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Erschienen in:
01.08.2011 | Basic Science
Influence of hepatocyte growth factor on autologous osteochondral transplants in an animal model
Erschienen in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Ausgabe 8/2011
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Purpose
Several studies have investigated the influence of different growth factors on hyaline cartilage regeneration. In a rabbit model, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was proven to increase the amount of hyaline-like chondrocytes in a mixed fibro-cartilaginous regenerate of small defects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether intra-articular administration of HGF influences the ingrowth of osteochondral grafts in a sheep model.
Type of study
Animal experiment.
Methods
Both knee joints of eight sheep were opened surgically and osteochondral grafts were harvested and simultaneously transplanted to the opposite condyle of the same joint. The sheep were divided into two groups of four sheep, resulting in 16 grafts per group. In one group, HGF was administered by bilateral intra-articular injections given three times a week for 4 weeks. The control group received isotonic sodium chloride injections. The animals were killed after 3 months.
Results
Histological evaluation showed a complete ingrowth of the osseous part of the osteochondral grafts. A healing or ingrowth at the level of the cartilage could not be observed. Histological evaluation of the transplanted grafts according to the modified Mankin score revealed less degeneration in the cartilage of the HGF group, as compared to the control group. In the HGF group, less cloning of chondrocytes and less irregularities of the articular surface were observed. Importantly, no deleterious effects, such as osteophyte formation, cartilage thickening or synovial proliferation, were found.
Conclusion
HGF positively influenced the cellularity of the transplanted osteochondral graft, but could not diminish the fissures in the marginal zone of the grafts.
Clinical relevance
Marginal zone fissures and degeneration in the absence of HGF may undermine long-term results of autologous osteochondral grafts.