Asporin and transforming growth factor-β gene expression in osteoblasts from subchondral bone and osteophytes in osteoarthritis

The increased ratio of ASPN mRNA to TGF-β1 mRNA in patients with severe relative to mild cartilage damage indicates that increased ASPN mRNA expression was significantly associated with the severity of cartilage degeneration. This finding suggests that ASPN may regulate TGF-β1-mediated factors in the development of OA, which may provide clues as to the underlying pathology of OA.