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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.)

Structural and biochemical alterations during the healing process of tendons treated with Aloe vera

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Author(s):
Aro, A. A. [1] ; Nishan, U. [2, 1] ; Perez, M. O. [1] ; Rodrigues, R. A. [3] ; Foglio, M. A. [3] ; Carvalho, J. E. [3] ; Gomes, L. [1] ; Vidal, B. C. [1] ; Pimentel, E. R. [1]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] State Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Struct & Funct Biol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Fed Univ Sao Paulo Unifesp, Dept Morphol & Genet, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] State Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Chem Biol & Agr Pluridisciplinary Res Ctr CPQBA, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Life Sciences; v. 91, n. 17-18, p. 885-893, OCT 29 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 15
Abstract

Aims: The tendon is composed of highly organized collagen fibers that form a complex supramolecular structure. After lesions, the organization and composition of the tendon are not completely restored. Our purpose was to evaluate if the application of Aloe vera improves tendon healing, considering the effectiveness in the stimulus of collagen synthesis. Main methods: The calcaneal tendon of male Wistar rats was partially transected with subsequent topical application of A. vera ointment at the injury. The animals were separated into groups with tendons treated with the A. vera extract for 7 days and excised on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after surgery: control rats received only ointment base without plant extract. Key findings: Morphological analysis using polarization microscopy showed that the entire tendon undergoes a remodeling process, with disorganized collagen fibers by days 7 and 14 in plant treated and non-treated groups and with a higher birefringence in tendons of the plant-treated group on the 21st day. A higher concentration of hydroxyproline was found in plant-treated tendons on days 7 and 14 compared with their controls. Western blots showed lower amounts of type I collagen in the plant-treated group on day 14 compared with the control. MMP-9 diminished 14 days after lesion and the active isoform of MMP-2 increased on day 21 in plant-treated groups. Significance: The present study indicates a beneficial effect of A. vera in the tissue reorganization in the transected region of the tendon 21 days after injury and is supported by an increase of active MMP-2. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/05912-0 - Effect of the Aloe vera and Arrabidaea chica extracts on the healing of rat calcaneal tendon after partial transection
Grantee:Andréa Aparecida de Aro
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate