Dose-dependent effects of corticosteroids on the expression of matrix-related genes in normal and cytokine-treated articular chondrocytes.

Abstract: To assess the effects of glucocorticoids on the expression of multiple matrix-related genes in normal and cytokine-treated cultured equine articular chondrocytes in a phenotypically correct suspension culture. Methods: Articular cartilage harvested from the joints of 15 foals, 7 yearling horses, and 16 adult horses. Methods: Glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, prednisolone, triamcinolone) at 10(-10) to 10(-4) M. Methods: Equine articular chondrocytes maintained in suspension cultures were treated with glucocorticoids with and without human recombinant interleukin 1-beta (IL1-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Northern blots of total RNA from the treated cells were probed with equine specific cDNA probes for a number of cartilage matrix-related genes. Zymography, Western blotting, and fluorography were also performed to study the effects on protein synthesis. Results: The glucocorticoids, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and prednisolone, markedly decreased MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, TIMPI, and ferritin steady-state mRNA levels. There were no qualitative differences seen among the tested corticosteroids although dexamethasone and triamcinolone appeared to be slightly more potent than prednisolone. The effects of the glucocorticoids on MMP transcription occurred consistently at lower doses than those required to similarly downregulate type II collagen and aggrecan. Link protein and fibronectin mRNA were increased by the glucocorticoids, and biglycan and decorin were minimally affected. Fluorography of [14-C] proline-labeled media demonstrated that the decrease in type II collagen transcription (mRNA levels) was paralleled at the protein level. Zymography and Western blotting confirmed the decrease in functional metalloproteinases found in chondrocyte cultures following glucocorticoid treatment. Conclusions: The effects of glucocorticoids are complex inasmuch as they differentially affect numerous genes involved in the composition of cartilage matrix and the degradation of that matrix. This study provides new insight into the effects of glucocorticoids on the regulation of extra-cellular matrix and matrix-related genes by demonstrating that low doses of glucocorticoids can inhibit the degradative metalloproteinases with minimal negative effects on the transcription of extracellular matrix genes.
Publication Date: 2003-03-01 PubMed ID: 12608648DOI: 10.1007/s000110300012Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • P.H.S.

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigates the dose-dependent effects of glucocorticoids on the gene expression of several matrix-associated components in cultured horse joint chondrocytes, with and without cytokine treatments. It found that glucocorticoids affect the expression of these genes differently, and lower doses can hamper the destructive metalloproteinases with limited negative impact on the transcription of genes involved in producing the extracellular matrix.

Research Objectives and Methodology

  • The primary goal of this study was to understand how glucocorticoids—an anti-inflammatory medication—affect the expression of various genes related to the extracellular matrix in horse chondrocytes, which are cells within the cartilage tissue. The researchers also aimed to investigate these effects under normal conditions and when these cells are exposed to cytokines, a type of immune signaling molecule.
  • The chondrocyte cells for the research were sourced from the joints of foals, yearlings, and adult horses, and maintained in a suspension culture, meaning they were grown in a liquid medium.
  • Three different glucocorticoids were administered at varying concentrations to these chondrocytes, namely, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and prednisolone. For the cytokine-treated group, these glucocorticoids were co-treated with the cytokines interleukin 1-beta (IL1-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
  • The team used several techniques, including Northern blotting, zymography, fluorography and Western blotting, to examine the effects of these treatments on the expression of many matrix-related genes and their protein synthesis.

Research Findings

  • The study revealed that all three glucocorticoids reduced the expression of the MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, TIMPI, and ferritin genes. Though no qualitative differences were observed among the glucocorticoids, dexamethasone and triamcinolone were slightly more potent than prednisolone.
  • Interestingly, lower glucocorticoid doses were needed to consistently impact the transcription of MMPs than to decrease type II collagen and aggrecan, two major components of cartilage tissue.
  • The mRNA levels of link protein and fibronectin, essential players in maintaining the structural integrity of the cartilage, were increased by glucocorticoids, and two other constituents, biglycan and decorin, were marginally affected.
  • Decrease in type II collagen transcription (mRNA levels) paralleled the protein level as shown by the fluorography study.
  • Both zymography and Western blot tests confirmed a decrease in functional metalloproteinases, which are enzymes that degrade the matrix, post glucocorticoid treatment.

Conclusions

  • The study concludes that glucocorticoids have multifaceted effects on gene expressions that determine the composition and degradation of cartilage tissue. They selectively impact various genes involved in the process.
  • The findings further highlight that lower doses of glucocorticoids can deter the expression of cartilage-destructive metalloproteinases with minimal negative impact on the transcription of genes contributing to the production of extracellular matrix.
  • This study thus provides crucial insights into the potential benefits and limitations of glucocorticoids in treating osteoarthritis and similar conditions characterized by degradation of cartilage.

Cite This Article

APA
Richardson DW, Dodge GR. (2003). Dose-dependent effects of corticosteroids on the expression of matrix-related genes in normal and cytokine-treated articular chondrocytes. Inflamm Res, 52(1), 39-49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s000110300012

Publication

ISSN: 1023-3830
NlmUniqueID: 9508160
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 1
Pages: 39-49

Researcher Affiliations

Richardson, D W
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348-1692, USA. dwr@vet.upenn.edu
Dodge, G R

    MeSH Terms

    • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / pharmacology
    • Animals
    • Blotting, Northern
    • Blotting, Western
    • Bone Matrix / physiology
    • Cartilage, Articular
    • Cells, Cultured
    • Chondrocytes / drug effects
    • Chondrocytes / metabolism
    • Cytokines / pharmacology
    • Dexamethasone / pharmacology
    • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
    • Ferritins / biosynthesis
    • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
    • Glucocorticoids / pharmacology
    • Horses
    • Humans
    • Interleukin-1 / pharmacology
    • Matrix Metalloproteinases / biosynthesis
    • Matrix Metalloproteinases / genetics
    • Phenotype
    • Prednisolone / pharmacology
    • Protein Biosynthesis
    • Proteins / genetics
    • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
    • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
    • Triamcinolone / pharmacology
    • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / pharmacology

    Grant Funding

    • AR42417 / NIAMS NIH HHS

    Citations

    This article has been cited 32 times.
    1. Sato K, Yamashita T, Ohuchi H. Mammalian type opsin 5 preferentially activates G14 in Gq-type G proteins triggering intracellular calcium response.. J Biol Chem 2023 Aug;299(8):105020.
      doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105020pubmed: 37423300google scholar: lookup
    2. Strokotova AV, Grigorieva EV. Glucocorticoid Effects on Proteoglycans and Glycosaminoglycans.. Int J Mol Sci 2022 Dec 10;23(24).
      doi: 10.3390/ijms232415678pubmed: 36555315google scholar: lookup
    3. Bauer C, Moser LB, Jeyakumar V, Niculescu-Morzsa E, Kern D, Nehrer S. Increased Chondroprotective Effect of Combining Hyaluronic Acid with a Glucocorticoid Compared to Separate Administration on Cytokine-Treated Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes in a 2D Culture.. Biomedicines 2022 Jul 18;10(7).
      doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10071733pubmed: 35885038google scholar: lookup
    4. Khella CM, Horvath JM, Asgarian R, Rolauffs B, Hart ML. Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Approaches to Prevent or Delay Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA) of the Knee Joint with a Focus on Sustained Delivery Approaches.. Int J Mol Sci 2021 Jul 27;22(15).
      doi: 10.3390/ijms22158005pubmed: 34360771google scholar: lookup
    5. Barton KI, Chung M, Frank CB, Shrive NG, Hart DA. Methylprednisolone acetate mitigates IL1u03b2 induced changes in matrix metalloproteinase gene expression in skeletally immature ovine explant knee tissues.. Inflamm Res 2021 Jan;70(1):99-107.
      doi: 10.1007/s00011-020-01421-2pubmed: 33226449google scholar: lookup
    6. Arabiyat AS, Chen H, Erndt-Marino J, Burkhard K, Scola L, Fleck A, Wan LQ, Hahn MS. Hyperosmolar Ionic Solutions Modulate Inflammatory Phenotype and sGAG Loss in a Cartilage Explant Model.. Cartilage 2021 Dec;13(2_suppl):713S-721S.
      doi: 10.1177/1947603520961167pubmed: 32975437google scholar: lookup
    7. Sullivan SN, Altmann NN, Brokken MT, Durgam SS. In vitro Effects of Methylprednisolone Acetate on Equine Deep Digital Flexor Tendon-Derived Cells.. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:486.
      doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00486pubmed: 32851046google scholar: lookup
    8. Velloso Alvarez A, Boone LH, Pondugula SR, Caldwell F, Wooldridge AA. Effects of Autologous Conditioned Serum, Autologous Protein Solution, and Triamcinolone on Inflammatory and Catabolic Gene Expression in Equine Cartilage and Synovial Explants Treated With IL-1u03b2 in Co-culture.. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:323.
      doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00323pubmed: 32671108google scholar: lookup
    9. Porter KN, Sarkar SN, Dakhlallah DA, Vannoy ME, Quintana DD, Simpkins JW. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Impairs Amyloid Beta Degradation in a Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Dependent Manner.. Front Aging Neurosci 2020;12:92.
      doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00092pubmed: 32317959google scholar: lookup
    10. Black R, Grodzinsky AJ. Dexamethasone: chondroprotective corticosteroid or catabolic killer?. Eur Cell Mater 2019 Nov 22;38:246-263.
      doi: 10.22203/eCM.v038a17pubmed: 31755076google scholar: lookup
    11. Martu00edn AR, Patel JM, Zlotnick HM, Carey JL, Mauck RL. Emerging therapies for cartilage regeneration in currently excluded 'red knee' populations.. NPJ Regen Med 2019;4:12.
      doi: 10.1038/s41536-019-0074-7pubmed: 31231546google scholar: lookup
    12. Ekstrand C, Bondesson U, Giving E, Hedeland M, Ingvast-Larsson C, Jacobsen S, Lu00f6fgren M, Moen L, Rhodin M, Saetra T, Ranheim B. Disposition and effect of intra-articularly administered dexamethasone on lipopolysaccharide induced equine synovitis.. Acta Vet Scand 2019 Jun 20;61(1):28.
      doi: 10.1186/s13028-019-0464-2pubmed: 31221173google scholar: lookup
    13. Patel JM, Saleh KS, Burdick JA, Mauck RL. Bioactive factors for cartilage repair and regeneration: Improving delivery, retention, and activity.. Acta Biomater 2019 Jul 15;93:222-238.
      doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.01.061pubmed: 30711660google scholar: lookup
    14. Sluzalska KD, Liebisch G, Ishaque B, Schmitz G, Rickert M, Steinmeyer J. The Effect of Dexamethasone, Adrenergic and Cholinergic Receptor Agonists on Phospholipid Metabolism in Human Osteoarthritic Synoviocytes.. Int J Mol Sci 2019 Jan 15;20(2).
      doi: 10.3390/ijms20020342pubmed: 30650648google scholar: lookup
    15. Bodick N, Williamson T, Strand V, Senter B, Kelley S, Boyce R, Lightfoot-Dunn R. Local Effects Following Single and Repeat Intra-Articular Injections of Triamcinolone Acetonide Extended-Release: Results from Three Nonclinical Toxicity Studies in Dogs.. Rheumatol Ther 2018 Dec;5(2):475-498.
      doi: 10.1007/s40744-018-0125-3pubmed: 30203389google scholar: lookup
    16. Castro Martins M, Peffers MJ, Lee K, Rubio-Martinez LM. Effects of stanozolol on normal and IL-1u03b2-stimulated equine chondrocytes in vitro.. BMC Vet Res 2018 Mar 20;14(1):103.
      doi: 10.1186/s12917-018-1426-zpubmed: 29554899google scholar: lookup
    17. Barton KI, Heard BJ, Chung M, Sevick JL, Martin CR, Achari Y, Frank CB, Shrive NG, Hart DA. Location and gene-specific effects of methylprednisolone acetate on mitigating IL1u03b2-induced inflammation in mature ovine explant knee tissue.. Inflamm Res 2017 Mar;66(3):239-248.
      doi: 10.1007/s00011-016-1009-zpubmed: 27853846google scholar: lookup
    18. Grodzinsky AJ, Wang Y, Kakar S, Vrahas MS, Evans CH. Intra-articular dexamethasone to inhibit the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.. J Orthop Res 2017 Mar;35(3):406-411.
      doi: 10.1002/jor.23295pubmed: 27176565google scholar: lookup
    19. Li Y, Wang Y, Chubinskaya S, Schoeberl B, Florine E, Kopesky P, Grodzinsky AJ. Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 and dexamethasone on cytokine-challenged cartilage: relevance to post-traumatic osteoarthritis.. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2015 Feb;23(2):266-74.
      doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2014.11.006pubmed: 25450855google scholar: lookup
    20. Randau TM, Schildberg FA, Alini M, Wimmer MD, Haddouti el-M, Gravius S, Ito K, Stoddart MJ. The effect of dexamethasone and triiodothyronine on terminal differentiation of primary bovine chondrocytes and chondrogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells.. PLoS One 2013;8(8):e72973.
      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072973pubmed: 23977373google scholar: lookup
    21. Pak J, Lee JH, Lee SH. A novel biological approach to treat chondromalacia patellae.. PLoS One 2013;8(5):e64569.
      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064569pubmed: 23700485google scholar: lookup
    22. Cau00f1as CA, Osorio CJ, Coronel N, Cepeda MC, Izquierdo JH, Bonilla-Abadu00eda F. Efficacy and safety of oral low-dose glucocorticoids in patients with estrogen-dependent primary osteoarthritis.. Rheumatol Int 2014 May;34(5):733-5.
      doi: 10.1007/s00296-012-2603-1pubmed: 23334371google scholar: lookup
    23. Tang SY, Herber RP, Ho SP, Alliston T. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 is required for osteocytic perilacunar remodeling and maintains bone fracture resistance.. J Bone Miner Res 2012 Sep;27(9):1936-50.
      doi: 10.1002/jbmr.1646pubmed: 22549931google scholar: lookup
    24. Yadegari M, Orazizadeh M, Hashemitabar M, Khodadadi A. Combination effects of prednisolone and interleukin-4 protect bovine nasal cartilage explants from interleukin-1u03b1 induced degradation.. Iran Biomed J 2011;15(4):143-50.
      doi: 10.6091/ibj.1009.2012pubmed: 22395139google scholar: lookup
    25. Zhou H, Kimura K, Orita T, Nishida T, Sonoda KH. Inhibition by female sex hormones of collagen degradation by corneal fibroblasts.. Mol Vis 2011;17:3415-22.
      pubmed: 22219637
    26. Pak J. Regeneration of human bones in hip osteonecrosis and human cartilage in knee osteoarthritis with autologous adipose-tissue-derived stem cells: a case series.. J Med Case Rep 2011 Jul 7;5:296.
      doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-5-296pubmed: 21736710google scholar: lookup
    27. Nott SL, Huang Y, Kalkanoglu A, Harper K, Chen M, Paoni SF, Fenton BM, Muyan M. Designer monotransregulators provide a basis for a transcriptional therapy for de novo endocrine-resistant breast cancer.. Mol Med 2010 Jan-Feb;16(1-2):10-8.
      doi: 10.2119/molmed.2009.00107pubmed: 19946606google scholar: lookup
    28. Genevay S, Finckh A, Mezin F, Tessitore E, Guerne PA. Influence of cytokine inhibitors on concentration and activity of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in disc herniation.. Arthritis Res Ther 2009;11(6):R169.
      doi: 10.1186/ar2858pubmed: 19906289google scholar: lookup
    29. Fahey M, Mitton E, Muth E, Rosenthal AK. Dexamethasone promotes calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal formation by articular chondrocytes.. J Rheumatol 2009 Jan;36(1):163-9.
      doi: 10.3899/jrheum.080528pubmed: 19132782google scholar: lookup
    30. Stevens AL, Wheeler CA, Tannenbaum SR, Grodzinsky AJ. Nitric oxide enhances aggrecan degradation by aggrecanase in response to TNF-alpha but not IL-1beta treatment at a post-transcriptional level in bovine cartilage explants.. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2008 Apr;16(4):489-97.
      doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2007.07.015pubmed: 17923423google scholar: lookup
    31. Toegel S, Huang W, Piana C, Unger FM, Wirth M, Goldring MB, Gabor F, Viernstein H. Selection of reliable reference genes for qPCR studies on chondroprotective action.. BMC Mol Biol 2007 Feb 26;8:13.
      doi: 10.1186/1471-2199-8-13pubmed: 17324259google scholar: lookup
    32. Tung JT, Fenton JI, Arnold C, Alexander L, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan V, Venta PJ, Peters TL, Orth MW, Richardson DW, Caron JP. Recombinant equine interleukin-1beta induces putative mediators of articular cartilage degradation in equine chondrocytes.. Can J Vet Res 2002 Jan;66(1):19-25.
      pubmed: 11858644