A Functional Tissue-Engineered Synovium Model to Study Osteoarthritis Progression and Treatment.

Stefani, Robert M; Halder, Saiti S; Estell, Eben G; Lee, Andy J; Silverstein, Amy M; Sobczak, Evie; Chahine, Nadeen O; Ateshian, Gerard A et al. · Tissue Eng Part A · 2019

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The synovium envelops the diarthrodial joint and plays a key regulatory role in defining the composition of the synovial fluid through filtration and biosynthesis of critical boundary lubricants. Synovium changes often precede cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. We describe a novel <i>in vitro</i> tissue engineered model, validated against native synovium explants, to investigate the structure-function of synovium through quantitative solute transport measures. Synovium was evaluated in the presence of a proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1, or the clinically relevant corticosteroid, dexamethasone. We anticipate that a better understanding of synovium transport would support efforts to develop more effective strategies aimed at restoring joint health.

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