Cyclic Tensile Strain Facilitates the Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum Through β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

• DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e318242a132
• Publication Date: 2011-12-13T12:42:21Z
• Authors: Hong-Xin Cai; Takafumi Yayama; Kenzo Uchida; Hideaki Nakajima; Daisuke Sugita; Alexander Rodrígu...; Ai Yoshida; Hisatoshi Baba
• Keywords: Osteopontin; SOX9; RUNX2; Bone sialoprotein

In Brief Study Design. Histological, immunohistochemical, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses of the expression cell signaling transcriptional factors in human ossification ligamentum flavum (OLF). Objective. To test hypothesis that β-catenin plays a role OLF cells response to cyclic tensile strain. Summary Background Data. Several studies have investigated roles biomechanical metabolic development progression OLF, based on importance genetic biological factors. The process includes enchondral ossification, although such pathology remains poorly defined. Methods. Using reaction, we analyzed mRNA levels known be involved (β-catenin, Runx2, Sox9, osteopontin) cultured subjected Cyclic strain was produced by Flexercell FX-3000 (Flexercell International, Hillsborough, NC), applied for 0, 6, 12, or 24 hours. localization these examined decalcified paraffin sections immunohistochemistry. Controlled samples were harvested from nonossified patients who underwent thoracic posterior surgical procedures. Results. Under resting conditions (no strain), β-catenin, osteopontin significantly higher than control non-OLF cells. Application resulted significant increases at Hypertrophic chondrocytes present around calcification front immunopositive Runx2 osteopontin. Immunoreactivity Sox9 strongly premature fibrocartilage area. Conclusion. Our results indicated activated their through mediated pathway. Chondrocytes play key because they can undergo ossification. stress initiated chondrocyte differentiation