[Regulation of cartilage matrix synthesis by chondrocytes]

Articular cartilage has important load bearing properties. These depend on the integrity of its matrix which is formed by a dense network of collagen fibres (mainly type II) and a high concentration of proteglycan (mainly aggrecan). The matrix is maintained by the chondrocytes, which control the production and turnover of matrix components and are greatly affected by cytokines (such as IL-1 alpha,beta and TNF alpha) and growth factors (such as IGF-1 alpha, beta TGF beta). They have strongly antagonistic effects. IL-1 alpha, beta and TNF alpha inhibit proteoglycan synthesis and at slightly higher concentration they enhance the rates of matrix degradation. In contrast the growth factor IGF-1 stimulates proteoglycan biosynthesis and reduces matrix proteinase action. TGB beta has less direct anabolic effect on matrix biosynthesis in normal cartilage, but does not induce an anabolic response in isolated chondrocytes or in explants following IL-1 treatment. We have also investigated the action of IL-1 in inflammatory arthritis in vivo by treatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist, the natural IL-1 inhibitor. In antigen-induced arthritis the effects of the injection of rh IL-1 ra was measured over 3 days. There was little effect on the induction of joint swelling, cellular infiltration into synovium or cartilage proteoglycan depletion, but when given over a similar time in more chronic arthritis, 14 days after induction it had a major effect on suppressing synovial fibrosis although it still did not affect parameters of joint inflammation. The results suggested that IL-1 was not the major factor inducing inflammation in the joint, but was responsible for the excessive collagen deposition in the synovium in this experimental model of arthritis.