Effect of Zoledronate on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A by Articular Chondrocytes and Synovial Cells: An in Vitro Study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of zoledronate, which is frequently used to treat osteoporosis, on osteoarthritis by analyzing zoledronate-induced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in chondrocytes and synovial cells. METHODS: After chondrocytes and synovial cells were separated and cultured, zoledronate was added, and VEGF-A and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) expression were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the expression of VEGF-A mRNA in chondrocytes between the zoledronate group and the control group on the 8th day of culture. The expression of both VEGF-A and PEDF mRNA in synovial cells was significantly decreased in the zoledronate group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Zoledronate decreases the expression of VEGF-A in synovial cells and may affect the development and progression of osteoarthritis.