Mechano Growth Factor E Peptide Improves Degenerative Meniscus by Promoting the Proliferation and Migration of Meniscus Cells

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of the Mechano growth factor E peptide on meniscus repair, which is critical for restoring knee joint function. Meniscal cells harvested from the inner and outer regions of knee joints from patients with osteoarthritis were subjected to Mechano growth factor E peptide treatment to investigate alterations in cell morphology and their effect on cell colony formation. The effect of Mechano growth factor E peptide treatment on cell migration was evaluated using a transwell system, while polymerase chain reaction was utilized to assess the effect of Mechano growth factor E peptide treatment on the mRNA expression level of COL1A1 or COL2A1, which encode for key collagen types. The reparative effect of the Mechano growth factor E peptide on the meniscus was evaluated using a rabbit meniscal defect model and complemented with hematoxylin and eosin staining. We found that Mechano growth factor E peptide administration augments meniscal cell proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis, thereby enhancing in vivo meniscus repair. This study examined the capacity of the Mechano growth factor E peptide to ameliorate meniscal injury by promoting meniscal cell proliferation and migration.