Metabolic Profiles of Encapsulated Chondrocytes Exposed to Short-Term Simulated Microgravity.

ABSTRACT: The mechanism by which chondrocytes respond to reduced mechanical loading environments and the subsequent risk of developing osteoarthritis remains unclear. This is of particular concern for astronauts. In space the reduced joint loading forces during prolonged microgravity (10^-6 g) exposure could lead to osteoarthritis (OA), compromising quality of life post-spaceflight. In this study, we encapsulated human chondrocytes in an agarose gel of similar stiffness to the pericellular matrix to mimic the cartilage microenvironment. We then exposed agarose-chondrocyte constructs to simulated microgravity (SM) for four days using a rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor to better assess the cartilage health risks associated with spaceflight. Metabolites extracted from media and agarose g

SUBMITTER: Bergstrom AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11836148 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature