Regeneration of Biomechanically Functional Tendon Tissue Following Injection of Uncultured, Autologous, Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells into Partial Achilles Tendon Defects in Rabbits.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Current treatment strategies for partial tendon tears often lack the capacity to promote true tissue regeneration and improve long-term clinical outcomes. This study tested the hypothesis that treatment of a partial defect in the rabbit common calcaneus tendon (CCT) with uncultured, unmodified, autologous, adipose-derived regenerative cells (UA-ADRCs) enables regenerative healing without scar formation. A full-thickness, 3 mm defect was produced in the midsubstance of the right gastrocnemius tendon, a component of the CCT, in adult female New Zealand white rabbits. Animals received either an injection of 28.3 × 10 6 UA-ADRCs in 0.5 mL Ringer's lactated solution (RLS) or saline, or RLS or saline alone as sham treatment. Tendons were analyzed 4 or 12 weeks post-treatment using histology, immunohistochemistry and non-destructive biomechanical testing. UA-ADRC-treated tendons showed newly formed connective tissue consistent with tendon regeneration, whereas sham-treated tendons developed scar tissue. Biomechanical testing showed significantly higher percent relaxation in UA-ADRC-treated tendons compared to sham controls ( p < 0.05), indicating greater viscoelasticity characteristic of healthy or well-integrated tissue. Together, these findings suggest that UA-ADRC therapy may provide a regenerative, structure-modifying treatment for partial tendon tears.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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