[Effect of oxaceprol on the synthesis and degradation in vitro of proteoglycans and proteins by calf articular cartilage explants].

The authors have studied in organ culture, the effects of oxaceprol-structural analogue of hydroxyproline, on the proteoglycan and protein synthesis and degradation by calf articular chondrocytes. A stimulation of the incorporation of 35SO4, which indicate proteoglycan synthesis, was shown. The effect was observed at concentrations 10(-6) M to 10(-9) M, i.e. at 170 ng to 170 pg of the oxaceprol per ml of culture media, respectively. However, no significant effect was seen at concentrations 10(-4) M (17 micrograms/ml) to 10(-8) M (1.7 ng/ml) on the protein and proteoglycan catabolism. These results support those reported by Kalbhen and Kalbert and are favouring the use of this drug in order to stimulate reparative processes of articular cartilage in osteoarthritis and aging.