Tendinopathies are very common in general population and a huge number of tendon-related procedures take place annually worldwide, with significant socio-economic repercussions. Numerous treatment options are commonly used for tendon disorders. Besides pharmacological and physical therapy, nutrition could represent an additional tool for preventing and treating this complex pathology that deserve a multidisciplinary approach. In recent years, nutraceutical products are growing up in popularity since these seem to favor the prevention and the healing processes of tendon injuries. This narrative literature review aims to summarize current understanding and the areas of ongoing research about the management of tendinopathies with the help of oral supplementation.

Balance impairments are a relevant problem in patients with diabetes, and interventions to manage this issue represent a public health need. This study reviewed the literature about the effectiveness of Tai Chi on balance improvement in patients with type 2 diabetes. Springerlink, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were screened. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials assessing balance in patients with type 2 diabetes enrolled in a Tai Chi program were considered eligible. Four studies were included in qualitative synthesis and in quantitative analysis (three randomized controlled trials and one pretest–posttest quasi-experimental study). Evidence supporting Tai Chi to improve balance in patients with type 2 diabetes was found (effect size: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [0.20, 0.84]); however, the analysis relied on a small number of studies, which raises concerns about the risk of bias. In conclusion, the results support the benefits of Tai Chi intervention to improve balance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

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Background. Recent findings indicate that the connective tissue of tendons hosts cells that can self-renew and are multipotent. Even if these cells seemingly fail to accomplish tendon regeneration in pathological conditions, their identification and characterization represents a milestone in the research and development of new biological therapies for tendinopathies. Methods. We isolated the adult human tendon-derived stem cells (hTDSCs) from the fragments of patellar or calcaneal tendons and characterized these cells in vitro by immunochemistry and histochemistry. Subsequently, the MTT test and Trypan Blue were used for the evaluation of cytotoxicity of the supplements/drugs commonly used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: Curcumin, Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoylethanolamide, Diclofenac sodium, Triamcinolone acetonide and Thiocolchicoside. Results. Cells obtained by outgrowth expressed mesenchymal markers, were clonogenic and differentiated into chondroblasts, osteoblasts and adipocytes. High concentrations of the anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid Triamcinolone and the analgesic fatty-acid amide Palmitoylethanolamide significantly reduced cell viability. Only curcumin had a positive effect on cell survival, both in the normal and oxidative stress conditions. Conclusions. Adult human tendons posses stem cells. The influence of several drugs or supplements used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders should be taken into consideration in order to take the full advantage of the healing properties of stem cells within tendons.