Effects of IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor on the expression of cartilage matrix proteins in human chondrocytes

Connect Tissue Res. 2007;48(5):263-70. doi: 10.1080/03008200701587513.

Abstract

Elevated concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6Ralpha) in synovial fluid have been implicated in joint cartilage destruction. We examined the effect of IL-6 and sIL-6Ralpha on cell growth, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity, and the expression of Sox-9, type II collagen, aggrecan core, link protein, BMP-7, and BMP receptors in human chondrocytes. Cell proliferation increased slightly in the presence of both IL-6 and sIL-6Ralpha, whereas ALPase activity decreased markedly. The expression of Sox-9 and aggrecan core did not change in the presence or absence of IL-6 and sIL-6Ralpha, whereas the expression of type II collagen, link protein, BMP-7, and BMP receptors increased in the presence of both IL-6 and sIL-6Ralpha. These results suggest that IL-6 and sIL-6Ralpha suppress the differentiation of chondrocytes and induce the repair of arthrodial cartilage through an increase in the expression of cartilage matrix proteins, BMP-7, and BMP receptors in the cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / biosynthesis
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors / biosynthesis
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chondrocytes / cytology
  • Chondrocytes / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • High Mobility Group Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6 / metabolism*
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor
  • Transcription Factors / biosynthesis

Substances

  • BMP7 protein, human
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • High Mobility Group Proteins
  • Interleukin-6
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor
  • SOX9 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • interleukin-6 receptor alpha
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors
  • Alkaline Phosphatase