Increased Lymphangiogenesis in Joints of Mice with Inflammatory Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Qian, Lu Yan, Proulx Steven T, Guo Ruolin, Yao Zhenqiang, Schwarz Edward M, Boyce Brendan F, Xing Lianping
Primary Institution: University of Rochester Medical Center
Hypothesis
Does tumor necrosis factor (TNF) stimulate osteoclast precursors to produce the lymphatic growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), and induce lymphangiogenesis?
Conclusion
TNF induces osteoclast precursors to produce VEGF-C, leading to significantly increased lymphangiogenesis in joints of arthritic mice.
Supporting Evidence
- VEGF-C expression is significantly increased in osteoclast precursors from TNF-transgenic mice.
- TNF treatment increased VEGF-C mRNA levels in osteoclast precursors.
- Joint sections from TNF-Tg mice showed a significant increase in lymphatic vessel numbers and size.
Takeaway
When mice with arthritis have more TNF, they also make more VEGF-C, which helps grow new lymphatic vessels in their joints.
Methodology
The study used TNF-transgenic mice and serum-induced arthritis models, with analysis of osteoclast precursors and lymphatic vessel quantification through various techniques including microarray analysis and MRI.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in interpreting results due to reliance on specific animal models.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific mouse model and may not fully represent human conditions.
Participant Demographics
Mice aged 4 to 8 months were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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