Aging-related alterations in extracellular matrix and its adaptations to strength training in Calcaneal tendon of rats: biomechanical and biochemistry approach

• Grant number: 12/07996-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2012
• End date: April 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Heloisa Sobreiro Selistre de Araújo
• Grantee: Marcelo Shinyu Mekaro
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The gradual decline of organ systems during aging causes changes in the structural and functional integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These changes due to aging could predispose tendon lesions, which prevalence has increased in recent years and become a common clinical problem. However, the properties and biomechanical remodeling of the tendon ECM are still poorly understood. The identification of these properties will provide an important contribution to understanding the basic biology of tendons in the process of biological aging. Physical training minimizes the losses inherent in the musculoskeletal system in older people. Based on these theoretical assumptions, hypotheses of this study are: the properties of ECM are altered with aging, such as reducing the activity of MMPs fact that may impair tendon function and its ability to absorb energy in a biomechanical, and strength training can minimize such changes of the ECM in the aging process, favoring its remodeling as well as the function tendon. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of aging and the effect of strength training on the properties of the ECM remodeling in the calcaneus tendon involving of young and senile rats and their implications for tendon function.(AU)