Funding tool: Basic research projects
Project-ID: LS14-015
Project start: 01. Jänner 2016
Project end: will follow
Runtime: 30 months / finished
Funding amount: € 340.000,00

Brief summary:

The integrity of synovial joints with an intact surface of the articular cartilage and the optimal composition of
the synovial fluid is crucial for their proper performance to guarantee low-friction movement. Inflammatory
processes occurring in the course of degenerative diseases cause alterations of the synovial fluid as well
as the cartilage surface leading to increases in friction phenomena and decreases in load support during
motion and upon application of extrinsic load. We want to establish an in vitro arthrosis system by inducing
degenerative alterations on articular cartilage of explants from porcine knee joints. Therefore, inflammatory
cytokines (e.g. IL-1 or TNF-alpha) and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) will be employed. Alterations of
biomechanical properties of the treated cartilage plugs will be determined by friction measurements in a
closed-circuit cartilage-on-cartilage system and indentation tests. Effects on matrix structure and
expression performance of embedded chondrocytes of the same explant will be analysed using molecular
biological and histological methods following the biomechanical characterization. This system will then be
employed to test anti-inflammatory factors (e.g. TGF-beta) as well as lubricating agents for potential
chondroprotective effects with respect to improvement of friction coefficient and elasticity as well as the
reversal of catabolic to anabolic activity of chondrocytes.

Keywords:
Biomechanics