title: Silver nanoparticles alter proteoglycan expression in the promotion of tendon repair.
abstract: This study demonstrates a novel method of using silver nanoparticles for Achilles tendon injury healing. In vitro results indicated a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation and collagen synthesis with silver nanoparticles. Biomechanical test on the 42-day post operation Achilles tendon sample exhibited a significant improvement in tensile modulus when compared to the untreated group. Histology suggested that silver nanoparticles promoted cell alignment and proteoglycan synthesis. The collagen deposition was also improved. An alleviation of tumor necrosis factor α, and an increase in fibromodulin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression were seen in silver nanoparticles group by immunohistochemistry. This study further corroborates the finding of our previous study that silver nanoparticles help to restore the functionality of injured connective tissues. We believe that the anti-inflammatory nature of silver nanoparticles has an important role in accelerating the healing process and reducing scarring, leading to better functional outcome. From the clinical editor: Tendon healing after surgeries remains a slow and tedious process, typically requiring several weeks of recovery time and gradual introduction of physical therapy. There are no currently utilized methods that could promote tendon healing. In this study, silver nanoparticles are reported to facilitate Achilles tendon repair in a model system, through increased proteoglycan and collagen synthesis, paving the way to potential clinical applications in the future.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Karen H L
authors: KH
authors: Kwan
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen, China.
authors: Kelvin W K
authors: KW
authors: Yeung
authors: Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Xuelai
authors: X
authors: Liu
authors: Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Kenneth K Y
authors: KK
authors: Wong
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Ho Cheung
authors: HC
authors: Shum
authors: Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Yun Wah
authors: YW
authors: Lam
authors: Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Shuk Han
authors: SH
authors: Cheng
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Kenneth M C
authors: KM
authors: Cheung
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen, China. Electronic address: mikektto@hku.hk.
authors: Michael K T
authors: MK
authors: To
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries*; D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D011509:Proteoglycans; D012834:Silver; D003094:Collagen
keywords: Achilles tendon; Fibromodulin; Healing; Proteoglycan; Silver nanoparticles