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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Implications of obesity for tendon structure, ultrastructure and biochemistry: A study on Zucker rats

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Author(s):
Biancalana, Adriano [1] ; Velloso, Licio Augusto [2] ; Taboga, Sebastiao Roberto [3] ; Gomes, Laurecir [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] State Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Anat Cell Biol & Physiol & Biophys, BR-13083863 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] State Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Fac Med Sci, Dept Internal Med, BR-13083863 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, IBILCE, Dept Biol, Inst Biosci Humanities & Exact Sci, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Review article
Source: Micron; v. 43, n. 2-3, p. 463-469, FEB 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

The extracellular matrix consists of collagen, proteoglycans and non-collagen proteins. The incidence of obesity and associated diseases is currently increasing in developed countries. Obesity is considered to be a disease of modern times, and genes predisposing to the disease have been identified in humans and animals. The objective of the present study was to compare the morphological and biochemical aspects of the deep digital flexor tendon of lean (Fa/Fa or Fa/fa) and genetically obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. Ultrastructural analysis showed the presence of lipid droplets in both groups, whereas disorganized collagen fibril bundles were observed in obese animals. Lean animals presented a larger amount of non-collagen proteins and glycosaminoglycans than obese rats. We propose that the overweight and lesser physical activity in obese animals may have provoked the alterations in the composition and organization of extracellular matrix components but a genetic mechanism cannot be excluded. These alterations might be related to organizational and structural modifications in the collagen bundles that influence the mechanical properties of tendons and the progression to a pathological state. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 04/14358-5 - Morphological, biomechanical and biochemical analysis of tendon of obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats
Grantee:Adriano Biancalana
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)