Influence of Mechanical Loading on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Chondrocytes of the Human Growth Plate in vitro

Abstract

Aim: Children have the unique capability of bone remodeling after fractures. The underlying molecular mechanisms have not been investigated yet. We hypothesize that the growth plate and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) within it play an exceedingly important role during remodeling and that they are influenced by mechanical stimuli. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of bone remodeling in children could help to improve current treatment approaches and prevent malalignments after fractures. Materials and Methods: Chondrocytes, isolated from the growth plate of the supernumerary digit of children with polydaktylism, were cultured and subsequently subjected to mechanical loading at 1 Hertz and 10% elongation for 1 h, 4 h and 24 h with a Flexcell Tension Plus System (Flexcell International, Hillsborough, USA). The expression of MMP-2, -3, -9 and -13 was analyzed in a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine statistical significant results (p

Date of Award	2014
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Medical University Graz
Supervisor	Annelie-Martina Weinberg (Supervisor) & Karin Pichler (Co-supervisor)