Abstract
The reaction patterns of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis can be summarized in five categories: (1) proliferation and cell death (apoptosis); changes in (2) synthetic activity and (3) degradation; (4) phenotypic modulation of the articular chondrocytes; and (5) formation of osteophytes. In osteoarthritis, the primary responses are reinitiation of synthesis of cartilage macromolecules, the initiation of synthesis of types IIA and III procollagens as markers of a more primitive phenotype, and synthesis of active proteolytic enzymes. Reversion to a fibroblast-like phenotype, known as 'dedifferentiation', does not appear to be an important component. Proliferation plays a role in forming characteristic chondrocyte clusters near the surface, while apoptosis probably occurs primarily in the calcified cartilage.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 107-113 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Arthritis Research |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Keywords
- Cartilage
- Cell biology
- Chondrocyte phenotype
- Osteoarthritis