To identify genes showing altered expression in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage and synovium. Dkk3, a member of the Dickoppf family of Wnt signalling inhibitors was overexpressed and this work highlights the potential function of Dkk3 in OA. Real-time PCR was used to compare the expression of 270 cytokines, chemokines and their receptors in cartilage and synovium from OA and non-OA patients. Expression of Dkk3 was also measured in ATDC5 cells and in bovine nasal cartilage (BNC) explants treated with inflammatory cytokines. The effect of Dkk3 on hydroxyproline and GAG release was measured in BNC explant cultures. To assess the distribution of Dkk3 in OA cartilage immunohistochemistry was carried out on anteromedial gonarthrosis specimens. The level of Dkk3 in synovial fluid tricompartmental and unicompartmental cartilage lesions was measured using ELISA.Purpose
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