Modulation of early functional recovery of Achilles tendon to bone unit after transection by BPC 157 and methylprednisolone.
OBJECTIVE
In the presented study we compared the effect of stable peptide BPC 157 and methylprednisolone on early functional recovery after Achilles tendon to bone transection in a rat model before collagen healing started.


METHODS
Surgical transection of the right Achilles tendon to bone area was performed in seventy two Wistar Albino male rats. Healing Achilles tendon edges were harvested at days 1-4 following the transection. Using Achilles functional index (AFI), myeloperoxidase activity, histological inflammatory cell influx and vascular index early functional recovery was evaluated.


METHODS
Agents (stable peptide BPC 157 10 microg methylprednisolone 5 mg, normal saline 5 ml) were given alone (/kg b.w., intraperitoneally, once daily, first 30 min after surgery, last 24 h before analysis). Control group received normal saline 5 ml/kg.


RESULTS
BPC 157 improved functional recovery (AFI values increased at all time points, p <0.05) by anti-inflammatory (decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histological inflammatory cell influx, p <0.05) and increased new blood vessel formation (increased vascular index, p <0.05). Methyprednisolone decreased MPO activity and histological inflammatory cell influx, (p <0.05) but also decreased new blood vessel formation and did not affect early functional recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Stable peptide BPC 157 with combined anti-inflammatory action and induction of early new blood vessel formation facilitates early functional recovery in Achilles tendon to bone healing.
Krivic
A
A
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia. akrivic2004@yahoo.com
Majerovic
M
M
Jelic
I
I
Seiwerth
S
S
Sikiric
P
P
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023421:Models, Animal; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000473:pathology; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D011506:Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011506:Proteins; C083833:BPC 157; D009195:Peroxidase; D008775:Methylprednisolone