The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for tenogenesis of human rotator cuff cells

Abstract

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been used for fracture healing and its effectiveness has been confirmed. To prevent re-tear of the repaired rotator cuff, it is important to regenerate the tendon-to-bone interface after rotator cuff repair. Therefore, we have investigated the effect of LIPUS on human rotator cuff derived cells hypothesizing that their tenogenesis would increase by LIPUS exposure. The human rotator cuff derived cells were adapted to a six well plate. The cells were divided into the two groups. In the LIPUS group, LIPUS was applied for 20 minutes every day for 5 and 10 days. Cells without LIPUS acted as a control group. Then they were analyzed by real time PCR analyses. In the LIPUS group, the expressions of Scleraxis and Collagen I were higher than those in the control group at 5 and 10 days. In addition, expression of Collagen III was higher than that in the control group. This study showed that the tenogenesis of human rotator cuff derived cells was increased by LIPUS exposure. These results could have the way for rotator cuff repair with early healing of the tendon-to-bone interface by LIPUS exposure.