Expression of chondromodulin-1 in the temporomandibular joint condylar cartilage and disc

BACKGROUND: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage consists of condylar cartilage and disc and undergoes continuous remodeling throughout post-natal life. To maintain the integrity of the TMJ cartilage, anti-angiogenic factors play an important role during the remodeling process. In this study, we investigated the expression of the anti-angiogenic factor, chondromodulin- 1 (ChM-1), in TMJ cartilage and evaluate its potential role in TMJ remodeling. METHODS: Eight TMJ specimens were collected from six 4-month-old Japanese white rabbits. Safranin-O staining was performed to determine proteoglycan content. ChM-1 expression in TMJ condylar cartilage and disc was determined by immunohistochemistry. Three human perforated disc tissue samples were collected for investigation of ChM-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) distribution in perforated TMJ disc. RESULTS: Safranin-O stained weakly in TMJ compared with tibial articular and epiphyseal cartilage. In TMJ, ChM-1 was expressed in the proliferative and hypertrophic zone of condylar cartilage and chondrocyte-like cells in the disc. No expression of ChM-1 was observed in osteoblasts and subchondral bone. ChM-1 and VEGF were both similarly expressed in perforated disc tissues. CONCLUSIONS: ChM-1 may play a role in the regulation of TMJ remodeling by preventing blood vessel invasion of the cartilage, thereby maintaining condylar cartilage and disc integrity.

Happenings and sensational journalism [O acontecimento e o sensacional no jornalismo]

EM artigo anteriormente publicado (AGUIAR, 2008a), concluímos que as críticas elaboradas por certos autores (SOUSA, 2000; KURTZ, 1993; MARSHALL, 2003; MARCONDES FILHO, 1988), ao classificarem um determinado modo de jornalismo como sensacionalista, parecem querer opor uma imaginária constituição democrática do espaço público e da cultura legítima a uma suposta disfunção narcotizante do entretenimento, que promoveria o conformismo social e reforçaria as normas sociais. O jornalismo sensacionalista, nesse entendimento, veicularia apenas a ampla trivialidade e o excesso de diversão estaria “matando” os ideais iluministas da sociedade moderna, tal como aposta Postman (1986). Entretanto, pode-se ver nestas críticas aquilo que Edgar Morin define, ao estudar cultura de lazer, como a má impressão causada pelo divertimento e pela evasão aos “moralistas dessa confederação helvética do espírito que são as letras e a universidade” (MORIN, 2002).