Effects of L-carnitine on healing of Achilles tendon in rats

Abstract

Objectives In this experimental study, we aimed to analyze the effects of levocarnitine (L-carnitine) on tendon healing after surgical repair of Achilles tendon rupture in a rat model. Materials and methods The study included 40 Wistar Albino rats divided into four groups: Group 1, neither surgical intervention nor substance applications were performed for the Achilles tendons. In the other groups, the right Achilles tendons were cut using a scalpel and repaired with a modified Kessler-type technique with 3/0 monofilament polydioxanone suture. In Group 2, the rats did not receive any additional treatment, except for surgical repair. In Group 3, the same volume similar to Group 4 of saline solution was administered intraperitoneally for seven days. In Group 4, each rat received 300 mg/kg of L-carnitine intraperitoneally for seven days. At Week 6, all rats were sacrificed. All right Achilles tendons were used for biomechanical tests and histopathological evaluations. Biochemical analysis of the matrix metalloproteinase was also performed using the blood specimens. Results There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of the histopathological parameters. Although the mean matrix metalloproteinase level was low in the L-carnitine group, it did not reach statistical significance. A significant increase in maximum force, tensile strength, and strength to 2-mm gap was observed in the L-carnitine group. Conclusion The significant effects of L-carnitine on biomechanical parameters may indicate favorable effects on Achilles tendon healing in rats by reducing matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9. To improve Achilles tendon healing, further investigation for these markers is needed. Since the effects of L-carnitine on the Achilles tendon cannot be clearly distinguished histopathologically, further studies involving L-carnitine-induced effects are warranted.

The Effect of L-Carnitine on Experimental Achilles Tendon Injury

“…Contrary, significant differences were found between the groups in histopathological parameters of inflammation (p = 0.010), neovascularization (p = 0.005), and fibroblastic activity (p = 0.005) in our study. The reason of Kuşcu et al (27) results may be the short-period of application of LC. However, they did not determine LC detrimental effect on tendon healing.…”

“…Kuşcu et al (27) investigated the effect of LC on experimental Achilles tendon repairment histopathologically. In this study, it was performed that control group was applied nothing, but after surgical repair of the Achilles tendon, the sham group was given to nothing, the serum physiologic (SF) group was given one week SF, and LC group was given intraperitoneally for one week.…”

The effect of papaverine on tendon healing and adhesion in rats following Achilles tendon repair

“…This complex mechanism is essential for fundamental activities such as walking, jumping, and running. [ 1 , 2 ] Notably, the incidence of acute tendon injuries tends to rise within the age range of 30 to 40 years, predominantly affecting male individuals. These injuries are frequently linked to recreational sports, such as ball games and racket sports, that involve rapid acceleration and jumping.…”

Histopathological and histomorphometric investigation of the effects of different irrigation solutions on Achilles tendon healing in rats

“…[1] For full-thickness tears of the Achilles tendon, which is the most common injury site of the lower extremity, recent studies have reported comparable results of conservative treatment with accelerated rehabilitation in the early term with surgical treatment, while a debate on the subject continues. [2][3][4][5] By effectively minimizing complications, open surgical repair of Achilles tendon tears can yield positive functional results and low recurrence rates. [6] Nonetheless, wound Tendons, similar to several other tissue types, are poorly vascularized, hypocellular, and heal slowly.…”