E2 regulates MMP-13 via targeting miR-140 in IL-1β-induced extracellular matrix degradation in human chondrocytes

Estrogen deficiency is closely related to the development of menopausal arthritis. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) shows a protective effect against the osteoarthritis. However, the underlying mechanism of this protective effect is unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of miR-140 in the estrogen-dependent regulation of MMP-13 in human chondrocytes. Primary human articular chondrocytes were obtained from female OA patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Normal articular chondrocytes were isolated from the knee joints of female donors after trauma and treated with interleukin-... Mehr ...