Changes in histoanatomical distribution of types I, III and V collagen promote adaptative remodeling in posterior tibial tendon rupture.
BACKGROUND
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a common cause of adult flat foot deformity, and its etiology is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, we characterized the morphologic pattern and distribution of types I, III and V collagen in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.


METHODS
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% of the total collagen amount in normal tendon, were decreased in pathological specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Satomi
Erika
E
Department of Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Teodoro
Walcy R
WR
Parra
Edwin R
ER
Fernandes
Túlio D
TD
Velosa
Ana Paula P
AP
Capelozzi
Vera Luiza
VL
Yoshinari
Natalino Hajime
NH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000378:metabolism*; D024061:Collagen Type III / Q000378:metabolism*; D024062:Collagen Type V / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D037081:Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D024042:Collagen Type I; D024061:Collagen Type III; D024062:Collagen Type V