Model research on repairing meniscus injury in rabbits using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and silk fibroin meniscus porous scaffold

X.-Z. Ying, J.-J. Qian, L. Peng, Q. Zheng, B. Zhu, Y.-H. Jin

Department of Ultrasound, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. Yxz99010@163.com

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• Orthopedics

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the histocompatibility and feasibility of structure and function of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and silk fibroin meniscus porous scaffolds in repairing meniscus injury in rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: BMSCs were cultured and identified in vitro, silk fibroin meniscus porous scaffolds were prepared and the histocompatibility of porous scaffolds was evaluated via in vitro culture. Silk fibroin-BMSCs porous scaffolds were implanted into the meniscus defect area of New Zealand white rabbits as the experimental group, the blank scaffold group without BMSCs, pure BMSCs group and blank control group were set up with 10 rabbits in each group. Joint capsules were opened for general observation at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after operation. The specimens received the HE staining, alkaline toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemical staining of Type I and Type II collagen and S100 protein.

RESULTS: In vitro HE staining and SEM observation showed that the scaffolds showed the sponge-like structure with abundant microporous structure on the surface and inside, which had a good histocompatibility with BMSCs. At 6 and 12 weeks after operation in experimental group, meniscus-like tissues were found in the meniscus defect area. HE staining showed the fibrous cartilage-like structure and obvious collagenous fiber structure around arranged in an orderly manner. Alkaline toluidine blue staining showed the cartilage-specific glycosaminoglycan (GAG); Type I and Type II collagen and S100 protein staining were strongly positive. However, the above changes were not seen in other groups.

CONCLUSIONS: BMSCs and silk fibroin meniscus porous scaffolds have a better histocompatibility and feasibility of structure and function in repairing meniscus injury in rabbits.

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