Tendon stem/progenitor cells regulate inflammation in tendon healing via JNK and STAT3 signaling

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)

Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSCs) have been found in different anatomic locations and showed a promising regenerative potential. We identified a role of TSCs in the regulation of inflammation during healing of acute tendon injuries. Delivery of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) into full-transected rat patellar tendons significantly increased the number of CD146 + TSCs, leading to enhanced healing. In parallel, CTGF delivery significantly reduced the number of iNOS + M1 macrophages and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 at 2 d after surgery, with over 85% CD146 + TSCs expressing IL-10. By 1 wk, the elevated IL-10 expression remained, and IL-6 expression was significantly attenuated in CTGF-delivered tendon healing. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 expression in CTGF-delivered tendon was organized along with the reorienting collagen fibers by 1 wk after surgery, in comparison with the control group showing the abundant MMP-3 expression localized at healing junction. Tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)-3 was expressed in CD146 + TSCs at 1 wk with CTGF, in contrast to control with no TIMP-3 expression. In vitro , IL-10 expression was detected only when tendon cells were stimulated with IL-1β, and CTGF and significantly higher in CD146 + TSCs than CD146 - tendon cells. Similarly, TIMP-3 expression was detected only when treated with CTGF or CTGF and I

Evidence level

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

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