Hyaluronan up-regulates IL-10 expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with tibia plateau fracture

Progression to osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequent sequela of severe articular fracture, particularly when weight-bearing joints are involved. Prevention from post-traumatic OA remains a challenge. Hyaluronan (HA) therapy is reported to represent a safe and effective treatment for patients with OA and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the capacity of HA to prevent the occurrence of osteoarthritic changes in fractured joints has not been demonstrated. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of HA on expression of six OA-related proteins in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from 10 patients with tibia plateau fracture. OA-related factors were quantified using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Regardless of induction of the FLS with interleukin (IL)-1β, HA was found to down-regulate expression of catabolic factors (IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and to up-regulate production of anti-catabolic factors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 and metalloproteinase-2). HA also enhanced expression of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in FLS. Our results indicated that HA can promote the expression of both antiinflammatory and structure-protective factors in FLS of patients with tibia plateau fracture.