The roles of TGF-beta1 gene transfer on collagen formation during Achilles tendon healing.
Collagen content and cross-linking are believed to be major determinants of tendon structural integrity and function. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 on the collagen content and cross-linking of Achilles tendons, and on the histological and biomechanical changes occurring during Achilles tendon healing in rabbits. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transfected with the TGF-beta1 gene were surgically implanted into experimentally injured Achilles tendons. Collagen proteins were identified by immunohistochemical staining and fiber bundle accumulation was revealed by Sirius red staining. Achilles tendons treated with TGF-beta1-transfected BMSCs showed higher concentrations of collagen I protein, more rapid matrix remodeling, and larger fiber bundles. Thus TGF-beta1 can promote mechanical strength in healing Achilles tendons by regulating collagen synthesis, cross-link formation, and matrix remodeling.
Institute of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Beijing, China.
Yu
Y
Hou
ZeBing
Z
Mao
XueLei
X
Wei
Lin
L
Lin
LianXu
L
Chen
HaiJun
H
Wang
Xin
X
Fu
JiYing
J
Zhang
ChangLong
C
Yu
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000235:genetics*; D014945:Wound Healing
D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D003094:Collagen