Related Experiment Videos
Ascorbic acid regulates multiple metabolic activities of cartilage cells
I M Shapiro1, P S Leboy, T Tokuoka
1Skeletal Biology Research Group, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6003.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Vitamin C (ascorbate) significantly impacts bone growth by influencing cartilage cells. It promotes type X collagen production and regulates chondrocyte maturation and energy metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Bone lengthening occurs via cartilage cell activity in the epiphyseal growth plate.
- Understanding chondrocyte function is crucial for bone development research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ascorbate (Vitamin C) on epiphyseal growth plate cell activities.
- To evaluate ascorbate's influence on chondrocyte maturation, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cultured epiphyseal cells to study growth cartilage events.
- Assessed the impact of ascorbate on collagen expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and cellular energy status.
Main Results:
- Ascorbate induced the expression of type X collagen, a unique collagen isoform.
- Ascorbate stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity in maturing chondrocytes.
- Ascorbate altered chondrocyte energy metabolism, inhibiting lactate formation and increasing adenylate energy charge.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbate plays a multifaceted role in chondrocyte maturation.
- Vitamin C influences both protein synthesis (collagen) and energy metabolism in growth cartilage cells.