The Effect of the Photo-immobilized Epidermal Growth Factor on the Proliferation of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Cell of the Knee / 대한정형외과연구학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to find out the possibilities of the early treatment via artificial juxtacrine stimulation by photo-immobilization of growth factor in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Photo-reactive Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF-Az) was synthesized by conjugating EGF with N-(4-azidobenzoyloxy)succinimide and was immobilized onto the polystyrene culture plates by UV irradiation. Human ACL cells (1 x 10 5 cells/ml , 100 m l /well) were cultured with serum free media in each group (group 1 : no EGF, group 2 : native EGF 2 m g /ml , group 3 : 50 m l EGF-Az immobilization, group 4 : 100 m l EGF-Az immobilization). We observed the changes of cells with long-term culture and compared the difference of cellular response of EGF-treated and non-treated groups. To examine the cellular migration, in vitro wound closure assay was performed. RESULTS: Cells were proliferated for 3 days. It was not changed significantly after that time. Cellular growth was more remarkable in the photo-immobilized EGF group. In cell migration test, the defect site in the photo-immobilized group was indistinguishable from the non-scratched area after culture for 72 hours, while cellfree area was still clearly visible in the no EGF group. CONCLUSION: Photo-immobilized EGF induce rapid proliferation of fibroblasts via artificial juxtacrine stimulation. If EGF is immobilized onto bioabsorbable materials such as polyglycolic acid or polylactic acid for clinical application, it will contribute to the treatment of ACL.