Tumor necrosis factor α activation of the apoptotic cascade in murine articular chondrocytes is associated with the induction of metalloproteinases and specific pro‐resorptive factors

Abstract

These findings demonstrate that TNFalpha alters the expression of a complex array of genes within murine chondrocytes that contribute to the destruction of joint surfaces, independent of its actions on synovial and immune cells. Further studies are needed to clarify the biologic actions of TNFalpha in human cartilage cells.