Endostatin promotes the anabolic program of rabbit chondrocyte.

Endostatin is a natural occurred angiogenesis inhibitor derived from collagenXVIII. So far its function during the angiogenesis process of bone formation and arthropathy has not been well studied yet. The present study addresses the function of endostatin in rabbit articular chondrocytes (RAC). We found that endostatin can promote RAC adhesion and spreading as well as its proliferation. In monolayer cultured RAC, CollagenII, TIMP1 and collagenXVIII transcription were up regulated by endostatin while collagenI and MMP9 were down regulated. Moreover collagenXVIII and endostatin antigens are present at synovial fluid. These findings indicate new function of endostatin as a homeostatic factor in cartilage metabolism.