Effects of selected growth factors on porcine meniscus in chemically defined medium.

Some evidence shows that selected growth factors can increase proteoglycan synthesis and that fibrin clot aids in the repair of meniscal tears. A significant (P<.05) dose-dependent stimulation of proteoglycan synthesis was found with platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-[AB]), transforming growth factor-beta1 and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (osteogenic protein-I). In separate experiments, a significant increase in cellularity was found in the deep and superficial aspects of the explants treated with PDGF-(AB) compared with those treated with basal medium alone. The current study provides data as to which growth factors might prove most useful in the maintenance and repair of menisci.