![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Background There is evidence of high matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity around sutures inserted into tendons. This probably results in tissue breakdown, allowing the suture to cut through the tendon, and thus contributes to repair-site elongation and gap formation. We therefore hypothesized that treatment with the MMP inhibitor doxycycline would improve the sutureholding capacity of tendon.
Animals, methods and results In the first sub-study, rats received a suture in the Achilles tendon. One group was treated with systemic doxycycline and the other received no treatment. At 3, 5, and 7 days, suture-holding capacity was measured mechanically. The pull-out force and energy were reduced in all tendons, at 3 days compared to freshly inserted sutures, but no further reduction was detected at later time points. Doxycycline- treated tendons showed improved suture-holding capacity as measured by higher energy uptake than in untreated tendons. Force at failure showed a trend towards improvement. The effect was most evident on day 3. In the second sub-study, sutures were coated with doxycycline. At 3 days, local doxycycline treatment caused improved suture-holding capacity—as measured by higher force at failure and higher energy uptake.
Interpretation We provide proof of a novel treatment principle. MMP inhibitor-coated sutures improve suture-holding capacity during early repair of collagenous tissues.
Contributions of authors
BP: planned the study, did the laboratory work, and prepared the manuscript. AM: helped plan the study, did the laboratory work, and helped write the manuscript. AA: did some of the laboratory work and planning. PT: invented the immobilization technique, planned the study, and helped write the manuscript. PA: planned the study, analyzed the data, prepared the manuscript, and supervised the study.
PA, PT, and BP have sold the idea of immobilization of drugs on biomaterials to an independent biomedical investment company. This company has now patented the idea.