Over-expression of has2 in synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells may prevent adhesions following surgery of the digital flexor tendons.

The prevention of peritendinous adhesions after zone II flexor tendon repair poses a significant challenge to hand surgeons. Exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely studied and has been found to promote tendon healing and decrease adhesion formation in digital flexor tendons following surgery. However, the clinical application of exogenous HA is restricted due to limitations inherent in the exogenously expressed form. However, hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (has2) has been shown to promote synthesis of the endogenous high molecular weight HA in many cells. Taken together with the fact that synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) are more proliferative than other MSCs, we hypothesize that over-expression of has2 in SMSCs will be an effective therapeutic in preventing the adhesions in surgery of the digital flexor tendons.