The Effect of Butyric Acid Coated Sutures on Cell Proliferation and Angiogenesis in Aged Rabbit Achilles Tendon: A Potential Stimulus for Rotator Cuff Repair (SS-11)

Abstract

Many methods have been studied to improve the rate of cuff healing. Tendons sutured with Butyric Acid coated sutures demonstrated significantly increased angiogenic activity at 7 days post-op. This was seen both with increased mRNA expression of VEGF and with the increased DNA concentration. This trend continued throughout the 45 days of the study. These biochemical findings were further supported by the histological findings of increased cellularity and vascularity of the BA treated tendons. To compare the angiogenic effects of Butyric acid coated suture versus a control suture on an aged tendon model. 24 aged rabbits underwent bilateral Achilles tendon exposure. Butyric acid coated ultrabraid suture was sutured into one side while a control ultrabraid suture was sutured into the contralateral side in a similar fashion. The rabbits were sacrificed at 7, 30, and 45 days and the tendons were harvested for gross, histological, and biochemical evaluation. DNA concentration was significantly higher in the BA treated tendon group relative to control at 7 days (p=0.06) but unchanged at 30 and 45 days. Similarly, the mRNA expression of VEGF was significantly greater in the BA treated tendon at 7 days (p=0.05). A strong trend for higher expression in the BA group was also observed at 30 days (p=0.12). Histologically there was increased vascularity and cell migration at all time points in the BA treated tendons. The proteoglycan concentration was increased in the BA treated tendons at 30 and 45 days. There were no differences observed between the two groups on gross morphological examination. BA treated tendons demonstrated significantly increased angiogenic activity at 7 days post-op. This was seen both with increased mRNA expression of VEGF and with the increased DNA concentration. This trend continued for up to 30 days and leveled off by 45 days. These biochemical findings were further supported by the histological findings of increased cellularity and vascularity of the BA treated tendons. The proangiogenic properties of a BA coated suture on tendon could be an effective tool to augment rotator cuff repair as well as in repair of other compromised tissue.