Effects of Hyaluronan on Proliferation and Differentiation Cultured Chondrocyte

Moon, Hyung Tae; Ko, Han Suk

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Recent basic science studies continue to further our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that likely underlie the therapeutic benefits of hyaluronan derivatives. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effects of hyaluronan on ATDC5 proliferation and differentiation.
METHODS
ATDC5 cells derived from mouse teratocarcinoma have the capacity to differentiate along a number of connective tissue pathways and are an attractive source of chondrocyte precursor cells. In this study, hyaluronan influencing ATDC5 chondrogenesis were investigated using an bone block culture system. The cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. To validate ATDC5 differentiation we studied ALP activity, collagen content and western blot of Hsp40.
RESULTS
In cell proliferation, ATDC5 cells didn't show significant difference between controls and hyaluronan-treated cultures. But hyaluronan induced ALP activity and increased collagen accumulation. Hyaluronantreated ATDC5 cells expressed Hsp40 mRNA and protein within 24 hours.
CONCLUSIONS
Hyaluronan-induced chondrogenic differentiation was not associated with ATDC5 cell proliferation. Hyaluronan-induced Hsp40 in cells can protect the cell function from damaged protein. These data provide new insights into regulatory mechanism defining pharmacological effects of hyaluronan.