engleski

Trefoil factor family protein 3 affects cancellous bone formation in the secondary centers of ossification of mouse tibiae

Background and purpose: Trefoil factor family (TFF) is a small family of peptides, which comprises three peptides, TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3. The primary sites of TFF expression and synthesis are mucous epithelia, with gastrointestinal mucosa being their main localization. They have a role in mucosal restitution and strengthening of the normal mucosal barrier. Although not present in healthy articular cartilage, TFF3 is expressed in osteoarthritis and septic arthritis affected cartilage and promotes cartilage degradation in such conditions. Also, TFF3 is present in endochondral ossification during embryonic development. Since this implies a role for TFF3 in the ossification process, we evaluated the histomorphometric parameters of the trabecular bone in the epiphyses of mouse tibiae from wild type mice and TFF3 knock-out mice. Materials and methods: Tibiae of wild-type and knock-out mice were isolated, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, paraffin embedded and cut into 6µm sections, which were stained using Masson’s trichrome stain. Digital photographs were taken for histomorphometry of the epiphyseal cancellous bone. Results: Trabecular bone volume, trabecular bone surface and trabecular number were significantly decreased in TFF3 knock-out mice, when compared to wild-type mice. Trabecular separation was significantly higher in TFF3 knock-out mice, and trabecular thickness did not differ significantly. Conclusions: In addition to its impact on the cartilage degradation, our present study shows that TFF3 might also have a role in the formation of cancellous bone and its properties

trefoil factor; bone; osteogenesis; mouse

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