The effects of pulsed low-intensity ultrasound on chondrocyte viability, proliferation, gene expression and matrix production

Me: This shows one of the studies done testing the possibility of using the LIPUS technology to increase the chondrocyte proliferation. In this study though it is called PLIUS, not LIPUS as we have called it but they are the same thing. Again I note that this study is critical in showing whether using LIPUS is even worth looking deeper into. From only being able to get to the abstract, my opinion on the technology is mixed. PLIUS was shown to inhibit the expression of type X collagen. It seems that using the lower level of PLIUS intensity of 2 mW/cm^2 seem to inhibit chondrocyte hypertrophy which is something that we desire since chondrocyte hypertrophy means that they are no longer in the zone to proliferate which is something we don’t want. We want to hold off on any type of Collagen Type X production as much as possible to increase the number of chondrocytes available to be in the hypertrophy zone to increase in size. 
Original contribution

The effects of pulsed low-intensity ultrasound on chondrocyteviability, proliferation, gene expression and matrix production

  • Zi-Jun Zhang*, James Huckle†, Clair A Francomano*, Richard G.S Spencer*,
  • * National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
  • † Smith and Nephew Group Research Centre, York Science Park, Heslington, York, UK
  • http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2003.08.011, How to Cite or Link Using DOI
  • Permissions & Reprints

Purchase $31.50

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the effects of pulsed low-intensity ultrasound (PLIUS) on chondrocyteviability, proliferation, matrix production and gene expression. Chondrocytes were isolated from the distal part of the sternum of 16-day-old chick embryos and cultured in alginate beads. PLIUS at 2 mW/cm2 (group PLIUS2) and 30 mW/cm2 (group PLIUS30) was applied to chondrocytes for a single 20-min treatment. A control group was treated without PLIUS. The viability of chondrocytes was not affected by exposure to PLIUS. PLIUS influenced chondrocyte proliferation in an intensity-dependent manner. By day 7 after application of PLIUS, the gene expression and synthesis of aggrecan was the same as in the controls. At this same time point, the expression and synthesis of type II collagen was not different between the controls and PLIUS30, but was increased in PLIUS2. PLIUS was shown to inhibit the expression of type X collagen. This inhibition of chondrocyte hypertrophy may prove to be significant in the management of cartilage degeneration. (E-mail: spencer@helix.nih.gov)

One thought on “The effects of pulsed low-intensity ultrasound on chondrocyte viability, proliferation, gene expression and matrix production”

  1. Pingback: Complete List Of Posts - |

Comments are closed.