Increasing number of fibroblast, capillary and collagen amount in Achilles tendons of rats with diabetic mellitus after application of stromal vascular fraction derived from adipose tissue

Abstract

Background: Achilles tendinopathy is common in diabetes mellitus and makes the tendon susceptible to rupture. Achilles tendon rupture healing is impaired in diabetics. Stromal vascular fraction can be an alternative treatment for Achilles tendon rupture in diabetic tendinopathy. Methods: Eighteen rats were used in this experimental study and divided into three groups: group 1, normoglycemia; group 2, diabetes mellitus; and group 3, diabetes mellitus injected with stromal vascular fraction. After 2 wk, we evaluated the fibroblasts, capillaries, and collagen. Results: The number of fibroblasts and capillaries and the amount of collagen were increased significantly in group 3 compared to group 1 and group 2 (P<0.05). Conclusions: Stromal vascular fraction increased the number of fibroblasts, angiogenesis, and the amount of collagen. Thus, stromal vascular fraction improved healing of Achilles tendon ruptures in rats with diabetic tendinopathy.

Understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of diabetic tendinopathy

“…The repair and regenerative capacity of diabetic tendons is compromised during the healing process after injury. Fibroblast proliferation[ 43 , 44 ], vascularity[ 21 , 44 , 45 ], and collagen levels[ 36 , 44 ] were reduced in injured diabetic tendons during healing. Egemen et al [ 43 ] showed that although similar collagen deposition and vessel proliferation were observed in both injured diabetic and nondiabetic tendons during healing, lymphocyte infiltration and osteochondroid metaplasia of some tenocytes were observed in the injured diabetic tendons.…”