The aging tendon

Abstract

The aging tendon Tuite DJ, Renstrom PAFH, O'Brien M. The aging tendon.

Effects of 50 Days Ovomet Supplementation on Biomechanical Parameters and Subjective Pain Perception among Old Institutionalized Patients. A Preliminary Study

“…Intrinsic factors such as the quality of collagen as well as the crosssection of tendons decrease over time in the aging process [21][22][23][24], although there is controversy about this, others have suggested that with the advanced age the tendon is shown stronger and more rigid [25], the truth is that with our work the control group experienced a slight decrease in tendon linear stiffness. There are little studies that have done research on the effect of food supplementation on the tendon biomechanics; however a study with rats concluded that a supplementation of 3% of glycine and lysine added to the diet increased the stiffness of the tendon of the rats tail significantly compared to a control group fed with a standard diet [26].…”

Tendon — function-related structure, simple healing process and mysterious ageing

“…In most cases the wavy arrangement of fibers seen in healthy tendons is disturbed, possibly as a result of cumulative effect of microinjuries occurring throughout patients life [57]. This is accompanied by poorer tissue hydration, decreased content of proteoglycans and glycoproteins and increased lipid storage within the tendon [2,57]. Reduced perfusion due to a diminished number of capillaries is also observed and neovascularization process is usually absent [18].…”

“…This includes thickening of collagen fibers ad disintegration of their hierarchical structure [18]. In most cases the wavy arrangement of fibers seen in healthy tendons is disturbed, possibly as a result of cumulative effect of microinjuries occurring throughout patients life [57]. This is accompanied by poorer tissue hydration, decreased content of proteoglycans and glycoproteins and increased lipid storage within the tendon [2,57].…”

“…The end result of these processes is stiffness and resistance to degradation enzymes involved in tendon remodeling collagen, resulting slower turnover of the ECM [57]. In ageing tendons the number of tenocytes is usually reduced, with alterations to their structure -they become longer, slender and their nuclei are filling almost all interior of the cell with complete reduction of other structures and organelles [18,25].…”

“…It must be underlined, that ageing is not only a wear and tear phenomenon, but is also associated with changes of gene expression and apoptosis which lead to decreased healing potential and performance of musculoskeletal system [57].Although the mechanism driving tendon ageing are poorly understood, they result in well characterized structural changes within the ECM predominantly related to changes of post-translational modifications in collagen [43]. (Tab.…”