Mediation of interleukin‐1β–induced transforming growth factor β1 expression by activator protein 4 transcription factor in primary cultures of bovine articular chondrocytes: Possible cooperation with activator protein 1

Abstract

IL-1beta induces an increase of TGFbeta1 in articular chondrocytes through activation of AP-4 and AP-1 binding to the TGFbeta1 gene promoter. These findings may help us understand the role of IL-1beta in the disease process. Notwithstanding its deleterious effect on cartilage, IL-1 could initiate the repair response displayed by injured cartilage in the early stages of osteoarthritis through its ability to enhance TGFbeta1 expression by local chondrocytes.