Biochemical and Biomechanical Properties of Tendon Tissue - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biochemical and Biomechanical Properties of Tendon Tissue - Version 1
IRAS ID
213287
Contact name
Rachel A Oldershaw
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major ligament within the knee joint. The ACL controls movement of the lower leg (tibia) preventing it from moving too far in front of the thigh (femur) and from rotating around the joint. The ACL therefore plays an important role in stabilising the knee.
Rupture of the ACL is a frequent occurrence within the general population and there is a requirement for surgical reconstruction to restore stability and full range movement of the knee. Rupture of the ACL occurs as a result of trauma to the knee joint, primarily as a result of sporting activity or through chronic disease (e.g. osteoarthritis) which progressively weakens the biomechanical strength of the ligament tissue. Individuals who are ACL deficient may have an impaired quality of life and destabilisation of the knee joint can increase the risk of further damage to articular tissues and accelerated disease progression.
Surgeries that reconstruct the ACL involve the use of tendon tissues harvested from other sites of the body and transplanted into the knee to act as pseudo-ligaments. We are developing a stem cell therapy to enhance the integration of tendon tissue into the bones of the joint and thus improve on the clinical healing outcomes following ACL surgery. In order to safely deliver the cell therapy into patient care it is important to perform preliminary studies within the laboratory setting.
The study aims to characterise the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the tendon tissue and alterations that occur within the context of the stem cell therapy that we are developing. Tendon tissue taken from the hamstring and which is excess to that used in reconstructive surgeries will be cultured in vitro with adult stem cells and analysed using a platform of biochemical, biomechanical and molecular assays.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
16/ES/0145
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion