Our Summary

This research paper focuses on a new way to treat long-term inflammation in the Achilles tendon, a condition known as tendinopathy. Current treatments often use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which helps with tendon repair, and tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs), which are stem cells found in tendons that help maintain and repair the tissue.

In the study, they created a new injectable gel-like substance, made up of tiny particles of a material called gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) containing PRP filled with TDSCs. This was done using a 3D bioprinting technique.

The research showed that this new treatment could not only stimulate the TDSCs to develop into tendon tissue, but also reduce the inflammation by slowing down a particular biochemical pathway (the PI3K-AKT pathway). This meant that the new treatment was effective in helping repair the structure and function of the tendons in their test subjects.

FAQs

  1. What is the role of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) in tendon repair?
  2. How does the combination of PRP, TDSCs, and GelMA microparticles aid in tendon repair?
  3. What is the effect of the PRP-TDSC-GM combination on the PI3K-AKT pathway and inflammatory response in tendinopathy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about tendon repair is to consider platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which have been shown to have positive effects on tendon repair. Additionally, it is important to maintain tissue homeostasis and promote post-injury repair by considering treatments that target tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs). Discuss with your doctor the possibility of using injectable gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) microparticles containing PRP laden with TDSCs for promoting tendon differentiation and reducing inflammation to aid in the structural and functional repair of tendons.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tendon repair include those who have suffered from Achilles tendon injuries, tendinopathy, chronic inflammation, and other tendon-related issues. These patients may benefit from treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, which has positive effects on tendon repair, and tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs), which play a major role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and post-injury repair. Injectable gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) microparticles containing PRP laden with TDSCs (PRP-TDSC-GM) have shown promising results in promoting tendon differentiation, reducing inflammation, and promoting structural and functional repair of tendons in vivo.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  1. Patient experiences an injury to the tendon, such as a tear or rupture.
  2. Inflammation and pain occur at the site of the injury.
  3. Patient may receive conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections.

After tendon repair:

  1. Patient undergoes tendon repair surgery to reattach or reinforce the tendon.
  2. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection may be used to aid in the healing process.
  3. Tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) play a role in tissue repair and homeostasis.
  4. Injectable gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) microparticles containing PRP laden with TDSCs (PRP-TDSC-GM) may be used to promote tendon differentiation and reduce inflammation.
  5. Inflammatory response is downregulated through the PI3K-AKT pathway.
  6. Structural and functional repair of the tendon is promoted in vivo.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of tendon repair surgery in general, and specifically for my type of injury?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tendon repair surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period expected to be after tendon repair surgery?
  4. Will physical therapy be necessary after the surgery, and if so, what does the rehabilitation process involve?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies available for tendon repair, such as PRP injections or stem cell therapy?
  6. How long do you expect the results of the tendon repair surgery to last, and are there any factors that could affect the long-term outcome?
  7. What steps can I take to prevent re-injury or further damage to the repaired tendon in the future?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications that I should make to support the healing process after tendon repair surgery?
  9. How frequently should I schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor the progress of my tendon repair?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or activities that I should avoid during the recovery period to prevent complications or setbacks in the healing process?

Reference

Authors: Li C, Wang J, Yang W, Yu K, Hong J, Ji X, Yao M, Li S, Lu J, Chen Y, Yan S, Wu H, Ma C, Yu X, Jiang G, Liu A. Journal: J Nanobiotechnology. 2023 Jun 3;21(1):177. doi: 10.1186/s12951-023-01892-5. PMID: 37268942