Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells promote tendon functional repair in a Collagenase-Induced Tendinopathy Model

Abstract

Achilles tendon rupture is a common tendinopathy.We investigated the therapeutic effects of UC-MSCs on the inflammatory condition, and explored the preliminary mechanisms underlying their role in rabbit Achilles tendon repair.Tendon structure and functional recovery were evaluated through histological assessment, pathology, tissue hydroxyproline (Hyp) content measurement, and biomechanical testing.Then the inflammation and metabolic status of the extracellular matrix, along with potential mechanisms, were assessed through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemical staining.This study demonstrated the satisfactory ability of UC-MSCs transplantation to promote functional repair of tendon in a rabbit model of tendon diseases. The mechanisms involved include upregulation of Collagen I and Collagen III expression, inhibition of MMP-9, and enhancement of muscle fiber contraction through increased expression of troponin C (TnC), thereby improving the structural stability at the site of inflammation. We concluded that UC-MSCs hold promising potential as an enhancement strategy for MSC-based therapy in tendon diseases.