Effect of TGF-β1 on biomechanical response of tendon-bone healing during early rat rotator cuff tears

ZHANG Chong; WANG Heng-shu; ZHANG Ying-ze; LIU Yu-jie

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2015.22.016

Abstract：Objective To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on the early reconstruction of Wistar rats rotator cuff tears through the tendon-bone healing biomechanical testing . Methods A total of 45 healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: the high-dose, the low-dose, and the control group, with 15 animals in each group. The rats underwent full thickness leisure and reconstructive surgery by suture-bridge and TGF-β1 injection at the tendon bone interface. The parameters of tendon-bone interface biomechanics, including tensile strength, cross-section area, stiffness, percentage of loading, were measured at 1-, 2-, 3-weeks post surgery. Results No significant differences werey observed at the fracture point within the tendon suture among the three groups The maximum tensile strength , maximum load percentage, stiffness and tendon bone repair interface in the high-dose group were higher than those in the low-dose group and those in the control group(P < 0.05, respectively). The maximum axial loading, tensile strength and stiffness of the tendon-bone interface in the low-dose group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The high-dose group renovated the tendon-bone interface healing and increase stiffness with the extension of the rehabilitation. Conclusion TGF-β1 can enhance the maximum tensile strength of the tendon-bone and promote the healing of rotator cuff injury.