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Home / Equine Research Bank / Aging Cell / Aging enhances a mechanically-induced reduction in tendon st...
Aging cell2007; 6(4); 547-556; doi: 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2007.00307.x

Aging enhances a mechanically-induced reduction in tendon strength by an active process involving matrix metalloproteinase activity.

Abstract: Age-associated and degenerative loss of functional integrity in soft tissues develops from effects of cumulative and subtle changes in their extracellular matrix (ECM). The highly ordered tendon ECM provides the tissue with its tensile strength during loading. As age and exercise collide in the high incidence of tendinopathies, we hypothesized that aged tendons fail due to cumulative damage resulting from a combination of diminished matrix repair and fragmentation of ECM proteins induced by prolonged cyclical loading, and that this is an active cell-mediated process. We developed an equine tendon explant model to examine the effect of age on the influence of prolonged cyclical loading at physiologically relevant strain rates (5% strain, 1 Hz for 24 h) on tissue mechanical properties, loss of ECM protein and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. We show significantly diminished mechanical strength of cyclically loaded tissue compared to controls (39.7 +/- 12%, P <or= 0.05) this reduction was dependent on the presence of both viable cells and metalloproteinase activity. Furthermore, tendon from older specimens was more susceptible to weakening (11-30 years, 50%P <or= 0.05) compared to immature and young mature tissue (1-3 years, 34%; 4-10 years, 35%, respectively). Cyclical load also induced release of degraded cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, an integral ECM protein, an effect that could be mimicked by culture with fibronectin fragments. These findings indicate prolonged cyclical loading of physiological magnitude decreases tendon tensile strength by an active process, and that MMPs may contribute to loss of functional competence, exaggerated by age, via load-induced proteolytic disruption of the ECM.
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Publication Date: 2007-06-18 PubMed ID: 17578513DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2007.00307.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates how aging affects tendon strength, especially when tendons endure repeated mechanical stress. The study finds that active cell activities and the functioning of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases play significant roles in age-related tendon weakening.

Understanding Tendons and Their Functioning

  • Tendons are important tissues that connect muscles to bones and are essential to movement.
  • The functional efficiency of tendons depends on their extracellular matrix (ECM), an ordered structure that provides tensile strength, enabling tendons to withstand loads.
  • As people age, tendons often lose their functional efficiency due to subtle and cumulative changes to the ECM.
  • An increase in age and physical activity often leads to tendinopathies – conditions where tendons become painful or damage due to overuse.

Research Hypothesis and Methodology

  • The researchers hypothesized that aged tendons might fail due to cumulative damage arising from a combination of diminished matrix repair and fragmentation of ECM proteins, induced by prolonged cyclical loading.
  • The researchers developed an equine tendon explant model to study the effects of aging on the influence of prolonged cyclical loading at physiologically relevant strain rates on tissue mechanical properties, and ECM protein and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression.

Key Findings of the Study

  • The results showed that the mechanical strength of tissues undergoing cyclical loading was significantly diminished compared to control tissues, and this reduction in strength was dependent on the presence of viable cells and metalloproteinase activity.
  • Tissue from older specimens was found to be more susceptible to weakening than relatively younger tissues.
  • Cyclical load also induced the release of degraded cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (an integral ECM protein), an effect that was reproduced by culture with fibronectin fragments.

Conclusions and Implications from the Study

  • The findings indicate that prolonged cyclical loading of physiological magnitude decreases tendon tensile strength via an active process.
  • MMPs may also contribute to the loss of functional competence, a problem that could be exacerbated by aging, through the load-induced proteolytic disruption of the ECM.
  • These findings suggest that preventing this process or countering its effects might form a useful strategy in managing certain age- and exercise-related tendon diseases.

Cite This Article

APA
Dudhia J, Scott CM, Draper ER, Heinegård D, Pitsillides AA, Smith RK. (2007). Aging enhances a mechanically-induced reduction in tendon strength by an active process involving matrix metalloproteinase activity. Aging Cell, 6(4), 547-556. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-9726.2007.00307.x

Publication

Aging cell
ISSN: 1474-9718
NlmUniqueID: 101130839
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 6
Issue: 4
Pages: 547-556

Researcher Affiliations

Dudhia, Jayesh
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK. jdudhia@rvc.ac.uk
Scott, Charlotte M
    Draper, Edward R C
      Heinegård, Dick
        Pitsillides, Andrew A
          Smith, Roger K

            MeSH Terms

            • Aging / physiology
            • Animals
            • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
            • Horses
            • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
            • Motor Activity
            • Muscle, Skeletal
            • Stress, Mechanical
            • Tendinopathy
            • Tendons / enzymology
            • Tendons / physiology
            • Tensile Strength

            Citations

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