Biomechanical analysis of regenerated rotator cuff tendon-to-bone junction by acellular matrix bioscaffold combined with a local controlled release of FGF-2

Abstract

Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections are widely used for the treatment of rotator cuff injury with the possible side effects of tendon rupture and impaired tendon healing. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has recently been reported to participate in the tissue repair processes. Based on these scientific backgrounds, the objective of this study was to determine whether TA has deleterious effects on the cells, and whether PRP has protective effects upon the deleterious effect caused by TA. After exposure to TA for 7 days, cell morphology became flattened and polygonal, and the cell number decreased, while cell morphology in the TA+PRP and PRP groups showed no change. The cell viability in the TA group significantly decreased at day 7. However, cell viability in the TA+PRP group was significantly progressed at days 7 and 14 when compared with the TA group. Flow cytometry showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells in the TA group significantly increased compared with control group. On the other hand, in the TA+PRP group, the percentages of apoptotic cells significantly decreased compared with TA group. Our results indicated that TA significantly decreased the viability of human rotator cuff-derived cells and caused cell apoptosis. However, these deleterious effects were prevented by the simultaneous administration of PRP. Therefore, PRP can be useful in clinical situations as a protective agent for patients receiving local TA injections.