The effect of mitomycin C in reducing intraarticular adhesion after knee surgery in rabbits

Lianqi Yan1, Yu Sun, Jingcheng Wang

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, Subei People's Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou 225001, China.

Insights

Mitomycin C (MMC) effectively reduces intraarticular fibrous adhesions in rabbits by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation. This study demonstrates MMC

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mitomycin C (MMC) inhibits fibroblast proliferation by suppressing DNA-dependent RNA synthesis.
  • Fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis contribute to intraarticular fibrous adhesion formation.
  • Effective strategies are needed to prevent post-surgical intraarticular adhesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Mitomycin C (MMC) in inhibiting fibroblast collagen synthesis.
  • To evaluate the effect of MMC on reducing intraarticular fibrous adhesion in a rabbit model.
  • To determine the optimal concentration of MMC for preventing adhesions.

Main Methods:

  • Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits underwent surgical removal of cortical bone from the femoral condyle.
  • Varying concentrations of MMC or saline were applied topically to the exposed cancellous bone.
  • Intraarticular adhesions were assessed after four weeks using macroscopic, histological, and biochemical (hydroxyproline) analyses.

Main Results:

  • MMC demonstrated a dose-dependent suppression of intraarticular fibrous adhesion formation.
  • The 0.1 mg/ml MMC group showed significantly lower adhesion scores, hydroxyproline content, and fibroblast numbers compared to other groups.
  • Dense adhesions were observed in the 0.01 mg/ml MMC and control groups.

Conclusions:

  • Topical application of 0.1 mg/ml Mitomycin C effectively reduces intraarticular adhesions in rabbits.
  • MMC's anti-adhesive effect is mediated by the inhibition of fibroblast proliferation.
  • This study supports the potential of MMC as a therapeutic agent for preventing joint adhesions.

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