NGF increases FGF2 expression and promotes endothelial cell migration and tube formation through PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK pathways in human chondrocytes

ObjectiveVascular invasion is observed at the osteochondral junction in osteoarthritis (OA). Nerve growth factor (NGF) as an angiogenic factor is expressed in OA. This study is to investigate the effects of NGF on angiogenesis in vitro in human chondrocytes.DesignArticular cartilages of knee joints were harvested from healthy and OA patients. Expressions of NGF and tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) were detected by western blot, Safranin-O and fast green staining and immunohistochemistry in cartilage. Expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was detected by western blot in cultured chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were transfected by lentiviral vectors to knock down TrkA. Migration and tube formation of human microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) were assessed by using transwell co-culture with chondrocyte after treatment of NGF.ResultsWe confirmed expressions of NGF and TrkA were significantly up-regulated in OA. NGF induced expression of FGF2 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Angiogenic activities of endothelial cells were greatly enhanced after co-cultured with NGF pre-treated chondrocytes, while knock-down of TrkA significantly abolished the above effects. We further found that NGF-induced expression of FGF2 promoted angiogenic activities of endothelial cells through PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways.ConclusionsNGF promotes expression of FGF2 in vitro via PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways in human chondrocytes and it increases angiogenesis, which is mediated by TrkA. NGF could be responsible for vascular up-growth from subchondral bone in OA.