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[EXPRESSIONS OF CARTILAGE DEGENERATIVE RELATED GENES AND microRNAs IN TORN MENISCUS]
Objective:
To investigate the expressions of cartilage degenerative related genes in meniscus, and to evaluate the potential effect of meniscal damage on cartilage degeneration, and to analyze the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) expression and cartilage degeneration.
Methods:
Meniscal tissue was collected from 5 patients undergoing partial meniscectomy between September 2012 and October 2013 (experimental group), and normally meniscal tissue without tearing from amputees was used as controls (control group). Pathological changes of menisci were observed; and real-time fluorescent quatitative PCR was performed to examine the relative expression levels of cartilage degenerative related genes and miRNAs: Aggrecan (ACAN), type X collagen (COL10A1), matrix metalloproteinases 13 (MMP-13), CCAAT enhancer binding protein β (CEBP-β), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondinmotif 5 (ADAMTS-5), miR-193b, miR-92a, and miR-455-3p in meniscus.
Results:
There were varying degrees of degenerative pathological changes in torn meniscus of experimental group. Compared with normal meniscus of control group, the expression of ACAN was decreased, while the expressions of COL10A1, CEBP-β, ADAMTS-5, and MMP-13 were increased in torn meniscus of experimental group; and significant difference was found (P < 0.05) except ACAN and MMP-13 (P > 0.05). The expressions of miR-92a, miR-455-3p, and miR-193b in torn meniscus of experimental group were significantly higher than those in normal meniscus of control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Meniscal tissue has the intrinsic tendency of degeration after meniscus tear. The torn meniscus has greater stimulative impact on cartilage degeneration than normally morphological meniscus without tearing. The cartilage degenerative related miRNAs, including miR-193b, miR-92a, and miR-455-3p may contribute to the up-regulation of osteoarthritis.
Insights
Meniscus tears can lead to cartilage degeneration due to changes in gene expression and increased levels of specific microRNAs (miRNAs). These findings suggest miRNAs may play a role in osteoarthritis development.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Meniscal tears are common injuries that can lead to osteoarthritis.
- The molecular mechanisms linking meniscal damage to cartilage degeneration are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression in torn menisci.
- To evaluate the impact of meniscal damage on cartilage degeneration.
- To analyze the relationship between miRNA expression and cartilage degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Collected meniscal tissue from patients with tears (experimental group) and healthy controls.
- Analyzed pathological changes in menisci.
- Used real-time PCR to quantify expression of genes (Aggrecan, COL10A1, MMP-13, CEBP-β, ADAMTS-5) and miRNAs (miR-193b, miR-92a, miR-455-3p).
Main Results:
- Torn menisci showed degenerative changes.
- Compared to controls, torn menisci had decreased Aggrecan and increased COL10A1, CEBP-β, ADAMTS-5, and MMP-13 expression (p < 0.05).
- Expression of miR-193b, miR-92a, and miR-455-3p was significantly higher in torn menisci (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Meniscal tissue exhibits a tendency for degeneration after tearing.
- Torn menisci stimulate cartilage degeneration more than healthy menisci.
- Specific miRNAs (miR-193b, miR-92a, miR-455-3p) may contribute to osteoarthritis development.
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