2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (31): 4967-4974

Human amniotic epithelial cells regulate the proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix synthesis of articular chondrocytes by activating the EGFR/ERK1 signaling axis

Wang Kang1, 2, Zhi Xiaodong1, 2, Zhang Yuqiang1, 2, Gong Chao1, 2, Wang Chenliang1, 2, Wang Wei1, 2, 3   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found that human amniotic epithelial cells have the effect of promoting the repair of osteoarthritis, but the mechanism of action of human amniotic epithelial cells on cartilage regeneration is not yet clear.  
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of human amniotic epithelial cells on chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix synthesis and its mechanism.
METHODS: The human amniotic epithelial cells were separated by enzymatic digestion. Human amniotic epithelial cells, articular chondrocytes, and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway inhibitor (AG1478) were co-cultured in a Transwell chamber. The chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix synthesis were detected using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR, respectively. The expression of related proteins in the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway was determined by western blot assay.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) After co-culture with human amniotic epithelial cells, the proliferation of chondrocytes was significantly enhanced; the apoptotic rate was significantly reduced; the expression levels of COL2, COL1, Aggrecan, and SOX-9 mRNA were significantly increased; and the protein expression level of p-ERK1 was significantly increased. (2) After the addition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway inhibitor AG1478, the proliferation of chondrocytes was significantly weakened; the apoptotic rate was significantly increased; COL2, COL1, Aggrecan, and SOX-9 mRNA expression decreased; protein expression level of p-ERK1 was significantly reduced. (3) It is concluded that human amniotic epithelial cells can promote the proliferation of chondrocytes and the synthesis of extracellular matrix, and inhibit their apoptosis, and its effect may be regulated by the EGFR/ERK1 signaling axis.
Key words: osteoarthritis, human amniotic epithelial cells, chondrocytes, proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix