Figure 7

mRNA expression (upper panel) and protein content (lower panel) of bovine cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Cartilage from monocultures (n = 5, with two replicates each) and co-cultures with synovial fibroblasts (SFB) (n = 5, with two replicates each) with/without stimulation with TNF-α, IL-1β or TNF-α/IL-1β (14 days) are shown. Gene expression values (means ± standard error of the mean (SEM)), as determined by quantitiative PCR, are expressed as percentage of the values in non-stimulated cartilage monocultures (100%), protein values (means ± SEM) are expressed as units/mg cartilage. § p ≤ 0.05 Mann-Whitney U Test compared with non-stimulated control; + p ≤ 0.05 Mann-Whitney U Test compared with cartilage monoculture.