Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

More resistant tendons obtained from the association of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca and endurance training

Full text
Author(s):
Monteiro, Juliana C. [1] ; Gomes, Marcos L. M. [2] ; Tomiosso, Tatiana C. [3] ; Nakagaki, Wilson R. [2] ; Sbervelheri, Mariana M. [2] ; Ferrucci, Danilo L. [4] ; Pimentel, Edson R. [2] ; Dolder, Heidi [2]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Espirito Santo, Dept Ciencias Agr & Biol, Ctr Univ Norte Espirito Santo, BR-29932540 Sao Mateus, ES - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Estrutural & Func, Inst Biol, BR-13083863 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Dept Histol, Inst Ciencias Biomed, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[4] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Bioquim, Inst Biol, BR-13083863 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE; v. 11, JUN 28 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Background: Popular Brazilian medicine uses Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion as a tonic or stimulant, for the treatment of nervous debility and breakdown and for muscle and bone weakness. This study investigated the effects of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion on the tendon properties and extracellular matrix of rats under endurance training. Methods: Wistar rats were grouped as follows: CS-control sedentary, HS- H. aphrodisiaca sedentary, CT-control trained, HT-H. aphrodisiaca trained. The training protocol consisted in running on a motorized treadmill, five times a week, with weekly increase in treadmill speed and duration. Control groups received water while the HS and HT groups received H. aphrodisiaca infusion, daily, by gavage for the 8 weeks of training. Achilles tendons were frozen for biochemical and biomechanical analysis or preserved in Karnovsky's fixative, then processed for histomorphological analysis with light microscopy. Results: Biomechanical analysis showed significant increase in maximum load, maximum stress, modulus of elasticity and stiffness of the HT animals' tendons. The metalloproteinase-2 activity was reduced in the HT group. The compression region of HT animals' tendons had a stronger and more intense metachromasy, which suggests an increase in glycosaminoglycan concentration in this region of the tendon. The most intense birefringence was observed in both compression and tension regions of HT animals' tendons, which may indicate a higher organizational level of collagen bundles. The hydroxyproline content increased in the HT group. Conclusions: The association of endurance training with H. aphrodisiaca resulted in more organized collagen bundles and more resistant tendons to support higher loads from intense muscle contraction. Despite the clear anabolic effects of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca and the endurance exercise association, no side effects were observed, such as those found for synthetic anabolic androgenic steroids. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/05610-3 - Can the administration of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion have anabolic effects in rats submitted to endurance training?
Grantee:Mary Anne Heidi Dolder
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 06/06132-2 - Anabolic effects of the Heteropterys aphrodisiaca infusion associated with the physical exercises in Wistar rats: analysis of the musculoskeletal system and heart
Grantee:Juliana Castro Monteiro
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate