April 26, 2024

Fixing Shoulder Pain: Harvard Scientists Develop a Method To Restore Damaged Tendons and Muscles

While the rotator cuffs are often naturally damaged as we age, fixing them has shown to be difficult.
The results proved that the platform, which consists of stem cells, can actually restore rotator cuffs.
This platform uses a microenvironment and elements comparable to those of the actual tissue. It is especially useful for those patients who can not use autologous tissues to regenerate rotator cuffs by supplying a personalized treatment option.

The research study team transplanted this platform in rats that had full-thickness rotator cuff injuries. The researchers observed tissue regeneration and recovery in shoulder function. The outcomes showed that the platform, which consists of stem cells, can in fact regrow rotator cuffs.
Significantly, the researchers integrated tissue-specific bioimaging agents together with near-infrared fluorescence imaging to picture this procedure. The researchers had the ability to utilize this strategy to monitor structural change and regrowth processes in the animal design in genuine time and in a non-invasive fashion.
A graphic displaying how the scientists brought back the shoulders rotator cuffs. Credit: POSTECH
This platform uses a microenvironment and elements comparable to those of the real tissue. As soon as used to clients, it is anticipated to have high treatment advantages and ultimate healing of shoulder function. It is particularly helpful for those clients who can not use autologous tissues to regrow rotator cuffs by supplying a tailored treatment option.
This research study was supported by the Nano-materials Core Technology Development task of the National Research Foundation of Korea and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) in the U.S.
Reference: “3D cell-printing of gradient multi-tissue interfaces for rotator cuff regeneration” by Suhun Chae, Uijung Yong, Wonbin Park, Yoo-mi Choi, In-Ho Jeon, Homan Kang, Jinah Jang, Hak Soo Choi and Dong-Woo Cho, 11 May 2022, Bioactive Materials.DOI: 10.1016/ j.bioactmat.2022.05.004.

After using their tissue platform, the scientists observed regrowth of tissues and shoulder function recovery.
The new complex tissue platform can restore broken rotator cuffs
Even young individuals might establish shoulder discomfort, which was previously primarily a problem for senior people. While the rotator cuffs are often naturally damaged as we age, fixing them has revealed to be challenging.
The joint POSTECH and Harvard Medical School research team were responsible for the study. Credit: POSTECH
Through a collaboration with Professor Hak Soo Choi at the Harvard Medical School, a Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) research group made up of Professor Dong-Woo Cho, Dr. Suhun Chae, and Jinah Jang, as well as Professor Jinah Jang and Ph.D. prospect Uijung Yong, has developed an intricate tissue platform that can repair broken rotator cuffs. This platform, which can specifically reproduce the intricate structure of rotator cuffs, is 3D-bioprinted utilizing tissue-specific extracellular matrix bioink.
The international journal Bioactive Materials recently published the findings of this research study, which might possibly supply patients with chronic shoulder pain renewed hope.