The Effect of Transforming Growth Factgor on McCoy Fibroblast Cells

Surgically repaired tendons are plagued by complications related to the healing response. Adhesion formation between the tendon and its sheath or surrounding tissues inhibits free gliding and results in a loss of excursion. The random orientation of collagen deposition at the site of repair creates a focal area of weakness, rendering the tendon prone to rupture at this point. Even the strongest, most technically precise repair can be negated by either of these complications. Research in tendon injury and healing is primarily focused on the pathogenesis of fibrosis and how to prevent the formation of excessive scar tissue. However, no widely accepted therapy currently exists to promote healing and prevent fibrosis in surgically repaired tendons. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of varying concentrations of transforming growth factor ß1(TGF-ß1), the main constituent of a clinically used treatment, PRP, on fibroblast cells. Cells were treated with low, medium, and high concentrations of TGF-ß1 for periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours and cell proliferation, damage, and morphology were evaluated at each time point. The results show that low dose treatment resulted in significant increases in cell number and cell along with distinct cytological changes within 48 hours of treatment. This information is clinically important and may help to provide an explanation for the inconsistencies seen with use of PRP as an adjuvant for tendon and ligament healing.