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Selected Publication:
Herbert, V.
INFLUENCE OF MECHANICAL LOADING ON THE EXPRESSION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES IN CHONDROCYTES OF THE HUMAN GROWTH PLATE IN VITRO
[ Diplomarbeit ] Medical University of Graz; 2012. pp. 89
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Pichler Karin
- Weinberg Annelie-Martina
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- Abstract:
- Aim: Children have the unique capability of bone remodeling after fractures. The underlying molecular mechanisms have not been investigated yet. We hypothesize that the growth plate and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) within it play an exceedingly important role during remodeling and that they are influenced by mechanical stimuli. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of bone remodeling in children could help to improve current treatment approaches and prevent malalignments after fractures. Materials and Methods: Chondrocytes, isolated from the growth plate of the supernumerary digit of children with polydaktylism, were cultured and subsequently subjected to mechanical loading at 1 Hertz and 10% elongation for 1 h, 4 h and 24 h with a Flexcell Tension Plus System (Flexcell International, Hillsborough, USA). The expression of MMP-2, -3, -9 and -13 was analyzed in a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine statistical significant results (p <0.05). Results: The expression of MMP-2 was significantly (p <0.05) up-regulated after 1 h and 24 h compared to control. Although not statistically significant, expression rate of MMP-13 was also increased after 1 h and 24 h. The expression of MMP-3 was significantly (p <0.05) up-regulated after 24 h. No changes were observed in the expression of MMP-9. Conclusion: For the first time, the current study examined the influence of mechanical loading on the expression of MMP-2, -3, -9 and -13 in chondrocytes of the human growth plate in vitro. The data presented herein contribute to a better understanding of the remodeling process, since we showed that mechanical loading significantly up-regulates MMP-2 and-3 expression and increases MMP-13 expression in chondrocytes of the human growth plate in vitro. Therefore, we conclude that MMPs might be involved in bone remodeling.