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[Differential expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 protein in osteoarthritis and normal
Wangxiang Yao1, Hanhao Dai2, Peilong Dong2
1Department of Sports Medicine and Joint Surgery, the Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210000, P.R.China;Department of Orthopaedics, the Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou Zhejiang, 310006, P.R.China.
Objective:
To investigate the differential expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) protein in the osteoarthritis (OA) and normal cartilages, and explore the role of TRPV4 in the prevention and treatment of OA.
Methods:
The cartilage tissues from the patients of knee OA (OA group) and femoral neck fracture (control group) were taken. In OA group, there were 6 males and 9 females; the age ranged from 55 to 78 years (mean, 69 years); the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) score was 3.0±0.8. In control group, there were 5 males and 10 females; the age ranged from 57 to 91 years (mean, 71 years). There was no significant difference in gender and age between the two groups ( P>0.05). Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the difference in protein and mRNA expressions of TRPV4 between the OA and normal cartilages. Then the relationship between the K-L score of OA and the rate of TRPV4-positive cells was analyzed.
Results:
The relative expression of TRPV4 protein and mRNA in OA group were 0.454±0.199 and 2.951±1.200, which were higher than those in control group (0.165±0.074, 1.437±0.682). The difference in relative expression of TRPV4 protein was significant ( t=2.718, P=0.026). Histology observation showed that the chondrocytes arranged disorderly in OA group, the structure of extracellular matrix was abnormal, and the cartilage defect reached the deep layer. There were more TRPV4-positive cells in the degenerated tissue, and the rate of TRPV4-positive cells was 37.353%±13.496%. The chondrocytes were arranged well in control group, and the rate of TRPV4-positive cells was only 9.642%±3.284%. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( t=7.491, P=0.000). The rate of TRPV4-positive cells in OA group was positively correlated with the OA K-L score ( r=0.775, P=0.001).
Conclusion:
The TRPV4 expression increased in OA cartilages that may contribute to the development of OA.
Insights
Transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) expression is elevated in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage, suggesting its involvement in OA development. This finding highlights TRPV4 as a potential target for OA prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Orthopedics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying OA pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) in OA and normal cartilage.
- To explore the potential role of TRPV4 in the development and progression of OA.
Main Methods:
- Western blot and real-time PCR were used to quantify TRPV4 protein and mRNA expression.
- Immunohistochemical staining assessed TRPV4-positive cells in cartilage tissues.
- Correlation analysis examined the relationship between TRPV4 expression and OA severity (Kellgren-Lawrence score).
Main Results:
- TRPV4 protein and mRNA expression were significantly higher in OA cartilage compared to normal cartilage.
- A greater proportion of TRPV4-positive cells were observed in degenerated OA cartilage.
- TRPV4-positive cell rate showed a significant positive correlation with the OA Kellgren-Lawrence score.
Conclusions:
- Increased TRPV4 expression in OA cartilage may play a role in OA pathogenesis.
- TRPV4 represents a potential therapeutic target for managing osteoarthritis.
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