Comparison of intraarticular IGF-1 and Hyaluronic Acid in experimental osteochondral lesions of rats

Background and aim: The healing of cartilage injuries depends on the passage of blood specific cytokines, growth factors, bone narrow cells and blood to the lesion. Insulin like growth factor (IGF?1) is one of the most important growth factors and there are numerous ongoing studies on it. IGF?1 stimulates bone cell proliferation and differentiation, increases DNA, collagen and noncollagen protein synthesis. It improves longitudinal bone growth by stimulating formation of chondrocytes in the growth plate. It has been shown in in vitro studies that hyaluronic acid reduces leucocyte functions and effects inflammatory cells? proliferation, migration, chemotaxis and fagocytosis abilities. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of IGF?1 and hyaluronic acid in an experimental osteochondral defect in rat tibiae.Methods: The rats were divided into three groups (n=15 per group) as follows: the IGF?1 group, hyaluronic acid group, and control group. An osteochondral defect of a diameter of 1.5 mm and a depth of 2 mm was created on patellar joint side of femoral condyles. The IGF?1 group received an absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with 15µg/15 µl of IGF- 1 and the hyaluronic acid group received an absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with 80µg hyaluronic acid. The control group received only an absorbable gelatin sponge. Rats were sacrified at the sixth week and the femur condyles were evaluated histogically.Results: It has been shown that the histological effects of IGF?1 administration in the regeneration tissue was more effective then the hyaluronic acid and control groups.Conclusion: IGF?1 administration can be accepted as an alternative treatment protocol in the treatment of osteochondral defects in the knee joint.Key Words: Rats, IGF?1, hyaluronic acid, cartilage, osteochondral defect.