The effects of transforming growth factor β1, insulin-like growth factor 1 and leptin on the proliferation of fetal chondrocytes

One method to exogenously enhance the repair of articular cartilage is the local application of growth factors. This method is based on the chondrogenic effects of some agents and their potential ability to enhance cell migration. Human fetal chondrocytes were isolated and cultured. Their proliferation under the influence of different agents was microscopically evaluated. Fetal calf serum at 5% and 10% concentrations induced microscopically visible cell proliferation. Transforming growth factor beta one (5 and 10 ng/ml), insulin-like growth factor 1 (5 and 10 nmol/l) and leptin (1 and 2 ng/ml) accelerated proliferation of the cells towards the increasing gradient of the agents. Fibroblast growth factor beta (5 and 10 ng/ml), bone morphogenic protein two (10 ng/ml) and laminin (1 mg/ml) did not affect cell proliferation. This study suggests that different agents can play a role in the proliferation of fetal chondrocytes.