Enhancement of Achilles Tendon Repair Mediated by Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition via Systemic Administration of Doxycycline
Publication Date
2014
Journal Title
J Orthop Res
Abstract
Collagenases or matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to play an important role in the matrix degradation cascade associated with Achilles tendon rupture and disease. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of daily administration of doxycycline (Doxy) through oral gavage on MMP activity and on the repair quality of Achilles tendons in vivo. Our findings indicate that Achilles tendon transection resulted in increasing MMP-8 activity from 2 to 6 weeks post-injury, with peak increases in activity occurring at 4 weeks post-injury. Doxy adiministration at clinically relevant serum concentrations was found to significantly inhibit MMP activity after continuous treatment for 4 weeks, but not for continuous administration for shorter durations (96h or 2 weeks). Extended doxy administration was also associated with improved collagen fibril organization, and enhanced biomechanical properties (stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, maximum load to failure, and elastic toughness). Our findings indicate that a temporal delay exists between Achilles tendon transection and associated increases in MMP-8 activity in situ. Our findings suggest that inhibition of MMP-8 at its peak activity levels ameliorates fibrosis development and improves biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon. (c) 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:500-506, 2014.
Volume Number
32
Issue Number
4
Pages
500-506
Document Type
Article
EPub Date
2013/12/19
Status
Faculty, Northwell Researcher
Facility
School of Medicine; Northwell Health
Primary Department
Molecular Medicine
Additional Departments
Orthopedic Surgery; Neurosurgery
PMID
DOI
10.1002/jor.22564