To determine the expression of the genes that code for the isoforms of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and TGF-beta receptors (TBR) in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA).
Total RNA was extracted from primary cultures of MSC and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze gene expression.
MSC from patients with OA showed significantly increased total TGF-beta, TGF-beta1 isoform, TBR-II, and TBR-III mRNA expression compared to controls.
Our study is the first reporting the gene expression levels of TGF-beta and its isoforms and receptors in patients with OA. These findings might have pathological significance for OA disease.