Role of a combination dietary supplement containing mucopolysaccharides, vitamin C, and collagen on tendon healing in rats

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mucopolysaccharide, vitamin C, and collagen supplementation on the healing of Achilles tendon in rats.MethodsSixteen rats were separated into 2 groups. Both Achilles tendons of all rats were transected 5 mm above the insertion and repaired using a Kessler suture. After the surgical repair, the study group received the daily recommended amount of the supplement by gastric gavage, while the control group received a placebo. At the end of the third week, the animals were sacrificed. The biomechanical properties of the groups were compared with ultimate tensile strength and stiffness tests. The biological properties of the 2 groups were assessed with a histomorphometric comparison to determine the amount of collagen type I (COL1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression in 3 different tissue subgroups (collagen matrix, tenocytes, and endotenon fibroblasts).ResultsAnalysis of histomorphometric results revealed that the rats receiving dietary supplements demonstrated a significant increase in PCNA (mean value of 86 in the control group and 168.85 in the trial group; p < 0.05) and TGF-β1 (mean value of 87.57 in the control group and 161.85 in the trial group; p < 0.05) in the endotenon fibroblasts of the repair site. However, there was no difference between the groups in PCNA or TGF-β1 when the collagen matrix and the tenocytes of the repair site were examined. Furthermore, no significant difference could be found between groups in COL1 in any of the 3 tissue subgroups (collagen matrix, tenocytes, and endotenon fibroblasts). The statistical analysis also indicated that the rats receiving supplements did not demonstrate a significant increase in the ultimate tendon tensile strength or stiffness.ConclusionThe results of this study revealed no advantage to the oral administration of the trial supplement in collagen synthesis or biomechanical properties in rats after 3 weeks using the presented study design. However, the increased expression of PCNA and TGFβ1 seen in the endotenon fibroblasts of the repair site might play a role in the continuum of tendon healing.

ESWT and nutraceutical supplementation (Tendisulfur Forte) vs ESWT-only in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and rotator cuff tendinopathy: a comparative study

“…The mechanism of action seems to depend on improvement of angiogenesis in the early stage, and of type I collagen synthesis during healing 31 . Nevertheless, in a more recent paper, Gemalmaz et al 32 . investigated the effects of a dietary supplement containing mucopolysaccharides, vitamin C, and collagen on Achilles tendon’s healing in rats, showing no advantages in collagen synthesis after 3 weeks.…”

Effect of Vitamin C on Tendinopathy Recovery: A Scoping Review

“…In relation to the studies on laboratory animals [3,8,[50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58], in six of them, VC is administered alone and in the other five in combination with other products. The administration is diverse: in two studies [50,57], the tissue is treated prior to transplantation; in three [8,55,58], VC is applied to the injured area by local injection; in two [51,54], the rodent takes VC from the water according to its needs ("ad libitum"); in two studies [3,52] VC is administered by peritoneal injection and, finally, in the last two [53,56], VC is provided by gastric lavage. The last column of both tables shows the effect of the administration of the product studied according to the tests carried out.…”

“…One of the interesting aspects that should be evaluated and transferred from animal models to therapeutic use in humans is the oral dose administered and if VC is used alone or in combination with other compounds. Doses used range from 7.2 mg/kg [53] to 150 mg/kg [3,52,56]. The transfer to humans, considering the weight of rodents between 250 and 350 g, would correspond to 500 mg for a 70 kg subject in the first case [53] to 42-100 g in the others [3,52,56].…”

“…Doses used range from 7.2 mg/kg [53] to 150 mg/kg [3,52,56]. The transfer to humans, considering the weight of rodents between 250 and 350 g, would correspond to 500 mg for a 70 kg subject in the first case [53] to 42-100 g in the others [3,52,56].…”

Effect of C60 Fullerene on Recovery of Muscle Soleus in Rats after Atrophy Induced by Achillotenotomy

“…At the same time, no advantages of oral administration of the studied additives in collagen synthesis or improvement of the biomechanical properties of atrophied muscles were found after 3 weeks of use while studying the effect of vitamin C on the healing of the Achilles tendon in rats. Therefore, the search for an optimal antioxidant for the treatment of muscular atrophy is still ongoing [ 20 ].…”