Combination of platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells enhances tendon–bone healing in a rabbit model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate the potency of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to promote tendon–bone healing in a rabbit model.MethodsIn the in vitro study, the effects of PRP on osteogenic induction of BMSCs were analysed. Later, PRP with or without BMSCs was used in the rabbit model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Specimens were harvested 8 weeks postoperatively to evaluate tendon–bone healing by histology, radiology, and biomechanical testing.ResultsThe in vitro study revealed that collagen I, osteocalcin, and osteopontin expression was higher in BMSCs co-cultured with PRP for 14 days. The in vivo study revealed a more mature tendon–bone interface using light microscopy, a more newly formed bone at the bone tunnel walls detected by micro-computed tomography, and a significantly higher failure load as assessed by biomechanical testing in the BMSC + PRP group than in the control and PRP groups.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the combination of PRP and BMSCs promotes tendon–bone healing and has potential for clinical use.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13018-016-0433-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Up-Regulation of TGF-β Promotes Tendon-to-Bone Healing after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells through the TGF-β/MAPK Signaling Pathway in a New Zealand White Rabbit Model

“…2 braided wire, and a 10-cm suture was left in the seam as the traction thread. The unilateral knee joint and medial patellar retinaculum were separated in the medial parapatellar approach, but a lateral dislocation was performed to expose the knee joint [16]. After complete removal of the ACL (no remnant preservation for ACL insertion at the top and bottom ends), the anterior drawer and Lachman tests were used to test positive expression.…”

Combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells sheet and platelet rich plasma for posterolateral lumbar fusion

“…The BMSCs sheet has been proven effective in bone regeneration and can effectively preserve cell-to-cell contact and the extracellular matrix [ 26 ]. In addition, the layered cell sheet may mimic the in vivo bone deposition of bone matrix where osteoblasts are attached on the mineralized sheet [ 16 ]. In this study, The BMSCs sheet can be easily detached from the petri-dish, and more importantly, the SEM results showed that the extracellular matrix as well as cell-cell interactions remain intact.…”

“…These growth factors are also important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and neovascularization [ 15 ]. PRP has also been shown to contain cell adhesion molecules and chemotactic properties that attract fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells to the repair site [ 16 ]. Therefore, the healing potential of platelets from PRP may be employed to facilitate bone regeneration.…”

Stem Cell Therapy in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury

“…In vitro studies of the application of PRP in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a rabbit model revealed that collagen I, osteocalcin, and osteopontin expression were found to be higher in the BMSC group cultured with PRP than in the PRP group or control group only. More mature and newly formed bone tendon formation is obtained at the bone tunnel walls [19].…”