Loss of Tissue Regenerative Capacity in Aging - The Tendon

Abstract

Intrinsic to the process of aging is the loss of the ability to regenerate of different organs and tissues, becoming more susceptible to aggression and impaired function. Tendon aging is a complicated process following, however, similar mechanisms of other tissues -proposed model of the "Hallmarks of Aging", by López-Otín, et al [1]. Tendon structure and cellular composition is also unique, which makes scientific research in this field both a very specific and select task. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), more specifically, Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) may be of key importance.Tendon disease is one of the most common entities worldwide, and is currently increasing with the augment of the human life-expectancy. This review proposes to make a short summary of the state of the art in both the aging tendon and its available treatment target potentials.