Nerve growth factor administration on cultured human ligamentocytes: an in vitro pilot study

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is involved in several joint pathologies. It has been demonstrated that its concentration increases in synovial fluid and tissue from arthritis. However, its role in joint homeostasis and pathophysiology still remain to be clarified. This study analyzed the effect of 200 ng/ml on cultured human ligamentocytes by evaluating cell proliferation, cell phenotype and gene expression. The MTT test excluded an influence on cell viability at 7 and 14 days. Regarding cell phenotype, we observed that NGF might promote the synthesis of COL1A1. On the other hand, real time PCR showed that NGF did not influence gene expression of COL3A1, FGF-BETA, IGF1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and MMP13. However, COL1A1 gene was significantly upregulated in treated cell at 14 days. Our results suggest that NGF may have an anabolic effect on ligament. Additional investigations are necessary to determine how NGF may influence ligamentocytes..