Influence of Supplements and Drugs used for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Adult Human Tendon-Derived Stem Cells

Abstract

Background. Recent findings indicate that the connective tissue of tendons hosts cells that can self-renew and are multipotent. Even if these cells seemingly fail to accomplish tendon regeneration in pathological conditions, their identification and characterization represents a milestone in the research and development of new biological therapies for tendinopathies. Methods. We isolated the adult human tendon-derived stem cells (hTDSCs) from the fragments of patellar or calcaneal tendons and characterized these cells in vitro by immunochemistry and histochemistry. Subsequently, the MTT test and Trypan Blue were used for the evaluation of cytotoxicity of the supplements/drugs commonly used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: Curcumin, Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoylethanolamide, Diclofenac sodium, Triamcinolone acetonide and Thiocolchicoside. Results. Cells obtained by outgrowth expressed mesenchymal markers, were clonogenic and differentiated into chondroblasts, osteoblasts and adipocytes. High concentrations of the anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid Triamcinolone and the analgesic fatty-acid amide Palmitoylethanolamide significantly reduced cell viability. Only curcumin had a positive effect on cell survival, both in the normal and oxidative stress conditions. Conclusions. Adult human tendons posses stem cells. The influence of several drugs or supplements used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders should be taken into consideration in order to take the full advantage of the healing properties of stem cells within tendons.

Collagenase-Induced Patellar Tendinopathy with Neovascularization: First Results towards a Piglet Model of Musculoskeletal Embolization

“…This new model may now be useful to assess new popular treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments and their effects on tendon stem cells. Indeed, these new therapies are yet evaluated either in vitro [ 34 ] or in clinics [ 35 ]. Preclinical data (anapathological and histological data) are lacking to better understand tendinopathy mechanisms.…”

Higher Branched-Chain Amino Acid Intake Is Associated with Handgrip Strength among Korean Older Adults

“…Dietary habits can affect an individual’s muscle conditions. Dietary intake of amino acids and the intake of nutraceuticals, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are known to promote muscle protein synthesis and increase muscle strength as well as tendon health [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Several previous studies have examined the association between BCAA intake and muscle strength [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]; however, most of these studies have reported on the short-term effects of amino acid supplementation through clinical trials [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”

Effects of β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyric Supplementation in Combination with Conservative Non-Invasive Treatments in Athletes with Patellar Tendinopathy: A Pilot Study

“…The combination of eccentric training and stretching has demonstrated a higher effect in the reduction of pain in athletes with PT [ 23 ]. In addition, ESWT could generate high forces on the tendon producing analgesic benefits by the mechanical disintegration of calcium deposits and the stimulation of tissue repair [ 24 , 25 ] and optimize a conservative treatment in athletes with PT [ 26 , 27 ].…”