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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation
Published on: October 7, 2015
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound induces cartilage matrix synthesis and reduced MMP13 expression in chondrocytes
Jumpei Sekino1, Mayu Nagao2, Shunichiro Kato1
1Division of Applied Oral Science, Nihon University Graduate School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is used for bone healing in orthopedics. In previous in vivo and in vitro studies, LIPUS has been shown to have promising effects on cellular elements in articular cartilage, particularly chondrocytes in patients with osteoarthritis. However, the effects of LIPUS on the cellular mechanisms through which LIPUS alters extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in chondrocytes are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of the optimal intensity and cellular mechanisms of LIPUS on the regeneration of cartilage matrix in chondrocytes. LIPUS induced collagen synthesis and the remodeling of aggrecan via the activation of ERK1/2. In contrast, MMP13 expression was decreased in chondrocytes. Additionally, chondrocytes responded optimally to LIPUS at an intensity higher than the clinical setting for bone fracture healing. These results suggested that LIPUS induced ECM regeneration via increases in hypertrophic chondrocytes and delayed endochondral ossification in chondrocytes.
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