Effects of Physical Training on the Myocardium of Oxariectomized LDLr Knockout Mice: MMP 2/9, Collagen I/III, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress / Efeitos do Treinamento Físico sobre o Miocárdio de Camundongos LDLr Knockout Ovariectomizadas: MMP-2 e -9, Colágeno I/III, Inflamação e Estresse Oxidativo

Abstract Background: The emergence of coronary heart disease is increased with menopause, physical inactivity and with dyslipidemia. Physical training is known to promote the improvement of cardiovascular functions. Objective: To investigate the effects of aerobic physical training on the left ventricle in ovariectomized LDL knockout mice. Methods: Thirty animals were divided into 6 groups (n = 5): Sedentary non-ovariectomized control; Sedentary ovariectomized control; Trained ovariectomized control; Sedentary non-ovariectomized LDL-knockout, sedentary ovariectomized LDL-knockout and trained ovariectomized LDL-knockout. We analyzed the average parameters of apparent density of collagen fibers types I and III, and metalloproteinase type 2 and type 9, were considered significant p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that the proposed exercise protocol altered the volume of type I collagen fibers, altered collagen remodeling parameters (MMP-2), and also reduced the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) oxidative stress parameter. Conclusion: Moderate intensity aerobic training acts on collagen fiber volume, on collagen remodeling with the reduction of oxidative stress in the left ventricles of ovariectomized LDL-knockout mice.

Resumo Fundamento: O surgimento da doença cardíaca coronariana aumenta com a menopausa, inatividade física e dislipidemia. Sabe-se que o treinamento físico promove a melhora das funções cardiovasculares Objectivo: Investigar os efeitos do treinamento físico aeróbico sobre o ventrículo esquerdo em camundongos LDL knockout ovariectomizadas. Métodos: Trinta animais foram divididos em 6 grupos (n = 5): controle sedentário não ovariectomizado, controle sedentário ovariectomizado, controle treinado ovariectomizado, sedentário LDL-knockout não ovariectomizado, sedentário LDL-knockout ovariectomizado e treinado LDL-knockout ovariectomizado. Analisamos os parâmetros médios da densidade de volume de fibras colágenas tipo I e III, e metaloproteinases 2 e 9. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados: Os resultados mostram que o protocolo de exercício proposto alterou o volume de fibras colágenas do tipo I e os parâmetros de remodelamento do colágeno (MMP-2), e ainda reduziu o parâmetro de estresse oxidativo do 8-hidroxi-2'-deoxiganosina (8-OhdG). Conclusão: O treinamento aeróbico de intensidade moderada age sobre o volume das fibras colágenas e sobre o remodelamento de colágeno, com redução do estresse oxidativo em ventrículos esquerdos de camundongos ovariectomizados LDLr Knockout.

Effects of the application of the amniotic membrane in the healing process of skin wounds in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the application of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) on the inflammatory process, fibroblast proliferation, formation of collagenand reduction of skin wound areas in rats. Methods: Thirty six rats were submitted to a surgical injury induction and divided into two groups (n = 18): group C (control) and T (treated with the HAM). The macroscopic evolution in the wound area and the histological characteristics of the skin samples were evaluated. Results: The regression of the wound area was greater in group T. The histological analysis revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the inflammatory infiltrate in group T at all experimental periods compared with that in the control group. Furthermore, the group T presented a significant increase in the proliferation of fibroblasts at 14 and 21 days compared with group C (p < 0.05). Regarding the deposition of mature collagen fibers, there was an increase in the replacement of type III collagen by type I collagen in group T (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Treatment with the HAM reduced the healing time as well as the inflammatory responses, increased the proliferation of fibroblasts, and induced a higher concentration of mature collagen fibers.

Effects of renal dysfunction on healing of colonic anastomosis: experimental study in wistar rats / Efeitos da disfunção renal na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas: estudo experimental em ratos wistar

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic kidney disease affects more than 500 million people worldwide. In this context, the uremic toxins present are related to worsening in tissue healing. Aim: Evaluate on healing of colonic anastomosis in uremic rats, serum and anatomopathological indicators, which may be related to the change tissue repair process. Methods: Twenty Wistar rats, were randomly separated into two groups. In the sham group they were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy simulation in left kidney, simulation right nephrectomy, median laparotomy, colotomy and colorraphy. In the uremia group, they were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy of the left kidney, total nephrectomy of the right kidney and median laparotomy, colotomy and colorraphy. Were collected for serum urea, creatinine and CRP dosages and the colonic segments were studied for evaluation of granulation tissue, collagen maturation, microvascular and myofibroblasts density, and cell viability. Through histochemical processing, microvascular density was evaluated by anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody marking, cell viability by cell proliferation nuclear antigen screening and myofibroblasts density with monoclonal anti-α-actin antibody. Computerized histometry was used for evaluations of collagens type I and III by the coloration of picrosirius. Results: The group submitted to nephrectomy 5/6, compared to the sham group, show urea increase (p<0.0000) and higher C reactive protein (p=0.0142). Decrease of granulation tissue formation (border reepithelialization p=0,0196, angiofibroblast proliferation p=0.0379), mean collagen I (p=0,0009) and collagen III (p=0,016), microvascular density (p=0,0074), cell proliferation nuclear antigen (p<0,0000) and myofibroblasts (p<0,0001). Conclusion: The uremia induced by nephrectomy 5/6 model establishes negative impact in the colonic wound healing.

RESUMO Racional: A doença renal crônica atinge mais de 500 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo. Neste contexto, as toxinas urêmicas estão relacionadas ao comprometimento da cicatrização tecidual. Objetivo: Avaliar, na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas de ratos urêmicos indicadores séricos e anatomopatológicos que possam estar relacionados com alteração do processo de reparação tissular. Métodos: Utilizaram-se 20 ratos Wistar divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. No grupo simulação eles foram submetidos à simulação da nefrectomia 5/6 do rim esquerdo, simulação de nefrectomia total do rim direito, laparotomia mediana, colotomia e colorrafia. No grupo uremia, eles foram submetidos à nefrectomia 5/6 do rim esquerdo, nefrectomia total do rim direito, laparotomia mediana, colotomia e colorrafia. Coletaram-se amostras de sangue para dosagens séricas da ureia, creatinina e proteína C reativa, e do cólon para processamentos histológicos e histoquímicos na avaliação do tecido de granulação, maturação de colágeno, densidade microvascular e de miofibroblastos, viabilidade celular cicatricial. Empregou-se a histometria computadorizada para as avaliações de colágenos tipos I e III, densidade microvascular pela marcação com anticorpo monoclonal anti-CD34, viabilidade celular pela pesquisa do antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular e a densidade de miofibroblastos com anticorpo monoclonal anti-α-actina. Resultados: O grupo submetido à nefrectomia 5/6, em comparação ao grupo simulação, demonstraram aumentos da ureia sérica (p<0,0000) e proteína C reativa (p=0,0142), redução da formação de tecido de granulação (reepitelização de bordas p=0,0196, proliferação angiofibroblástica p=0,0379), porcentagens de colágeno I (p=0,0009) e colágeno III (p=0,016), densidade microvascular (p=0,0074) e miofibroblastos (p<0,0001) e antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular (p<0,0000). Conclusão: A uremia induzida pelo modelo de nefrectomia 5/6 determina impacto negativo no processo de cicatrização colônico.

Biomechanic and histologic analysis of fibroblastic effects of tendon to bone healing by transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) in rotator cuff tears

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on tendon-to-bone reconstruction of rotator cuff tears. Methods: Seventy-two rat supraspinatus tendons were transected and reconstructed in situ. At 8 and 16 weeks, specimens of three groups; that is control, L-dose (low dose), and H-dose (high dose) were harvested and underwent a biomechanical test to evaluate the maximum load and stiffness values. Histology sections of the tendon-to-bone interface were identified by hematoxylin-eosin or Masson trichrome stain. Collagen type III was observed by picric acid sirius red staining under polarized light. The level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: Collagen type III of the H-dose group had a significant difference in histology structure compared with the L-dose group (P<0.05). The maximum load and stiffness decreased significantly in the control group compared with the values of the L-dose and H-dose groups. The stiffness among the three groups differed significantly at the same postoperative time (P<0.05). Interestingly, progressive reestablishment of collagen type III affected tendon-to-bone healing significantly in the later stages. Conclusion: The H-dose was associated with an increased collagen type III morphology stimulated by TGF-β1.

Roles of the ERK1/2 and PI3K/PKB signaling pathways in regulating the expression of extracellular matrix genes in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the mechanisms by which PD98059 and LY294002 interfere with the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix regulated by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Methods: Rat PASMCs were cultured and separated into a control group. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of collagen III and fibronectin mRNA. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of collagen III protein. Results: The expression of collagen III and fibronectin mRNA was greater in PASMCs stimulated with CTGF for 48 h, than in the control group. After 72h of stimulation, the expression of collagen III protein in the PASMCs was greater than in the control. The equivalent gene and protein expression of the CPL group were much more significant. Conclusions: CTGF can stimulate the gene expression of collagen III and fibronectin in PASMCs, which may be one of the factors that promote pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR) under the conditions of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PD98059 and LY294002 can inhibit the ERK1/2 and PI3K/PKB signaling pathways, respectively, thus interfering with the biological effects of CTGF. This may be a new way to reduce PAH-PVR.

Immediate postoperative evaluation of enteric anastomosis after the use of meloxicam in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To compare ileal anastomoses in the immediate postoperative healing period after meloxicam use. METHODS: Forty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of 21, COX and control group. To COX meloxicam in combination with morphine was given in 3 days period. Control group received only morphine during the same period. Each group was divided into three sub-groups of 7, which were euthanized at 5, 10, and 21 days postoperatively. Comparison was based in histological evaluation of collagen type I and III using sirius red, immunohistochemical through vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9. RESULTS: Healing process in scheduled periods did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between the COX and control groups during any of the periods. CONCLUSION: The use of meloxicam in the postoperative period following ileal anastomosis did not affect healing.

Characteristics of the fibroplasia and collagen expression in the abdominal wall after implant of the polypropylene mesh and polypropylene/polyglecaprone mesh in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To compare fibroplasia and the resistance of the abdominal wall when polypropylene meshes and polypropylene/poliglecaprone are used. METHODS: Seventy-seven male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Control Group (for resistance); Group E (polypropylene mesh); and Group U (polypropylene/poliglecaprone mesh). The animals in Groups E and U had a standard muscular and aponeurotic defect, with integral peritoneum, and correction with the mesh. Measurements were taken 4, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days after surgery. The resistance, and collagen density were studied. RESULTS: Resistance on the 56th day was similar in both meshes. The gain in resistance described an ascending curve for the polypropylene mesh and was irregular in the case of the polypropylene/poliglecaprone. Fibroplasia showed a gain in type I and type III collagen in both groups (p<0.001). Collagen III stabilized in the 14th day and collagen I continued to ascend. CONCLUSIONS: The gain in resistance of the polypropylene mesh is regular and ascending, whereas the polypropylene/poliglecaprone is not regular. The final resistance of both meshes is similar; the collagen density increases over time, and show the same inflammatory potential.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with sodium hyaluronate enhance bone mineralization

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium hyaluronate (HY), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and HY-functionalized SWCNTs (HY-SWCNTs) on the behavior of primary osteoblasts, as well as to investigate the deposition of inorganic crystals on titanium surfaces coated with these biocomposites. Primary osteoblasts were obtained from the calvarial bones of male newborn Wistar rats (5 rats for each cell extraction). We assessed cell viability using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and by double-staining with propidium iodide and Hoechst. We also assessed the formation of mineralized bone nodules by von Kossa staining, the mRNA expression of bone repair proteins, and the deposition of inorganic crystals on titanium surfaces coated with HY, SWCNTs, or HY-SWCNTs. The results showed that treatment with these biocomposites did not alter the viability of primary osteoblasts. Furthermore, deposition of mineralized bone nodules was significantly increased by cells treated with HY and HY-SWCNTs. This can be partly explained by an increase in the mRNA expression of type I and III collagen, osteocalcin, and bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 4. Additionally, the titanium surface treated with HY-SWCNTs showed a significant increase in the deposition of inorganic crystals. Thus, our data indicate that HY, SWCNTs, and HY-SWCNTs are potentially useful for the development of new strategies for bone tissue engineering.

Three days of intermittent stretching after muscle disuse alters the proteins involved in force transmission in muscle fibers in weanling rats

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of intermittent passive manual stretching on various proteins involved in force transmission in skeletal muscle. Female Wistar weanling rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups: 2 control groups containing 21- and 30-day-old rats that received neither immobilization nor stretching, and 3 test groups that received 1) passive stretching over 3 days, 2) immobilization for 7 days and then passive stretching over 3 days, or 3) immobilization for 7 days. Maximal plantar flexion in the right hind limb was imposed, and the stretching protocol of 10 repetitions of 30 s stretches was applied. The soleus muscles were harvested and processed for HE and picrosirius staining; immunohistochemical analysis of collagen types I, III, IV, desmin, and vimentin; and immunofluorescence labeling of dystrophin and CD68. The numbers of desmin- and vimentin-positive cells were significantly decreased compared with those in the control following immobilization, regardless of whether stretching was applied (P<0.05). In addition, the semi-quantitative analysis showed that collagen type I was increased and type IV was decreased in the immobilized animals, regardless of whether the stretching protocol was applied. In conclusion, the largest changes in response to stretching were observed in muscles that had been previously immobilized, and the stretching protocol applied here did not mitigate the immobilization-induced muscle changes. Muscle disuse adversely affected several proteins involved in the transmission of forces between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. Thus, the 3-day rehabilitation period tested here did not provide sufficient time for the muscles to recover from the disuse maladaptations in animals undergoing postnatal development.

Thalidomide Accelerates the Degradation of Extracellular Matrix in Rat Hepatic Cirrhosis via Down-Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor-beta1

PURPOSE: The degradation of the extracellular matrix has been shown to play an important role in the treatment of hepatic cirrhosis. In this study, the effect of thalidomide on the degradation of extracellular matrix was evaluated in a rat model of hepatic cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) three times weekly for 8 weeks. Then CCl4 was discontinued and thalidomide (100 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered daily by gavage for 6 weeks. Serum hyaluronic acid, laminin, procollagen type III, and collagen type IV were examined by using a radioimmunoassay. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) protein in the liver, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) protein in cytoplasm by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, and MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TGF-beta1 mRNA levels in the liver were studied using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Liver histopathology was significantly better in rats given thalidomide than in the untreated model group. The levels of TIMP-1 and TGF-beta1 mRNA and protein expressions were decreased significantly and MMP-13 mRNA and protein in the liver were significantly elevated in the thalidomide-treated group. CONCLUSION: Thalidomide may exert its effects on the regulation of MMP-13 and TIMP-1 via inhibition of the TGF-beta1 signaling pathway, which enhances the degradation of extracellular matrix and accelerates the regression of hepatic cirrhosis in rats.

Rapamycin Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor beta1-Induced Fibrogenesis in Primary Human Lung Fibroblasts

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to determine whether rapamycin could inhibit transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1)-induced fibrogenesis in primary lung fibroblasts, and whether the effect of inhibition would occur through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream p70S6K pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary normal human lung fibroblasts were obtained from histological normal lung tissue of 3 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Growth arrested, synchronized fibroblasts were treated with TGF-beta1 (10 ng/mL) and different concentrations of rapamycin (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 ng/mL) for 24 h. We assessed m-TOR, p-mTOR, S6K1, p-S6K1 by Western blot analysis, detected type III collagen and fibronectin secreting by ELISA assay, and determined type III collagen and fibronectin mRNA levels by real-time PCR assay. RESULTS: Rapamycin significantly reduced TGF-beta1-induced type III collagen and fibronectin levels, as well as type III collagen and fibronectin mRNA levels. Furthermore, we also found that TGF-beta1-induced mTOR and p70S6K phosphorylation were significantly down-regulated by rapamycin. The mTOR/p70S6K pathway was activated through the TGF-beta1-mediated fibrogenic response in primary human lung fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that rapamycin effectively suppresses TGF-beta1-induced type III collagen and fibronectin levels in primary human lung fibroblasts partly through the mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Rapamycin has a potential value in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Influence of aging on the quality of the skin of white women: the role of collagen / Influência do envelhecimento na qualidade da pele de mulheres brancas: o papel do colágeno

PURPOSE: Evaluate the influence of aging on the quality of the skin of white women, analyzing the dermal collagen. METHODS: Pre-auricular flaps were collected for histological and morphometric analysis of 218 white women who underwent spontaneous facial aesthetic plastic surgery. Picrosirius ultrared stain was used for analysis and quantification of collagen in five age groups (<40 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years and 70 to 79 years) . RESULTS: Histological analysis showed changes suggestive of skin aging (fragmentation and disorganization of collagen fibers), especially in patients over 60 years. There were no significant changes in the relationship of age with the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, but there was with the percentage of the collagen I, III and total (p<0.001), which decreased with increasing aging. CONCLUSION: There is reduction in collagen with increasing age, and an increase in its degradation, leading to fragmentation of the fibers.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do envelhecimento na qualidade da pele de mulheres brancas analisando o colágeno dérmico. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se análise histológica e morfométrica de 218 retalhos pré-auriculares de mulheres brancas que se submeteram espontaneamente à cirurgia estética facial. Foi usada a coloração de Picrosirius Ultrared para analisar e quantificar os colágenos I, III e total em cinco grupos etários (<40 anos, 40 a 49 anos, 50 a 59 anos, 60 a 69 anos e 70 a 79 anos). RESULTADOS: A análise histológica mostrou alterações sugestivas de envelhecimento cutâneo (fragmentação e desorganização das fibras de colágeno), especialmente em pacientes acima de 60 anos. Não houve diferenças significantes entre a idade e a espessura da derme e da epiderme, mas houve diferenças significantes entre as percentagens de colágeno I, III e total (p<0,001) com o aumento da idade. CONCLUSÃO: Existe redução do colágeno com o aumento da idade e um aumento na sua degradação, levando à fragmentação das fibras.

Collagen I and III and metalloproteinase gene and protein expression in prostate cancer in relation to Gleason score

PURPOSE: To evaluate if the expression of metalloproteinase, collagen I and III are related to Gleason score, preoperative PSA and pathological stage in prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study group included radical prostatectomy specimens of 33 patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery from 2001 to 2009. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Gleason score=6 (13 patients), Gleason score=7 (10 patients), Gleason score>8 (10 patients). The control group included prostates of patients submitted to cystoprostatectomy and benign prostatic tissues adjacent to the cancer area. Specific areas of tissues were selected under microscope and further processed for collagen I and III analysis by real time PCR. In addition, 10 deparaffined sections of each group were used to evaluate collagen I, III and metalloproteinase immune expression. The results were correlated with Gleason score, preoperative PSA and pathological stage. RESULTS: We found significant difference in both collagen I and III gene expression between benign and tumoral areas in the prostate samples from Gleason score=6 (collagen I=0.4±0.2 vs 5±2.4, p<0.05; collagen III=0.2±0.06 vs 0.7±0.1, p<0.05) and Gleason score>8 (collagen I=8±3.4 vs 1.4±0.8, p<0.07; collagen III=1.8±0.5 vs 0.6±0.1, p<0.05). There was no correlation of collagen expression with Gleason score, preoperative PSA or pathological stage. There was a positive correlation between metalloproteinase expression and Gleason score (r²=0.47). CONCLUSIONS: The positive correlation between metalloproteinase expression and Gleason score suggests that metalloproteinase could be a promising factor to improve Gleason score evaluation. Its expression and regulation do not seem to be related with collagen degradation.

Normal skin and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts differentially regulate collagen and fibronectin expression as well as mitochondrial membrane potential in response to basic fibroblast growth factor

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) regulates skin wound healing; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be defined. In the present study, we determined the effects of bFGF on the regulation of cell growth as well as collagen and fibronectin expression in fibroblasts from normal human skin and from hypertrophic scars. We then explored the involvement of mitochondria in mediating bFGF-inducedeffects on the fibroblasts. We isolated and cultivated normal and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts from tissue biopsies of patients who underwent plastic surgery for repairing hypertrophic scars. The fibroblasts were then treated with different concentrations of bFGF (ranging from 0.1 to 1000 ng/mL). The growth of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts became slower with selective inhibition of type I collagen production after exposure to bFGF. However, type III collagen expression was affected in both normal and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. Moreover, fibronectin expression in the normal fibroblasts was up-regulated after bFGF treatment. bFGF (1000 ng/mL) also induced mitochondrial depolarization in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (P < 0.01). The cellular ATP level decreased in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (P < 0.05), while it increased in the normal fibroblasts following treatment with bFGF (P < 0.01). These data suggest that bFGF has differential effects and mechanisms on fibroblasts of the normal skin and hypertrophic scars, indicating that bFGF may play a role in the early phase of skin wound healing and post-burn scar formation.

Changes in histoanatomical distribution of types I, III and V collagen promote adaptative remodeling in posterior tibial tendon rupture

INTRODUCTION: Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a common cause of adult flat foot deformity, and its etiology is unknown. PURPOSE: In this study, we characterized the morphologic pattern and distribution of types I, III and V collagen in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. METHOD: Tendon samples from patients with and without posterior tibial tendon dysfunction were stained by immunofluorescence using antibodies against types I, III and V collagen. RESULTS: Control samples showed that type V deposited near the vessels only, while surgically obtained specimens displayed type V collagen surrounding other types of collagen fibers in thicker adventitial layers. Type III collagen levels were also increased in pathological specimens. On the other hand, amounts of collagen type I, which represents 95 percent of the total collagen amount in normal tendon, were decreased in pathological specimens. CONCLUSION: Fibrillogenesis in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is altered due to higher expression of types III and V collagen and a decreased amount of collagen type I, which renders the originating fibrils structurally less resistant to mechanical forces.

Endomyocardial fibrosis is associated with selective deposition of type I collagen.

BACKGROUND: Endomyocardial fibrosis is a distinct form of heart disease leading to restrictive ventricular filling and cardiac failure. The disease is characterized by a marked thickening of the endocardium due to the deposition of dense fibrous tissue composed of wavy bundles of collagen. Changes in collagen composition and an abnormal increase in its concentration result in a stiffer myocardium and ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The nature of cardiac collagens and the relative proportions of collagen types in endomyocardial fibrosis have not been documented in the literature. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study analyzed collagen composition in the cardiac tissues of 13 patients with endomyocardial fibrosis and 6 individuals who were the victims of traffic accidents or suicidal deaths and did not have any heart disease. We estimated the relative proportions of types I and III collagen after pepsin digestion of the tissue and separation of the emerging peptides by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The mean type I:III collagen ratio was 0.51+/-0.06 in normal individuals, and 0.93+/-0.43 in patients with endomyocardial fibrosis (p<0.05). The alteration in the type I:III collagen ratio was due to a disproportionate increase in type I collagen. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a selective increase in type I collagen may contribute to the impaired diastolic distension of the ventricles in patients with endomyocardial fibrosis.