DAMPs Synergize with Cytokines or Fibronectin Fragment on Inducing Chondrolysis but Lose Effect When Acting Alone

Figure 4

Observations made in bovine chondrocytes were further verified in the same type of cells in humans. Articular chondrocytes were isolated from ankle cartilage of an amputated patient. Passage 2 cells were treated with DAMPs and/or Fn-f (a) or IL-1β (b) for 24 hrs. Medium samples were analyzed for expression of MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 with Western blotting. Furthermore, the induction pattern of ADAM-8, a newly discovered fibronectinase, was examined with the same technique.