Synergistic Effects of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB in Tendon Healing

Tendon ruptures are common musculoskeletal injuries associated with prolonged healing and complications such as adhesion formation and rerupture. Despite advancements in treatment strategies, full functional recovery remains a challenge. Growth factors (GFs) like insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) play key roles in tendon repair and may have synergistic effects when applied together. To support tendon healing, a bioactive electrospun polymer scaffold made of Degrapol(®) (DP) was developed, incorporating IGF-1, PDGF-BB, or both. A range of in vitro and in vivo analyses were performed to assess scaffold structure, cell behavior, gene expression, metabolism, and biomechanical and adhesion outcomes three weeks post-surgery. Interestingly, the combined application of IGF-1 and PDGF-BB did not simply amplify individual effects but showed a complex interaction. Depending on the parameter and time point, the combination led to either enhanced or reduced responses compared to single-factor treatments, indicating a synergistic modulation rather than a purely additive effect. These findings suggest that the combination of IGF-1 and PDGF-BB can modulate key cellular and molecular processes in tendon regeneration, making this approach a promising strategy to improve tendon healing.