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Johnson SA, Sikes KJ, Johnson JW, Van Zeeland E, Wist S, Santangelo KS, King MR, Frisbie DD. Blood flow restriction training does not negatively alter the mechanical strength or histomorphology of uninjured equine superficial digital flexor tendons. Equine Vet J 2024. [PMID: 38659234 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low load exercise training with blood flow restriction (BFR) has become increasingly used by human physical therapists to prescribe controlled exercise following orthopaedic injury; its effects on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), however, are unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate outcomes of pressure specific BFR walking exercise on uninjured equine SDFT biomechanics and histomorphology. STUDY DESIGN Controlled in vivo experiment. METHODS Four forelimbs of four horses were exposed to 40 BFR-walk sessions (10-min interval walking) on a treadmill over a 56-day study period with their contralateral forelimbs serving as untreated controls. Similarly, four forelimbs of four control horses were exposed to 40 sham cuff walk sessions. On study Day 56, all horses (n = 8) were humanely euthanised and forelimb SDFTs underwent non-destructive biomechanical testing and corresponding histomorphological analysis. Significance in biomechanical parameters between treatment groups was analysed using a mixed-effects ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc tests. RESULTS Statistically significant differences in SDFT stiffness for both first (p = 0.02) and last cycles (p = 0.03) were appreciated within the BFR treated group only, with BFR exposed forelimbs being significantly stiffer than the contralateral unexposed forelimbs. When normalised to cross-sectional area, no significant differences were appreciated among treatment groups in elastic modulus for the first (p = 0.5) or last cycles (p = 0.4). No histological differences were appreciated among treatment groups according to Bonar, Movin, or musculotendinous junction evaluation criteria. MAIN LIMITATIONS Short-term comparisons were performed in a small sample population without correlation to performance outcome measures. Optimal occlusion percentages and walk protocols remain unknown. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated no negative impact of BFR on mechanical strength of the equine SDFT; however, evidence suggests that BFR results in increased tendon stiffness based on biomechanical testing and subsequent calculations. No consistent detrimental histomorphological changes were seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry A Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Katie J Sikes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - James W Johnson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily Van Zeeland
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sara Wist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelly S Santangelo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Melissa R King
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - David D Frisbie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Pechanec MY, Mienaltowski MJ. Decoding the transcriptomic expression and genomic methylation patterns in the tendon proper and its peritenon region in the aging horse. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:267. [PMID: 37821884 PMCID: PMC10566085 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Equine tendinopathies are challenging because of the poor healing capacity of tendons commonly resulting in high re-injury rates. Within the tendon, different regions - tendon proper (TP) and peritenon (PERI) - contribute to the tendon matrix in differing capacities during injury and aging. Aged tendons have decreased repair potential; the underlying transcriptional and epigenetic changes that occur in the TP and PERI regions are not well understood. The objective of this study was to assess TP and PERI regional differences in adolescent, midlife, and geriatric horses using RNA sequencing and DNA methylation techniques. RESULTS Differences existed between TP and PERI regions of equine superficial digital flexor tendons by age as evidenced by RNASeq and DNA methylation. Cluster analysis indicated that regional distinctions existed regardless of age. Genes such as DCN, COMP, FN1, and LOX maintained elevated TP expression while genes such as GSN and AHNAK were abundant in PERI. Increased gene activity was present in adolescent and geriatric populations but decreased during midlife. Regional differences in DNA methylation were also noted. Notably, when evaluating all ages of TP against PERI, five genes (HAND2, CHD9, RASL11B, ADGRD1, and COL14A1) had regions of differential methylation as well as differential gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Y Pechanec
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Michael J Mienaltowski
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Pechanec MY, Beall JM, Katzman S, Maga EA, Mienaltowski MJ. Examining the Effects of In Vitro Co-Culture of Equine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells With Tendon Proper and Peritenon Cells. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 126:104262. [PMID: 36841345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Tendinopathies remain the leading contributor to career-ending injuries in horses because of the complexity of tendon repair. As such, cell-based therapies like injections of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs, or MSCs) into injured tendons are becoming increasingly popular though their long-term efficacy on a molecular and wholistic level remains contentious. Thus, we co-cultured equine MSCs with intrinsic (tendon proper) and extrinsic (peritenon) tendon cell populations to examine interactions between these cells. Gene expression for common tenogenic, perivascular, and differentiation markers was quantified at 48 and 120 hours. Additionally, cellular metabolism of proliferation was examined every 24 hours for peritenon and tendon proper cells co-cultured with MSCs. MSCs co-cultured with tendon proper or peritenon cells had altered expression profiles demonstrating trend toward tenogenic phenotype with the exception of decreases in type I collagen (COL1A1). Peritenon cells co-cultured with MSCs had a trending and significant decrease in biglycan (BGN) and CSPG4 at 48 hours and 120 hours but overall significant increases in lysyl oxidase (LOX), mohawk (MKX), and scleraxis (SCX) within 48 hours. Tendon proper cells co-cultured with MSCs also exhibited increases in LOX and SCX at 48 hours. Furthermore, cell proliferation improved overall for tendon proper cells co-cultured with MSCs. The co-culture study results suggest that adipose-derived MSCs contribute beneficially to tenogenic stimulation of peritenon or tendon proper cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Y Pechanec
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Jessica M Beall
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Scott Katzman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Elizabeth A Maga
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
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Johnson SA, Valdés-Martínez A, Turk PJ, Wayne McIlwraith C, Barrett MF, McGilvray KC, Frisbie DD. Longitudinal tendon healing assessed with multi-modality advanced imaging and tissue analysis. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:766-781. [PMID: 34101888 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The range of diagnostic modalities available to evaluate superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US). Direct, comprehensive comparison of multi-modality imaging characteristics to end-point data has not previously been performed using a model of tendinopathy but is required to obtain a better understanding of each modality's diagnostic capabilities. OBJECTIVE To compare CT, MRI and US evaluation to outcome measures for histologic, biochemical and biomechanical parameters using an equine surgical model of tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN Controlled experiment. METHODS Lesions were surgically created in both forelimb SDFTs of eight horses and imaged using MRI, CT and US at seven time points over 12 months. Imaging characteristics were then correlated to end point histologic, biochemical and biomechanical data using lasso regression. Longitudinal lesion size was compared between imaging modalities. RESULTS Lesion to tendon isoattenuation on CT evaluation correlated with the greatest levels of aggrecan deposition. A significant correlation between cellular density and percentage of tendon involvement on the T2-weighted sequence and signal intensity on the proton density fat saturated (PD FS) sequence was appreciated at the 12-month time point (P = .006, P = .02 respectively). There was no significant correlation between end-point data and US or contrast imaging characteristics. Cross sectional area lesion to tendon measurements were significantly largest on CT evaluation, followed by MRI and then US (P < .001). MAIN LIMITATIONS Experimentally induced tendon injury with singular end-point data correlation. CONCLUSIONS Lesion isoattenuation on CT evaluation suggested scar tissue deposition, while T2-weighted hyperintensity indicated hypercellular tendinopathy even in chronic stages of healing. Non contrast-enhanced MRI and CT evaluation correlated most closely to cellular characteristics of surgically damaged tendons assessed over a twelve month study period. Ultrasonographic evaluation underestimates true lesional size and should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry A Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Philip J Turk
- Atrium Health, Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Cyril Wayne McIlwraith
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Myra F Barrett
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kirk C McGilvray
- Orthopaedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - David D Frisbie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Orthopaedic Research Center at the C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Pechanec MY, Boyd TN, Baar K, Mienaltowski MJ. Adding exogenous biglycan or decorin improves tendon formation for equine peritenon and tendon proper cells in vitro. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:627. [PMID: 32967653 PMCID: PMC7513506 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tendon injuries amount to one of the leading causes of career-ending injuries in horses due to the inability for tendon to completely repair and the high reinjury potential. As a result, novel therapeutics are necessary to improve repair with the goal of decreasing leg lameness and potential reinjury. Small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycans (SLRPs), a class of regulatory molecules responsible for collagen organization and maturation, may be one such therapeutic to improve tendon repair. Before SLRP supplementation can occur in vivo, proper evaluation of the effect of these molecules in vitro needs to be assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of purified bovine biglycan or decorin on tendon proper and peritenon cell populations in three-dimensional tendon constructs. Methods Equine tendon proper or peritenon cell seeded fibrin three-dimensional constructs were supplemented with biglycan or decorin at two concentrations (5 nM or 25 nM). The functionality and ultrastructural morphology of the constructs were assessed using biomechanics, collagen content analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and gene expression by real time – quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results SLRP supplementation affected both tendon proper and peritenon cells-seeded constructs. With additional SLRPs, material and tensile properties of constructs strengthened, though ultrastructural analyses indicated production of similar-sized or smaller fibrils. Overall expression of tendon markers was bolstered more in peritenon cells supplemented with either SLRP, while supplementation of SLRPs to TP cell-derived constructs demonstrated fewer changes in tendon and extracellular matrix markers. Moreover, relative to non-supplemented tendon proper cell-seeded constructs, SLRP supplementation of the peritenon cells showed increases in mechanical strength, material properties, and collagen content. Conclusions The SLRP-supplemented peritenon cells produced constructs with greater mechanical and material properties than tendon proper seeded constructs, as well as increased expression of matrix assembly molecules. These findings provide evidence that SLRPs should be further investigated for their potential to improve tendon formation in engineered grafts or post-injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Y Pechanec
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Tannah N Boyd
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Keith Baar
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California Davis, 195 Briggs Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 195 Briggs Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Michael J Mienaltowski
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Swor TM, Dabareiner RM, Honnas CM, Cohen ND, Black JB. Musculoskeletal problems associated with lameness and poor performance in cutting horses: 200 cases (2007–2015). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019; 254:619-625. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.254.5.619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Evaluation and Optimization of a Three-Dimensional Construct Model for Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Berner D. Diagnostic imaging of tendinopathies of the superficial flexor tendon in horses. Vet Rec 2017; 181:652-654. [PMID: 29246992 DOI: 10.1136/vr.j5746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Berner
- Department of Clinical Science & Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
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Geburek F, Gaus M, van Schie HTM, Rohn K, Stadler PM. Effect of intralesional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment on clinical and ultrasonographic parameters in equine naturally occurring superficial digital flexor tendinopathies - a randomized prospective controlled clinical trial. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:191. [PMID: 27604193 PMCID: PMC5015224 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0826-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects on tendinopathies have been attributed to blood-derived biologicals. To date the evidence for the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment of naturally occurring equine tendinopathies is limited. The purpose of this placebo-controlled clinical trial was to describe the effect of a single treatment of equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) disease with PRP on clinical and ultrasonographic parameters. Twenty horses with naturally occurring tendinopathies of forelimb SDFTs were randomly assigned to the PRP-treated group (n = 10) or control group (n = 10) after clinical and ultrasonographic examination. The SDFTs received an intralesional treatment with autologous PRP or were injected with saline, respectively (day 0). All horses participated in a standardized exercise programme and were re-examined clinically, with B-mode ultrasonography (5 times at regular intervals) and ultrasound tissue characterization (week 12 and 24 after treatment) until week 24. Long-term performance was estimated via telephone inquiry. Results Compared to day 0, lameness decreased significantly by week 8 after treatment with PRP and by week 12 in the control group. Ultrasonographically there was no difference in the summarized cross sectional area between the groups at any time point. Ultrasound tissue characterization showed that echo types representing disorganized matrix decreased significantly throughout the observation period in the PRP-treated group. Echo type II, representing discontinuous fascicles, not yet aligned into lines of stress was significantly higher 24 weeks after PRP treatment. Eighty percent of the PRP treated horses reached their previous or a higher level of performance after 12 months compared to 50 % in the CG. After 24 months these proportions were 60 % and 50 %, respectively. Conclusions A single intralesional treatment with PRP up to 8 weeks after onset of clinical signs of tendinopathy contributes to an earlier reduction of lameness compared to saline treatment and to an advanced organization of repair tissue as the fibrillar matrix is getting organized into fascicles while remodelling continues. Long term, PRP treatment has the potential to increase the number of horses reaching their previous level of performance. Earlier treatment of tendinopathy with PRP should be considered to enhance these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Geburek
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Moritz Gaus
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans T M van Schie
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Karl Rohn
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter M Stadler
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
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