In this article the authors demonstrate that monomeric C reactive protein (mCRP) increases NOS2, COX2, MMP13, VCAM1, IL-6, IL-8, and LCN2 expression in chondrocytes. mCRP exerts a sustained catabolic effect on chondrocytes, increasing the expression of inflammatory mediators and proteolytic enzymes, which can promote cartilage extracellular matrix breakdown and osteoarthritis development and progression.
- Clara Ruiz-Fernández
- María Gonzalez-Rodríguez
- Oreste Gualillo
