Assessment of apoptosis, MMP-1, MMP-3, TIMP-2 expression and mechanical and biochemical properties of fresh rabbit's medial meniscus stored two weeks under tissue culture conditions.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to assess apoptosis, the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-2, as well as the mechanical and biochemical properties of fresh rabbit medial meniscus after 2 weeks stored under tissue culture conditions.


METHODS
The study material included 26 rabbit's medial menisci. Fourteen menisci were stored for 2 weeks under tissue culture conditions. Thirteen menisci were subjected to immunohistochemistry tests. Apoptosis (TUNEL method) and the expression of MMP-1 (collagenase-1), MMP-3 (stromelysin-2) and TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2) were estimated semiquantitatively. The remaining menisci were tested mechanically and biochemically. The mechanical properties were assessed by the degree of elasticity. Biochemical composition was based on the content analysis of water, total collagen and glycosaminoglycans.


RESULTS
As in the control group, the conducted study did not reveal any apoptosis in the stored menisci. The study group showed a slight expression of MMP-1 (0.27 ±0.19), MMP-3 (0.30 ±0.20) and TIMP-2 (0.33 ±0.20) - no statistically significant difference from controls. The degree of elasticity was 28.51 ±1.53 in the study group, and this did not statistically differ from the control group. No significant biochemical differences were identified in any other monitored parameter.


CONCLUSIONS
The conducted in vitro study did not show any negative influence of a 2-week storage period under tissue culture conditions on the apoptosis and expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-2 in rabbit fresh menisci, nor any impact on their mechanical and biochemical properties.
Orthopaedic Department, Arthroscopy and Sports Traumatology Clinic, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Tomasz J
TJ
Zwierzchowski
Department of Nephropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Olga
O
Stasikowska-Kanicka
Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Jolanta
J
Janus
Department of Fibre Physics and Textile Metrology, Technical University of Lodz, Poland.
Włodzimierz
W
Konecki
Department of Nephropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Marian
M
Danilewicz
Orthopaedic Department, Arthroscopy and Sports Traumatology Clinic, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.
Jarosław
J
Fabiś
apoptosis; metalloproteinases; viable meniscal transplant properties