TY - JOUR JO - Archives of Medical Science SN - 1734-1922 VL - 8 IS - 4 PY - 2012 ID - Zwierzchowski2012 TI - Experimental researchEvidence for apoptosis, MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-2 expression and their effect on the mechanical and biochemical properties of fresh viable knee medial meniscal allografts and autografts in the rabbit AB - Introduction: The study sought evidence for apoptosis, the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-2 and their effect on the mechanical and biochemical properties of rabbit fresh knee medial meniscal grafts in a 6-month follow-up. Material and methods: Forty white male New Zealand rabbits were chosen for the study. The medial meniscus was excised from 28 animals and stored under tissue culture conditions for 2 weeks, following which 14 of them were implanted as autografts and 14 as allografts. When the animals were euthanized, 20 menisci were used for immunohistochemical examinations. Apoptosis (TUNEL method) and MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-2 immunoexpression were estimated semiquantitatively. The other 20 menisci were subjected to biochemical analysis and their degree of elasticity was evaluated. Results: An increased level of apoptosis (p <0.05) was observed both in allografts (1.57 ±0.98) and autografts (0.86 ±0.69); no statistical differences existed between them. An increased level of metalloproteinases and TIMP-2 expression was observed only in the allografts (p < 0.05). The highest decrease of degree of elasticity and the most significant changes in biochemical composition were observed in allografts (p < 0.05). Conclusions : The studies confirmed the existence of excessive apoptosis in both kinds of fresh viable medial meniscal implants: auto- and allografts. Our results suggest that apoptosis and increased MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression have an adverse effect on the biological properties of implants. The results of experimental studies on humans indicate the need to devise a method of apoptosis inhibition in transplanted menisci to improve long-term results. AU - Zwierzchowski, Tomasz J. AU - Stasikowska-Kanicka, Olga AU - Janus, Jolanta AU - Konecki, Włodzimierz AU - Danilewicz, Marian AU - Fabiś, Jarosław SP - 724 EP - 732 DA - 2012 DO - 10.5114/aoms.2012.30297 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/aoms.2012.30297 ER -