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Apelin Alleviates Meniscus Endothelial Cell Apoptosis in Osteoarthritis
Dinggui Lu1,2, Jihua Wei1,2,3, Jian Chen1,4
1Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi Province, China.
Disease Markers
|January 24, 2022
Summary
Apelin may protect meniscus endothelial cells in osteoarthritis (OA) by inhibiting apoptosis. This study identified specific endothelial cell types in the meniscus and found apelin reduced cell death, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for OA.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) involves cartilage and chondrocyte destruction, with recent focus on meniscus endothelial cell roles.
- Apelin's anti-apoptotic potential is known, but its protective effect on meniscus endothelium in OA is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of apelin in protecting meniscus endothelial cells in osteoarthritis.
- To identify and characterize endothelial cell subclusters within the meniscus and their response to OA.
Main Methods:
- Utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and flow cytometry to analyze meniscus endothelial cells.
- Identified endothelial subclusters based on HOXA13 and RASGRF2 expression.
- Performed in vitro culturing of meniscal endothelial cells to assess apelin's effects.
Main Results:
- Two distinct meniscus endothelial subclusters (HOXA13+ and RASGRF2+) were identified.
- In OA, these subclusters showed reduced cell numbers and altered expression of apelin (APLN) and its receptor (APLNR).
- Apelin treatment significantly inhibited apoptosis in cultured meniscal endothelial cells by downregulating CASP3 and BID.
Conclusions:
- Meniscus endothelial cell apoptosis in OA is linked to CASP3 and BID.
- Apelin demonstrates a protective role by inhibiting apoptosis in meniscus endothelial cells.
- Apelin presents a potential therapeutic target for managing osteoarthritis.
