Abstract
Purpose: The isolated human chondrocytes for cartilage reconstruction and transplantation presents a major problem as these cells would change biologically in vitro. For more effective applications of these cells in the clinical field, it is necessary to get a large amount of cells in a short period without affecting their function and phenotype. Methods: This study reports the effects of placenta extract on chondrocytes in vitro. We initiated this study on the basis of the hypothesis that placenta extract can influence both the proliferation of chondrocytes and their biologic functions(for example, to express cell specific gene or to produce their own extracellular matrix). Chondrocytes in monolayer culture with or without placenta extract were collected and analyzed by MTT assay, ECM assay, and RT-PCR. Results: Placenta extract stimulated the proliferation of chondrocytes in monolayer culture. The phenotype of chondrocytes was well maintained during the expansion in monolayers. Chondrocytes expanded in the presence of placenta extract produced ECM, glycosaminoglycan, abundantly. Compared to chondrocyte expanded in culture medium only, chondrocytes expanded with placenta extract demonstrated higher COL2A1 expression that was biochemically comparable to primary chondrocytes. This study provides an evidence that placenta extract is helpful to expand chondrocytes during tissue cultivation, to maintain their differentiated phenotype and to promote their function. Conclusion: These results suggest that placenta extract during cultivation play an important role in controlling cell behaviors. Furthermore, these results provide a biologic basis for cartilage tissue engineering.
