Figure 3From: Comparison of marker gene expression in chondrocytes from patients receiving autologous chondrocyte transplantation versus osteoarthritis patientsGene expression pattern of chondrocytes after first passage (P1). Chondrocytes from cartilage of osteoarthritis (OA) patients (n = 18, black bars) were subcultured in a first passage and further expanded until they reached confluence after an additional 12 to 14 days. The gene expression patterns were enumerated by qRT-PCR for type I and II collagen (CI and CII, respectively), aggrecan (AGG), IL-1β and activin-like kinase (ALK)-1 as indicated. The mRNA levels were normalized to GAPDH and amplified by a factor of 106. The ratio of type I to type II collagen mRNA levels continue to increase in P1 OA chondrocytes.Back to article page