Effect of combined administration of transforming growth factor-b1 and insulin-like growth factor I on the mechanical properties of a patellar tendon defect model in rabbits

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that combined administration of TGF-b1 and IGF-I in a patellar tendon defect model could enhance the mechanical properties of the healed tendon. Twenty four New Zealand white rabbits were used for this purpose. In each animal, the right knee was used for the application of the growth factors, whereas the left knee served as an untreated control. The growth factors were mixed with fibrin sealant as a delivery vehicle. Two groups of rabbits were sacrificed after 2 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. Application of the growth factors resulted in a significant increase in force at failure, ultimate stress, stiffness, and energy uptake at 2 weeks, whereas none of the parameters revealed any significant difference between the two groups at 6 weeks. This study provides valuable information on the effect of the two growth factors on this patellar tendon defect model.