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Journal of anatomy2024; doi: 10.1111/joa.14051

Mechanical properties, collagen and glycosaminoglycan content of equine superficial digital flexor tendons are not affected by training.

Abstract: Physical activity can activate extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis and influence the size and mechanical properties of tendon. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether different training histories of horses would influence the synthesis of collagen and other matrix proteins and alter the mechanical properties of tendon. Samples from superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) from horses that were either (a) currently race trained (n = 5), (b) previously race trained (n = 5) or (c) untrained (n = 4) were analysed for matrix protein abundance (mass spectrometry), collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, ECM gene expression and mechanical properties. It was found that ECM synthesis by tendon fibroblasts in vitro varied depending upon the previous training history. In contrast, fascicle morphology, collagen and GAG content, mechanical properties and ECM gene expression of the tendon did not reveal any significant differences between groups. In conclusion, although we could not identify any direct impact of the physical training history on the mechanical properties or major ECM components of the tendon, it is evident that horse tendon cells are responsive to loading in vivo, and the training background may lead to a modification in the composition of newly synthesised matrix.
© 2024 Anatomical Society.
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Publication Date: 2024-05-07 PubMed ID: 38712668DOI: 10.1111/joa.14051Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research article explores how a horse’s level of physical activity, or training history, affects the synthesis of collagen and other connective tissue proteins, as well as the overall mechanical properties of tendon. However, the study found no significant correlation between a horse’s exercise routine and the structure, mechanical properties or major cellular components of the horse’s tendon.

Objective of the Study

  • The primary aim was to investigate if a horse’s training history has an impact on the synthesis of collagen and other proteins that form the connective tissues in the tendon.
  • The study also sought to understand if these training histories would alter the mechanical properties of the tendon.

Methodology

  • Horses with varying training backgrounds were used for this study, specifically those that were currently race trained, previously race trained, or untrained.
  • Specimens from the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of these horses were analyzed.
  • Techniques such as mass spectrometry were used to determine the abundance of matrix proteins in the tendon samples.
  • The collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content along with the mechanical properties of the tendons were also assessed.
  • Furthermore, the study evaluated the gene expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the tendons.

Results and Conclusion

  • The study discovered that the synthesis of ECM by tendon fibroblasts in vitro varied based on the horse’s previous training history.
  • No significant differences were found in the fascicle morphology, collagen and GAG content, mechanical properties, or ECM gene expression of the tendons across the different training groups.
  • The study therefore concluded that although no direct impact of the horse’s training history on the mechanical properties or the major components of the tendons was identified, it was evident that the tendon cells in horses are responsive to loading in vivo.
  • The research also suggested that a horse’s training history might lead to alterations in the composition of the newly synthesised matrix, despite the overarching mechanical properties and components remaining consistent.

Cite This Article

APA
Yeung CC, Svensson RB, Mogensen NMB, Merkel MFR, Schjerling P, Jokipii-Utzon A, Zhang C, Carstensen H, Buhl R, Kjaer M. (2024). Mechanical properties, collagen and glycosaminoglycan content of equine superficial digital flexor tendons are not affected by training. J Anat. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.14051

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 1469-7580
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Yeung, Ching-Yan Chloé
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Svensson, René B
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mogensen, Nikoline M B
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Merkel, Max F R
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Schjerling, Peter
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jokipii-Utzon, Anja
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Zhang, Cheng
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Carstensen, Helena
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Buhl, Rikke
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Kjaer, Michael
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Grant Funding

  • R198-2015-207 / Lundbeck Foundation
  • DFF-1331-00313B / Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
  • Nordea-fonden

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Guzdek B, Fołta K, Staniek N, Stolarczyk M, Krukiewicz K. Collagen-Based Drug Delivery Agents for Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2025 Jul 6;26(13).
    doi: 10.3390/ijms26136513pubmed: 40650289google scholar: lookup
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