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Shojaee A. Equine tendon mechanical behaviour: Prospects for repair and regeneration applications. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2053-2069. [PMID: 37471573 PMCID: PMC10508504 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendons are dense connective tissues that play an important role in the biomechanical function of the musculoskeletal system. The mechanical forces have been implicated in every aspect of tendon biology. Tendon injuries are frequently occurring and their response to treatments is often unsatisfactory. A better understanding of tendon biomechanics and mechanobiology can help develop treatment options to improve clinical outcomes. Recently, tendon tissue engineering has gained more attention as an alternative treatment due to its potential to overcome the limitations of current treatments. This review first provides a summary of tendon mechanical properties, focusing on recent findings of tendon mechanobiological responses. In the next step, we highlight the biomechanical parameters of equine energy-storing and positional tendons. The final section is devoted to how mechanical loading contributes to tenogenic differentiation using bioreactor systems. This study may help develop novel strategies for tendon injury prevention or accelerate and improve tendon healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiyeh Shojaee
- Division of PhysiologyDepartment of Basic SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
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2
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Couppé C, Svensson RB, Skovlund SV, Jensen JK, Eriksen CS, Malmgaard-Clausen NM, Nybing JD, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP. Habitual side-specific loading leads to structural, mechanical and compositional changes in the patellar tendon of young and senior life-long male athletes. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 131:1187-1199. [PMID: 34382838 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00202.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of life-long physical activity on tendon function have been investigated in cross-sectional studies, but these are at risk of "survivorship" bias. Here, we investigate if life-long side-specific loading is associated with greater cross-sectional area (CSA), mechanical properties, cell density (DNA content) and collagen cross-link composition of the male human patellar tendon (PT), in vivo. Nine seniors and six young male life-long elite badminton players and fencers were included. CSA of the PT obtained by 3-tesla MRI, and ultrasonography-based bilateral PT mechanics were assessed. Collagen fibril characteristics, enzymatic cross-links, non-enzymatic glycation (autofluorescence), collagen and DNA content were measured biochemically in PT biopsies. The elite athletes had a ≥15% side-to-side difference in maximal knee extensor strength, reflecting chronic unilateral sport-specific loading patterns. The PT CSA was greater on the lead extremity compared with the non-lead extremity (17 %, p=0.0001). Furthermore, greater tendon stiffness (18 %, p=0.0404) together with lower tendon stress (22 %, p=0.0005) and tendon strain (18 %, p=0.0433) were observed on the lead extremity. No effects were demonstrated from side-to-side for glycation, enzymatic cross-link, collagen, and DNA content (50%, p=0.1160). Moreover, tendon fibril density was 87±28 fibrils/μm2 on the lead extremity and 68±26 fibrils/μm2 on the non-lead extremity (28%, p=0.0544). Tendon fibril diameter was 86±14 nm on the lead extremity and 94±14 nm on the non-lead extremity (-9%, p=0.1076). These novel data suggest that life-long side-specific loading in males yields greater patellar tendon size and stiffness possibly with concomitant greater fibril density but without changes of collagen cross-link composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Couppé
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - Rene B Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - Sebastian V Skovlund
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Janus Damm Nybing
- Department of Radiology, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark.,Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospitals, Denmark
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Ribitsch I, Gueltekin S, Keith MF, Minichmair K, Peham C, Jenner F, Egerbacher M. Age-related changes of tendon fibril micro-morphology and gene expression. J Anat 2019; 236:688-700. [PMID: 31792963 PMCID: PMC7083562 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is hypothesized to be associated with changes in tendon matrix composition which may lead to alteration of tendon material properties and hence propensity to injury. Altered gene expression may offer insights into disease pathophysiology and thus open new perspectives toward designing pathophysiology‐driven therapeutics. Therefore, the current study aimed at identifying naturally occurring differences in tendon micro‐morphology and gene expression of newborn, young and old horses. Age‐related differences in the distribution pattern of tendon fibril thickness and in the expression of the tendon relevant genes collagen type 1 (Col1), Col3, Col5, tenascin‐C, decorin, tenomodulin, versican, scleraxis and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein were investigated. A qualitative and quantitative gene expression and collagen fibril diameter analysis was performed for the most frequently injured equine tendon, the superficial digital flexor tendon, in comparison with the deep digital flexor tendon. Most analyzed genes (Col1, Col3, Col5, tenascin‐C, tenomodulin, scleraxis) were expressed at a higher level in foals (age ≤ 6 months) than in horses of 2.75 years (age at which flexor tendons become mature in structure) and older, decorin expression increased with age. Decorin was previously reported to inhibit the lateral fusion of collagen fibrils, causing a thinner fibril diameter with increased decorin concentration. The results of this study suggested that reduction of tendon fibril diameters commonly seen in equine tendons with increasing age might be a natural age‐related phenomenon leading to greater fibril surface areas with increased fibrillar interaction and reduced sliding at the fascicular/fibrillar interface and hence a stiffer interfascicular/interfibrillar matrix. This may be a potential reason for the higher propensity to tendinopathies with increasing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Ribitsch
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, Veterm, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sinan Gueltekin
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, Veterm, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlies Franziska Keith
- Department of Pathobiology, Unit of Histology and Embryology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Minichmair
- Department of Pathobiology, Unit of Histology and Embryology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Peham
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, Veterm, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florien Jenner
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, Veterm, University Equine Hospital, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Egerbacher
- Department of Pathobiology, Unit of Histology and Embryology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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4
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Vera MC, Abdala V, Aráoz E, Ponssa ML. Movement and joints: effects of overuse on anuran knee tissues. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5546. [PMID: 30186699 PMCID: PMC6120441 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement plays a main role in the correct development of joint tissues. In tetrapods, changes in normal movements produce alterations of such tissues during the ontogeny and in adult stages. The knee-joint is ideal for observing the influence of movement disorders, due to biomechanical properties of its components, which are involved in load transmission. We analyze the reaction of knee tissues under extreme exercise in juveniles and adults of five species of anurans with different locomotor modes. We use anurans as the case study because they undergo great mechanical stress during locomotion. We predicted that (a) knee tissues subjected to overuse will suffer a structural disorganization process; (b) adults will experience deeper morphological changes than juveniles; and (c) morphological changes will be higher in jumpers compared to walkers. To address these questions, we stimulated specimens on a treadmill belt during 2 months. We performed histological analyses of the knee of both treated and control specimens. As we expected, overuse caused structural changes in knee tissues. These alterations were gradual and higher in adults, and similar between jumpers and walkers species. This study represents a first approach to the understanding of the dynamics of anuran knee tissues during the ontogeny, and in relation to locomotion. Interestingly, the alterations found were similar to those observed in anurans subjected to reduced mobility and also to those described in joint diseases (i.e., osteoarthritis and tendinosis) in mammals, suggesting that among tetrapods, changes in movement generate similar responses in the tissues involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Corina Vera
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo (UEL), CONICET-Fundación Miguel Lillo, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Virginia Abdala
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN), UNT-CONICET, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Aráoz
- Instituto de Ecología Regional, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Yerba Buena, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María Laura Ponssa
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo (UEL), CONICET-Fundación Miguel Lillo, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
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Patterson-Kane JC, Rich T. Achilles tendon injuries in elite athletes: lessons in pathophysiology from their equine counterparts. ILAR J 2015; 55:86-99. [PMID: 24936032 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilu004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury in equine athletes is one of the most well-accepted, scientifically supported companion animal models of human disease (i.e., exercise-induced Achilles tendon [AT] injury). The SDFT and AT are functionally and clinically equivalent (and important) energy-storing structures for which no equally appropriate rodent, rabbit, or other analogues exist. Access to equine tissues has facilitated significant advances in knowledge of tendon maturation and aging, determination of specific exercise effects (including early life), and definition of some of the earliest stages of subclinical pathology. Access to human surgical biopsies has provided complementary information on more advanced phases of disease. Importantly, equine SDFT injuries are only a model for acute ruptures in athletes, not the entire spectrum of human tendonopathy (including chronic tendon pain). In both, pathology begins with a potentially prolonged phase of accumulation of (subclinical) microdamage. Recent work has revealed remarkably similar genetic risk factors, including further evidence that tenocyte dysfunction plays an active role. Mice are convenient but not necessarily accurate models for multiple diseases, particularly at the cellular level. Mechanistic studies, including tendon cell responses to combinations of exercise-associated stresses, require a more thorough investigation of cross-species conservation of key stress pathway auditors. Molecular evidence has provided some context for the poor performance of mouse models; equines may provide better systems at this level. The use of horses may be additionally justifiable based on comparable species longevity, lifestyle factors, and selection pressure by similar infectious agents (e.g., herpesviruses) on general cell stress pathway evolution.
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de Almeida MDS, de Freitas KM, Oliveira LP, Vieira CP, Guerra FDR, Dolder MAH, Pimentel ER. Acupuncture Increases the Diameter and Reorganisation of Collagen Fibrils during Rat Tendon Healing. Acupunct Med 2015; 33:51-7. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Our previous study showed that electroacupuncture (EA) increases the concentration and reorganisation of collagen in a rat model of tendon healing. However, the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils after acupuncture is unknown. Objectives To assess the effect of acupuncture protocols on the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils during tendon healing. Methods Sixty-four rats were divided into the following groups: non-tenotomised (normal group), tenotomised (teno group), tenotomised and subjected to manual acupuncture at ST36 (ST36 group), BL57 (BL57 group) and ST36+BL57 (SB group) and EA at ST36+BL57 (EA group). The mass-average diameter (MAD) and the reorganisation of collagen fibril diameters were determined during the three phases of tendon healing (at 7, 14 and 21 days). Results The MAD increased during the three phases of healing in the SB group. In the EA group, MAD increased initially but was reduced at day 21. The reorganisation of collagen fibrils was improved in the EA and SB groups at days 14 and 21, respectively. EA at day 21 appeared to reduce the reorganisation. Conclusions These results indicate that the use of EA up to day 14 and manual acupuncture at ST36+BL57 up to day 21 improve the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils, indicating strengthening of the tendon structure. These data suggest a potential role for acupuncture in rehabilitation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos dos Santos de Almeida
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karine Moura de Freitas
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Prado Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Pedrozo Vieira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia Da Ré Guerra
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Alfenas, UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mary Anne Heidi Dolder
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson Rosa Pimentel
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Couppé C, Svensson RB, Grosset JF, Kovanen V, Nielsen RH, Olsen MR, Larsen JO, Praet SFE, Skovgaard D, Hansen M, Aagaard P, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP. Life-long endurance running is associated with reduced glycation and mechanical stress in connective tissue. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 36:9665. [PMID: 24997017 PMCID: PMC4150896 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-014-9665-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Life-long regular endurance exercise is known to counteract the deterioration of cardiovascular and metabolic function and overall mortality. Yet it remains unknown if life-long regular endurance exercise can influence the connective tissue accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) that is associated with aging and lifestyle-related diseases. We therefore examined two groups of healthy elderly men: 15 master athletes (64 ± 4 years) who had been engaged in life-long endurance running and 12 old untrained (66 ± 4 years) together with two groups of healthy young men; ten young athletes matched for running distance (26 ± 4 years), and 12 young untrained (24 ± 3 years). AGE cross-links (pentosidine) of the patellar tendon were measured biochemically, and in the skin, it was assessed by a fluorometric method. In addition, we determined mechanical properties and microstructure of the patellar tendon. Life-long regular endurance runners (master athletes) had a 21 % lower AGE cross-link density compared to old untrained. Furthermore, both master athletes and young athletes displayed a thicker patellar tendon. These cross-sectional data suggest that life-long regular endurance running can partly counteract the aging process in connective tissue by reducing age-related accumulation of AGEs. This may not only benefit skin and tendon but also other long-lived protein tissues in the body. Furthermore, it appears that endurance running yields tendon tissue hypertrophy that may serve to lower the stress on the tendon and thereby reduce the risk of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Couppé
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Bldg. 8, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400, Copenhagen, NV, Denmark,
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8
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Patterson-Kane JC, Becker DL, Rich T. The pathogenesis of tendon microdamage in athletes: the horse as a natural model for basic cellular research. J Comp Pathol 2012; 147:227-47. [PMID: 22789861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2012.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a frequently injured structure that is functionally and clinically equivalent to the human Achilles tendon (AT). Both act as critical energy-storage systems during high-speed locomotion and can accumulate exercise- and age-related microdamage that predisposes to rupture during normal activity. Significant advances in understanding of the biology and pathology of exercise-induced tendon injury have occurred through comparative studies of equine digital tendons with varying functions and injury susceptibilities. Due to the limitations of in-vivo work, determination of the mechanisms by which tendon cells contribute to and/or actively participate in the pathogenesis of microdamage requires detailed cell culture modelling. The phenotypes induced must ultimately be mapped back to the tendon tissue environment. The biology of tendon cells and their matrix, and the pathological changes occurring in the context of early injury in both horses and people are reviewed, with a particular focus on the use of various tendon cell and tissue culture systems to model these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Patterson-Kane
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
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Abstract
Horse walkers have become popular in the modern exercise regime for dressage horses, however recent investigations of injury risk factors have indicated a significant association between horse walker use and lameness. A detailed telephone questionnaire was conducted to document horse walker usage and assess whether horse walker use could predispose dressage horses to lameness. Information on horse walker features and use, and individual horse lameness history was recorded. Chi-squared tests were performed to identify horse walker variables associated with lameness. Although analyses failed to establish a direct link between lameness and any specific horse walker feature, the high proportion of lame horses in this study suggests that there is an underlying and, as yet, unidentified cause of lameness related to horse walker usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- T.J. Walker
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, CB8 7UU Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - S.N. Collins
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, CB8 7UU Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - R.C. Murray
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, CB8 7UU Suffolk, United Kingdom
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10
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Caniglia CJ, Schramme MC, Smith RK. The effect of intralesional injection of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow supernatant on collagen fibril size in a surgical model of equine superficial digital flexor tendonitis. Equine Vet J 2011; 44:587-93. [PMID: 22150794 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Collagen fibril size is decreased in repair tissue following tendon injury compared to normal tendon matrix in horses. Mesenchymal stem cells have been suggested to promote regeneration of tendon matrix rather than fibrotic repair following injury, although this concept remains unproven. OBJECTIVES To explore the hypothesis that implantation of autologous mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow into a surgically created central core defect in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of horses would induce the formation of a matrix with greater ultrastructural similarities to tendon matrix than the fibrotic scar tissue formed in control defects. METHODS Tissue was collected 16 weeks after induction of injury and 12 weeks after treatment from normal and injured regions of control and treated limbs of 6 horses and examined using transmission electron microscopy. Collagen fibril diameters were measured manually with image analysis software and surface areas calculated. Three parameters assessed for normal and injured tissue were mass average diameter (MAD), collagen fibril index (CFI) and the area dependent diameter (ADD). RESULTS Normal regions from both treated and control limbs displayed higher MAD and CFI values, as well as a characteristic bimodal distribution in fibril size. Injured regions from both treated and control limbs displayed significantly lower MAD and CFI values, as well as a unimodal distribution in fibril size. There were no significant differences between treated and control limbs for any of the parameters assessed. CONCLUSIONS Intralesional injection of autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells had no measurable effect on the fibril diameter of collagen in healing tissue in the SDFT of this experimental model 16 weeks after injury. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Favouring matrix regeneration over fibrotic repair may not be the mechanism by which autologous mesenchymal stem cells assist healing of tendon injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Caniglia
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, NC, USA
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Biancalana A, Veloso LA, Gomes L. Obesity affects collagen fibril diameter and mechanical properties of tendons in Zucker rats. Connect Tissue Res 2010; 51:171-8. [PMID: 20073987 DOI: 10.3109/03008200903191312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is currently considered to be a world epidemic and one of the major public health problems in many countries, whose incidence is increasing at alarming rates. Genetically obese Zucker rats are used as a model of obesity and were employed in the present study. Tendons transmit contractile force from muscles to bone, thus permitting articular movement. The objective of our study was to analyze the ultrastructural, biochemical, and biomechanical alterations that occur in the deep digital flexor tendon of obese Zucker rats compared to lean animals. Ultrastructural analysis showed differences in collagen fibril diameter distribution and mass-average diameter between obese and lean animals. Regarding mechanical parameters, there was a significant difference in maximum displacement and strain. Hydroxyproline content was higher in obese animals. In view of the excess weight and peculiar conditions to which the tendon of obese animals is submitted, we concluded that obesity provokes alterations in the composition and organization of tendon extracellular matrix components. These alterations might be related to organizational and structural modifications in the collagen bundles, influencing the mechanical properties of the tendon and the progression to a pathological state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Biancalana
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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12
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Effects of exercise on tenocyte cellularity and tenocyte nuclear morphology in immature and mature equine digital tendons. Equine Vet J 2010; 40:141-6. [DOI: 10.2746/042516408x266097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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13
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Birch HL, Wilson AM, Goodship AE. Physical activity: does long-term, high-intensity exercise in horses result in tendon degeneration? J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008; 105:1927-33. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00717.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explores the hypothesis that high-intensity exercise induces degenerative changes in the injury-prone equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), but not in the rarely injured common digital extensor tendon (CDET). The horse represents a large-animal model that is applicable to human tendon and ligament physiology and pathology. Twelve age-matched female horses undertook galloping exercise three times a week with trotting exercise on alternative days (high-intensity group, n = 6) or only walking exercise (low-intensity group, n = 6) for 18 mo. The SDFT, suspensory ligament, deep digital flexor tendon, and CDET were harvested from the forelimb. Tissue from the mid-metacarpal region of the right limb tendons was analyzed for water, DNA, sulfated glycosaminoglycan and collagen content, collagen type III-to-I ratios, collagen cross-links, and tissue fluorescence. Left limb tendons were mechanically tested to failure. The analyses showed matrix composition to have considerable diversity between the functionally different structures. In addition, the specific structures responded differently to the imposed exercise. High-intensity training resulted in a significant decrease in the GAG content in the SDFT, but no change in collagen content, despite a decrease in collagen fibril diameters. There were no signs of degeneration or change in mechanical properties of the SDFT. The CDET had a lower water content following high-intensity training and a higher elastic modulus. Long-term, high-intensity training in skeletally mature individuals results in changes that suggest accelerated aging in the injury-prone SDFT and adaptation in the CDET.
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14
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Kasashima Y, Takahashi T, Birch HL, Smith RKW, Goodship AE. Can exercise modulate the maturation of functionally different immature tendons in the horse? J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008; 104:416-22. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00379.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendons can be considered in two functional groups, those contributing to energetics of locomotion and those acting solely to position the limb. The energy-storing tendons in both human and equine athletes have a high frequency of injury with similar pathophysiology. In previous studies, high-intensity exercise appears to induce a disruption of the matrix rather than functional adaptation in adults. Here we explore the hypothesis that the introduction of controlled exercise during growth would result in an adaptive response without deleterious effects. Young horses were given a controlled exercise program similar to that previously shown to induce matrix changes in energy-storing tendons of skeletally mature animals. The tendons were assessed in relation to mechanical properties, molecular composition, and morphology. Results showed a significant increase in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in the positional tendon but not in the energy-storing tendon. Other matrix properties and mechanical properties were not significantly changed. While the imposition of high-strain-rate exercise in immature horses failed to augment the development of the energy-storing tendon over and above that induced by normal pasture exercise, it did not induce deleterious changes, supporting an earlier introduction of athletic training in horses.
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Södersten F, Ekman S, Niehoff A, Zaucke F, Heinegård D, Hultenby K. Ultrastructural immunolocalization of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, thrombospondin-4, and collagen fibril size in rodent achilles tendon in relation to exercise. Connect Tissue Res 2007; 48:254-62. [PMID: 17882701 DOI: 10.1080/03008200701587505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Fourteen 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in pairs in standard cages (5 controls) and in individual cages with a running wheel. Four of these rats had run 27-36 km/week (low training - LT) and 5 had run 56-92 km/week (high training - HT). After 4 weeks, the rats were euthanized and Achilles tendons were fixed for electron microscopy. The ultrastructural distribution of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and thrombospondin (TSP)-4 and collagen fibril thickness in two different extracellular compartments were studied. The immunolabeling of COMP decreased with longer running distance and was significantly lower in both the pericellular (p = 0.009) and interterritorial (p = 0.03) compartments of the HT rats compared with the controls. TSP-4 immunolabeling was higher in the pericellular compared with the interterritorial compartments in all rats (p = 0.013) but was not correlated with COMP immunolabeling. No alterations in collagen fibril size were found in relation to running; however, the gold markers representing COMP and TSP-4 were mostly found at the dark bands, representing the gap region of the fibril.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Södersten
- Department of Biomedicine & Veterinary Public Health, Division of Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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