Investigating the Effect of Aging on the Viscosity of Tendon Fascicles and Fibers

Karathanasopoulos, Nikolaos; Ganghoffer, Jean‐François

doi:10.3389/fbioe.2019.00107

Cited by 12 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 42 publications

(79 reference statements)

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“…We were not able to measure the thickness or CSA of the inter-fascicular matrices or to maintain identical IFM quantity (volume) during our test. Although we did not find significant correlation between age and measured tendon and fascicle level mechanical properties for both AL and DDFT, ageing has been proposed to have a significant influence on the IFM tensile mechanical properties [27, 28] and fascicle and fibre level viscosity [41]. A greater adhesion of inter-sub-bundle matrix would drastically affect force transmission at the AL-DDFT junction.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 65%

An equine tendon model for studying intra-tendinous shear in tendons that have more than one muscle contribution

Yin

McCarthy

Birch

2021

Preprint

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Human Achilles tendon is composed of three smaller sub-tendons and exhibits non-uniform internal displacements, which decline with age and after injury, suggesting a potential role in the development of tendinopathies. Studying internal sliding behaviour is therefore important but difficult in human Achilles tendon. Here we propose the equine deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and its accessory ligament (AL) as a model to understand the sliding mechanism. The AL-DDFT has a comparable sub-bundle structure, is subjected to high and frequent asymmetric loads and is a natural site of injury similar to human Achilles tendons. Equine AL-DDFT were collected and underwent whole tendon level (n=7) and fascicle level (n=7) quasi-static mechanical testing. Whole tendon level testing was performed by sequentially loading through the proximal AL and subsequently through the proximal DDFT and recording regional strain in the free structures and joined DDFT and AL. Fascicle level testing was performed with focus on the inter-sub-bundle matrix between the two structures at the junction. Our results demonstrate a significant difference in the regional strain between the joined DDFT and AL and a greater transmission of force from the AL to the DDFT than vice versa. These results can be partially explained by the mechanical properties and geometry of the two structures and by differences in the properties of the interfascicular matrices. In conclusion, this tendon model successfully demonstrates that high displacement discrepancy occurs between the two structures and can be used as an easy-access model for study intra-tendinous shear mechanics at the sub-tendon level.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 65%

An equine tendon model for studying intra-tendinous shear in tendons that have more than one muscle contribution

Yin

McCarthy

Birch

2021

Preprint

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“…The observed time-evolving viscoelastic behaviour has been also found in different tissues. For example, in tendons, beside the increase of elastic modulus, a significant decrease in viscosity was observed both for the fibers and for the embedding matrix as a function of ageing [56]. Similarly, skin becomes less elastic and more viscous with age, as highlighted by the decrease of the relaxation time and of recovery capacity [57,58].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Engineering Gels with Time-Evolving Viscoelasticity

2020

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From a mechanical point of view, a native extracellular matrix (ECM) is viscoelastic. It also possesses time-evolving or dynamic behaviour, since pathophysiological processes such as ageing alter their mechanical properties over time. On the other hand, biomaterial research on mechanobiology has focused mainly on the development of substrates with varying stiffness, with a few recent contributions on time- or space-dependent substrate mechanics. This work reports on a new method for engineering dynamic viscoelastic substrates, i.e., substrates in which viscoelastic parameters can change or evolve with time, providing a tool for investigating cell response to the mechanical microenvironment. In particular, a two-step (chemical and enzymatic) crosslinking strategy was implemented to modulate the viscoelastic properties of gelatin hydrogels. First, gels with different glutaraldehyde concentrations were developed to mimic a wide range of soft tissue viscoelastic behaviours. Then their mechanical behaviour was modulated over time using microbial transglutaminase. Typically, enzymatically induced mechanical alterations occurred within the first 24 h of reaction and then the characteristic time constant decreased although the elastic properties were maintained almost constant for up to seven days. Preliminary cell culture tests showed that cells adhered to the gels, and their viability was similar to that of controls. Thus, the strategy proposed in this work is suitable for studying cell response and adaptation to temporal variations of substrate mechanics during culture.

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“…Moreover, the deceleration of collagen turnover coupled with the extremely low elastin renewal rate implies irreversible changes in tissue form and function, which result from mechanical fatigue, damage or proteolytic degradation. Since ECM viscosity is directly proportional to the concentration of its constituents, the loss of collagen results in an increase in fluid mobility in tissues which is manifested by a decrease in viscosity 2,[37][38][39] .…”

Section: Time-evolving Viscoelasticitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since ECM viscosity is directly proportional to the concentration of its constituents, the loss of collagen results in an increase in fluid mobility in tissues, which is manifested by a decrease in viscosity. 2 , 37–39 …”

Section: Biological Viscoelasticitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterizing and Engineering Biomimetic Materials for Viscoelastic Mechanotransduction Studies

Cacopardo

Guazzelli

Ahluwalia

2022

Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews

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The mechanical behaviour of soft tissue extracellular matrix is time dependent. Moreover, it evolves over time due to physiological processes as well as aging and disease. Measuring and quantifying the time-dependent mechanical behaviour of soft tissues and materials poses a challenge, partly because of their labile and hydrated nature but also because of the lack of a common definition of terms and understanding of models for characterising viscoelasticity. Here we review the most important measurement techniques and models used to determine the viscoelastic properties of soft hydrated materials -or hydrogelsunderlining the difference between viscoelastic behaviour and the properties and descriptors used to quantify viscoelasticity. We then discuss the principal factors which determine tissue viscoelasticity in vivo and summarise what we currently know about cell response to time-dependent materials, outlining fundamental factors that have to be considered when interpreting results. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the different time scales involved (mechanical, cellular and observation time scales), as well as scaling principles, all of which must be considered when designing viscoelastic materials and performing experiments for biomechanics or mechanobiology applications. From this overview, key considerations and directions for furthering insights and applications in the emergent field of cell viscoelastic mechanotransduction are provided.

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Investigating the Effect of Aging on the Viscosity of Tendon Fascicles and Fibers

Cited by 12 publications

References 42 publications

An equine tendon model for studying intra-tendinous shear in tendons that have more than one muscle contribution

An equine tendon model for studying intra-tendinous shear in tendons that have more than one muscle contribution

Engineering Gels with Time-Evolving Viscoelasticity

Characterizing and Engineering Biomimetic Materials for Viscoelastic Mechanotransduction Studies

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