabular cartilage cells and affect the development of the acetabulum.

Cellular and epigenetic features of a young healthy and a young osteoarthritic cartilage compared with aged control and OA cartilage.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is generally a disease of the elderly population, but can occur in young patients in exceptional cases. This study compares the cellular and epigenetic features of primary old-age OA with those of secondary OA in a 23-year-old patient with developmental dysplasia of the hip. In addition, control cartilage from a 14-year-old was compared with that from patients with a fracture of the neck of femur (#NOF) to establish to what extent the latter is a useful control for OA. Articular cartilage was obtained from discarded femoral heads after hip arthroplasty. MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-4 were immunolocalized and the methylation status of specific promoter CpG sites was determined. Both primary and secondary OA were characterized by loss of aggrecan, formation of clones, and abnormal expression of the proteases that correlated with epigenetic DNA demethylation. The latter indicated that the abnormal expression of the cartilage-degrading proteases was not due to a short-term up-regulation, but a heritable, permanent alteration in gene expression. Comparing cell densities in young and old control cartilage estimated an age-related cell loss of approximately 1% per year. In aged #NOF cartilage, some superficial-zone chondrocytes expressed the proteases, but the majority of cells were immunonegative and their promoters were hypermethylated. The cellular and epigenetic features of the intermediate and deep zones of #NOF cartilage are thus similar to those of young healthy cartilage, justifying the use of #NOF cartilage as control cartilage for OA, providing the superficial zone is removed.

Accumulation of fibronectin in articular cartilage explants cultured with TGF beta 1 and fucoidan.

Fibronectin is a glycoprotein involved in cell matrix interactions. In osteoarthritis, fibronectin levels in the lesion cartilage are elevated up to 20-fold above control levels. In these experiments, explants of disease-free cartilage cultured in the presence of a combination of TGF beta 1 and the sulfated fucopolysaccharide, fucoidan, accumulated fibronectin at levels comparable to those found in osteoarthritic lesions. TGF beta 1 increased fibronectin synthesis, most of which was released to the medium. The addition of fucoidan favored retention of the newly synthesized fibronectin within the matrix. The fibronectin which accumulated as a result of these treatments was similar to the fibronectin in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage with respect to the ED-B+ alternative splice form. No change in the proteoglycan content of the cartilage explants with elevated fibronectin levels was detected.

Patient with multiple congenital anomalies and decreased production and processing of procollagen in cultured fibroblasts.

We report on a patient with hip and elbow dislocations, joint hyperextensibility, peculiar facial appearance, torticollis, cryptorchidism, unilateral hexadactyly, and other minor anomalies. Cultured cells from this patient produce less type I procollagen and have a slower rate of processing of type I procollagen to collagen in the culture medium. We think that the pattern of clinical anomalies constitutes a previously unreported syndrome with type I procollagen defect as a manifestation of the syndrome.