Osteopontin expression and localization of Ca++ deposits in early stages of osteoarthritis in a rat model.

Calcium deposits have been related to articular cartilage (AC) degeneration and have been observed in late stages of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the role of those deposits, whether they induce the OA pathogenesis or they appear as a consequence of such process, is still unknown. In this work, we present the kinetics of expression and tissue localisation of osteopontin (OPN), a mineralisation biomarker, and calcium deposits in samples from (normal, sham) and osteoarthritic cartilage (in a rat model).

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy.

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding.

Kinetics of the ultrastructural changes in apoptotic chondrocytes from an osteoarthrosis rat model: a window of comparison to the cellular mechanism of apoptosis in human chondrocytes.

It is conceivable that apoptosis plays a relevant role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthrosis. We have dissected certain ultrastructural changes in apoptosis when comparing chondrocytes from the rat osteoarthrosis-induced model to those of human osteoarthrosis. Chondrocytes displayed a typical ultrastructural pattern prevailing according to the days following osteoarthrosis induction.