Irreversible Electroporation Improves Tendon Healing in a Rat Model of Collagenase-Induced Achilles Tendinopathy

Abstract

Background: Treatment of painful chronic tendinopathy is challenging, and there is an urgent need to develop new regenerative methods. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) can lead to localized cell ablation by electrical pulses and induce new cell and tissue growth. Previously, the authors’ group reported that electroporation-ablated tendons fully regenerated. Purpose: To assess the efficiency of IRE in improving tendon healing using a collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy rat model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: After screening for the IRE ablation parameters, a collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy rat model was used to assess the efficacy of IRE in improving tendon healing via biomechanical, behavioral, histological, and immunofluorescence assessments. Results: The experiments showed that the parameter of 875 V/cm 180 pulses could ablate most tenocytes, and apoptosis was the main type of death in vitro. In vivo, IRE promoted the healing process of chronic tendinopathy in the Achilles tendon of rats, based on biomechanical, behavioral, and histological assessments. Finally, immunofluorescence results revealed that IRE improved blood supply in the early stages of tendon repair and could potentially reduce neuropathic pain. Conclusion: IRE enhanced tendon tissue healing in a rat model of collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy. Clinical Relevance: IRE may as a potential alternative treatment for tendinopathy in clinical usage.

Decellularization of Dense Regular Connective Tissue—Cellular and Molecular Modification with Applications in Regenerative Medicine

“…However, this technique is characterized as insufficient and causes increased inflammation in in vivo analysis [ 94 ]. The technique is used mainly to implement autologous grafts or in situ procedures, which are performed even on DRCT, while maintaining full strength efficiency of the structure [ 95 , 96 ].…”

“…Due to the nuclease’s mechanism of action, its role in decellularization is to complete and expedite the process of removing DNAs and RNAs from the cells extracted by other agents. Nucleases prevent nucleic acid debris from sticking to the ECM, accelerating the preparation process and improving cytocompatibility [ 96 ]. Using DNase on porcine esophageal tissue led to the removal of over 95% of DNA remaining after processing with other chemical agents [ 90 ].…”