The new technique of using the so-called allografts inserted with therapeutic genes offers orthopedic surgeons a better approach in treating common sports injuries such as anterior cruciate ligaments and rotator cuffs that affect millions of Americans. The technique published in the journal Molecular Therapy on Thursday, however, still needs more clinical trials.
The team led by Hani Awad, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedics within the Center for Musculoskeletal Research at the Medical Center, conducted surgical experiments to learn the effects of the allografts containing a recombinant adeno-associated vector (rAAV) expressing the gene that codes for the building of growth and differentiation factor 5 (Gdf5).
Allografts with rAAV Gdf5 was implanted on a group of mice with an injury resembling hard-to-repair flexor tendons in human hands. Allografts without the said gene were also implanted in another group of mice with similar injury.
The researchers then compared the functions of the two groups of mice after their recovery. They found that the mice implanted with the gene-treated allografts recovered more range of motion than the other group of mice.
Unlike autografts or the patient's own tendons, the allografts with rAAV Gdf5 did not cause scarring and inflammation and did not stick to the joints, which causes pain and limits motion.
The study also said that the allografts with rAAV Gdf5 did not cause immune reaction common in plain allograft implantation and it matched the mechanical strength of the human tissue unlike synthetic allografts.
