However, NGF could activate more proliferation and differentiation genes in the process of chondrogenesis of MSCs, whereas TGF-β1 caused osteophyte formation by activating THBS1 and THBS2.
To clarify the significance of subchondral bone and osteophytes in the pathology of osteoarthritis (OA), we investigated the expression of asporin (ASPN), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) genes involved in bone metabolism.
However, TGFbeta induces tissue fibrosis and osteophytes at the joint margins and can only be applied to promote cartilage repair when these side effects can be blocked.
There was a difference in the localization, which suggests the different roles of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and basic fibroblast growth factor in bone and cartilage metabolism in osteophyte formation.