Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
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Tendon injuries that result in partial or complete tears often come from chronic, repetitive use, or from sudden trauma. In some cases, torn tendons can be repaired, but such repairs often fail to completely restore tendon function. We used global gene expression profiling and histological examination to study tendon repair to elucidate key molecular processes that regulate the rate and quality of tissue restoration. ⋯ Addition of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein (rhBMP)12 or rhBMP13, also known as growth and differentiation factors (GDFs) 6 and 7, 1 day after injury yielded increases in tissue volume, rate of cellular infiltration, and in changes in levels of key mRNAs involved in tendon repair. Altogether, our results indicate that rhBMP12 or rhBMP13 enhance the rate of tendon repair. A better understanding of the key molecular regulators of tendon repair could lead to the development of new therapies for tendon injuries and the identification of diagnostic markers that indicate the status of tendon repair after injury.