Effect of diclofenac on TNFα and HIF1α levels in rat supraspinatus tendon repair

Abstract

Introduction: Tendon healing is influenced by proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and hypoxia-induced factor 1 alpha (HIF1α). We hypothese that diclofenac effects on HIF1α and TNFα levels during healing process. Methods: A supraspinatus tear model was created and repaired to its anatomic footprint with 42 male Winstar rats. Rats were randomized to study and control group. Diclofenac 1 mg/kg/day was administered to the study group in a subcutaneous way. The rats were killed at weeks 1, 3 and 6, and seven rats from each group underwent immunohistochemical examination with TNFα and HIF1α. Results: HIF1α was highest in the first week in both diclofenac and control group. HIF1α levels decreased significantly at the 6 th week in the control group (p=0.011) but in diclofenac group this decrease was observed at the 3 rd week (p=0.024). TNFα levels decrease significantly at 3 rd week in both groups (p<0.001), but in diclofenac group TNFα level was high at 6 th week compared to 3 rd week (p=0.051). Conclusion: Diclofenac could have effect on HIF1α and TNFα which are important in different phases of tendon healing. Level of evidence: basic science study.