The effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on functional repair of the meniscus

A study was performed to examine the hypotheses that increasing concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) inhibit integrative repair of the knee meniscus in an in vitro model system and that inhibitors of these cytokines will enhance repair. Explants harvested from either the inner or outer zone of porcine medical menisci were cultured for 14, 28, or 42 days in the presence of 0-10 ng/mL of IL-1 or TNF. Explants were also cultured in the presence of IL-1 or TNF with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) or TNF monoclonal antibody (TNF mAb). At the end of the culture period, biomechanical testing, cell viability, and histological analyses were performed to quantify the extent of repair. It was found that physiologically relevant concentrations of IL-1 and TNF inhibit meniscal repair in vitro and thus may also inhibit meniscal repair during arthritis or following joint injury.

Duke Scholars

Author Amy Lynn McNulty Orthopaedic Surgery

Author Joe Brice Weinberg Medicine, Hematology