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Reduced COX‐2 Expression in Aged Mice Is Associated With Impaired Fracture Healing
Author(s) -
Naik Amish A,
Xie Chao,
Zuscik Michael J,
Kingsley Paul,
Schwarz Edward M,
Awad Hani,
Guldberg Robert,
Drissi Hicham,
Puzas J Edward,
Boyce Brendan,
Zhang Xinping,
O'Keefe Regis J
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of bone and mineral research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.882
H-Index - 241
eISSN - 1523-4681
pISSN - 0884-0431
DOI - 10.1359/jbmr.081002
Subject(s) - chondrogenesis , bone healing , cartilage , in situ hybridization , bone remodeling , endocrinology , endochondral ossification , medicine , regeneration (biology) , gene expression , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , gene , biochemistry
The cellular and molecular events responsible for reduced fracture healing with aging are unknown. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2), the inducible regulator of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) synthesis, is critical for normal bone repair. A femoral fracture repair model was used in mice at either 7–9 or 52–56 wk of age, and healing was evaluated by imaging, histology, and gene expression studies. Aging was associated with a decreased rate of chondrogenesis, decreased bone formation, reduced callus vascularization, delayed remodeling, and altered expression of genes involved in repair and remodeling. COX‐2 expression in young mice peaked at 5 days, coinciding with the transition of mesenchymal progenitors to cartilage and the onset of expression of early cartilage markers. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed that COX‐2 is expressed primarily in early cartilage precursors that co‐express col‐2. COX‐2 expression was reduced by 75% and 65% in fractures from aged mice compared with young mice on days 5 and 7, respectively. Local administration of an EP4 agonist to the fracture repair site in aged mice enhanced the rate of chondrogenesis and bone formation to levels observed in young mice, suggesting that the expression of COX‐2 during the early inflammatory phase of repair regulates critical subsequent events including chondrogenesis, bone formation, and remodeling. The findings suggest that COX‐2/EP4 agonists may compensate for deficient molecular signals that result in the reduced fracture healing associated with aging.