Nanosphere hydrogel-mediated delivery of miR-34a-5p improves achilles tendon function in rat model

Restoring motor function and preventing re-rupture and adhesion during Achilles tendon healing remain significant clinical challenges. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNA plays a crucial role in tendon healing and regeneration. The previously designed nanosphere hydrogel sustained-release system enables targeted, controlled release of drugs. In this study, we developed a version of this system loaded with miR-34a-5p for localized delivery to an acute Achilles tendon injury model. The results of the Achilles functional index and Catwalk behavior analysis in rats indicated that miR-34a-5p mimic promoted early recovery of motor function following Achilles tendon injury. Although gross observation suggested that the miR-34a-5p mimic group had a minimal inhibitory effect on the adhesion of Achilles tendon tissue, tension analysis demonstrated that it effectively increased the maximum tensile strength. Additionally, in vitro experiments showed that miR-34a-5p mimic could increase tendon cells proliferation and improve tendon cells viability. This study confirmed the efficacy of the miR-34a-5p nanosphere hydrogel sustained-release system in tendon injury repair, presenting it as a promising treatment strategy for clinical practice.