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b-FGF (Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor)
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Provides the response to tissue injury, by increasing chondrocyte proliferation, collagen II deposition, while preventing tissue hypertrophy [27, 28].
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Lack of response to injury, hypertrophy of cartilage and non-proliferating cells [28, 29]
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PRG4 (Superficial Zone Protein)
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Is the source of joint lubrication, which protects against Osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammation. Also slows growth factor expression [30,31,32,33].
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Joints lose lubrication leading to chondrocyte death and irreversible OA [34, 35]
|
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TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1)
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Maintains PRG4 levels allowing it to protect against OA and promotes cellular chondrogenesis [36, 37].
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The onset of OA and eventual osteochondral degeneration [38, 39]
|
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BMP-7 (Bone Morphogenic Protein 7)
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Promotes stem cell chondrogenesis and their production of PRG4 and hyaline cartilage [40,41,42].
|
Cartilage tissue degradation [43]
|
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sGAG (sulfated glycosaminoglycans)
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Central role in maintaining cartilage homeostasis while providing structure and biomechanical properties [44].
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The onset of OA and cartilage [45]
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