Cell proliferation [23,25,31,32]. These observations suggest that loading frequency has a greater influence on cell proliferation than other loading parameters, like for example strain magnitude. Cell viability remained mainly unaffected by CTS. However, more studies investigating viability and proliferation are needed to make more precise statements.Cell morphologyThe morphology of chondrocytes with and without CTS was described in 12 publications. Chondrocytes attached 2? days after plating on deformable membranes and exhibited a polygonal and spread shape [13,26,33,34]. At confluence, cell layer displayed the characteristic “cobblestone” appearance [13,31,35,36]. Cells adhered well on the culture plate surface andPLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0119816 March 30,8 /Cyclic Tensile Strain and Chondrocyte Metabolismwere randomly orientated and distributed [35,37]. Several authors reported that after loading with CTS, cells exhibited a more elongated cell shape and aligned perpendicular to the loading direction [34?6]. However, others observed no distinct SP600125 biological activity orientation [13,25,31,38]. A possible explanation for this might be the particular strain characteristic. Huang et al. (2007) described no differences in the alignment of the cells at the area above the loading post, where there is equibiaxial strain. However, they found an alignment perpendicular to the load direction at the edge of the wells, where the membranes are gliding over the rim of the loading posts with uniaxial strain [37]. The reason for this alignment away from the loading direction might among other things be related to cytoskeletal remodeling. From a mechanical point of view, the adjustment of the cytoskeleton and of the cell shape may represent a strategy to better withstand the loading. This may be a stretch avoidance reaction and might protect cells from longitudinal loading [39,40]. Interestingly, one of the reviewed publications reported that the actin cytoskeleton was remodeled in response to CTS [21]. Unfortunately, in most of the selected publications, it was not specified if strains were equibiaxial or uniaxial or which position on the wells the investigated cells were from to better address this point. In addition to gross cell morphology and cytoskeletal arrangement, one publication investigated the effects of CTS on the surface topography at the ultra-structural level. They reported that native chondrocytes show a relatively smooth cell surface [21]. However, under 3 CTS at 0.25 Hz for 24 h, average particle density and average granular size increased [21]. The authors interpreted the results as an increased secretion of pericellular components and an up-regulation of cell-surface receptors for mechanotransduction due to the loading stimulus. Changes in cell morphology, especially during monolayer culture, are associated with phenotypic alterations of chondrocytes [41] and different pattern of protein synthesis [42]. If and how CTS influences these phenotypic changes is currently not known. However, Wang et al. (2011) showed that CTS of 16 for 48 h had a positive influence on GrazoprevirMedChemExpress Grazoprevir hyperthrophic markers, like collagen X [26] and suggested that high CTS induced an arthritic phenotype. On the other side, Ohno et al. (2005) proposed that CTS of 12 for a maximum of 24 h reduced hypertrophic differentiation [24]. Thus, further investigation is needed to reveal which loading protocols rather induce phenotypic changes and which protocols preserve the phenotypic home.Cell proliferation [23,25,31,32]. These observations suggest that loading frequency has a greater influence on cell proliferation than other loading parameters, like for example strain magnitude. Cell viability remained mainly unaffected by CTS. However, more studies investigating viability and proliferation are needed to make more precise statements.Cell morphologyThe morphology of chondrocytes with and without CTS was described in 12 publications. Chondrocytes attached 2? days after plating on deformable membranes and exhibited a polygonal and spread shape [13,26,33,34]. At confluence, cell layer displayed the characteristic “cobblestone” appearance [13,31,35,36]. Cells adhered well on the culture plate surface andPLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0119816 March 30,8 /Cyclic Tensile Strain and Chondrocyte Metabolismwere randomly orientated and distributed [35,37]. Several authors reported that after loading with CTS, cells exhibited a more elongated cell shape and aligned perpendicular to the loading direction [34?6]. However, others observed no distinct orientation [13,25,31,38]. A possible explanation for this might be the particular strain characteristic. Huang et al. (2007) described no differences in the alignment of the cells at the area above the loading post, where there is equibiaxial strain. However, they found an alignment perpendicular to the load direction at the edge of the wells, where the membranes are gliding over the rim of the loading posts with uniaxial strain [37]. The reason for this alignment away from the loading direction might among other things be related to cytoskeletal remodeling. From a mechanical point of view, the adjustment of the cytoskeleton and of the cell shape may represent a strategy to better withstand the loading. This may be a stretch avoidance reaction and might protect cells from longitudinal loading [39,40]. Interestingly, one of the reviewed publications reported that the actin cytoskeleton was remodeled in response to CTS [21]. Unfortunately, in most of the selected publications, it was not specified if strains were equibiaxial or uniaxial or which position on the wells the investigated cells were from to better address this point. In addition to gross cell morphology and cytoskeletal arrangement, one publication investigated the effects of CTS on the surface topography at the ultra-structural level. They reported that native chondrocytes show a relatively smooth cell surface [21]. However, under 3 CTS at 0.25 Hz for 24 h, average particle density and average granular size increased [21]. The authors interpreted the results as an increased secretion of pericellular components and an up-regulation of cell-surface receptors for mechanotransduction due to the loading stimulus. Changes in cell morphology, especially during monolayer culture, are associated with phenotypic alterations of chondrocytes [41] and different pattern of protein synthesis [42]. If and how CTS influences these phenotypic changes is currently not known. However, Wang et al. (2011) showed that CTS of 16 for 48 h had a positive influence on hyperthrophic markers, like collagen X [26] and suggested that high CTS induced an arthritic phenotype. On the other side, Ohno et al. (2005) proposed that CTS of 12 for a maximum of 24 h reduced hypertrophic differentiation [24]. Thus, further investigation is needed to reveal which loading protocols rather induce phenotypic changes and which protocols preserve the phenotypic home.
