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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
A 3D System for Culturing Human Articular Chondrocytes in Synovial Fluid
Published on: January 31, 2012
Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) expression in human articular chondrocytes
T Simopoulou1, K N Malizos, A Tsezou
1Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Medical Genetics, University of Thessalia, Larissa, Greece.
Objective:
To investigate the involvement of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and the expression of its receptor lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) in osteoarthritis, by determining the ox-LDL in synovial fluid and the expression of LOX-1 mRNA and protein in osteoarthritic as well as normal cartilage. In addition, the effect of ox-LDL on chondrocyte viability and the effect of ascorbic acid (a well-known anti-oxidant) on LOX-1 expression were studied.
Methods:
Fifteen patients were included in the study. Osteoarthritic articular cartilage was obtained from two distinct locations in the knee (n = 10) and hip (n = 5), specifically from weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas of the same joints. Five individuals were used as controls. mRNA and protein expression were studied by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. Ox-LDL was measured in the synovial fluid and in paired serum samples from the patients using the ELISA method.
Results:
Ox-LDL was detected in the synovial fluid and its receptor LOX-1 was detected in cartilage from both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas, whereas no LOX-1 expression was found in normal cartilage. Ox-LDL reduced chondrocyte viability in cell cultures, while the addition of ascorbic acid to osteoarthritic chondrocytes resulted in a decrease in LOX-1 mRNA expression.
Conclusion:
The detection of LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression in osteoarthritic cartilage drawn from both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing regions of the same patients suggest that LOX-1 may be involved in the progression and pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
