Combined use of bFGF and GDF-5 enhances the healing of medial collateral ligament injury

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010 Nov 12;402(2):329-34. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.10.026. Epub 2010 Oct 19.

Abstract

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and growth and differentiation factor (GDF)-5 stimulate the healing of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. However, the effect of isolated and combined use of bFGF/GDF-5 remains still unclear. We investigated cellular proliferation and migration responding to bFGF/GDF-5 using rabbit MCL fibroblasts. Rabbit MCL injury was treated by bFGF and/or GDF-5 with peptide hydrogels. Gene expression and deposition of collagens in healing tissues were evaluated. bFGF/GDF-5 treatment additively enhanced cell proliferation and migration. bFGF/GDF-5 hydrogels stimulated Col1a1 expression without increasing Col3a1 expression. Combined use of bFGF/GDF-5 stimulated type I collagen deposition and the reorganization of fiber alignment, and induced better morphology of fibroblasts in healing MCLs. Our study indicates that combined use of bFGF/GDF-5 might enhance MCL healing by increasing proliferation and migration of MCL fibroblasts, and by regulating collagen synthesis and connective fiber alignment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Collagen Type I / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / pharmacology*
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Growth Differentiation Factor 5 / pharmacology*
  • Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee / cytology
  • Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee / drug effects*
  • Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee / injuries*
  • Rabbits
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Collagen Type I
  • Growth Differentiation Factor 5
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2