Hypoxia and HIF-1α in osteoarthritis

We have previously shown that functional inactivation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in growth-plate chondrocytes will dramatically inhibit anaerobic energy generation and matrix synthesis. Using immunohistochemistry, we have now analyzed the spatial distribution of HIF-1α and its target genes in normal cartilage and in cartilage from knee joints with osteoarthritis. We detected HIF-1α and its target genes in both types of cartilage. In cartilage from joints with osteoarthritis, the number of HIF-1α-, Glut-1-, and PGK-1-stained chondrocytes increased with the severity of osteoarthritis. Activated matrix synthesis and strongly decreased oxygen levels are hallmarks of osteoarthritic cartilage. Thus, we assume that chondrocytes are depending on the adaptive functions of HIF-1α in order to maintain ATP levels and thereby matrix synthesis during the course of osteoarthritis.