title: [Effect of glucosamine chondroitine sulphate on repaired tenotomized rat Achilles tendons].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the effects of glucosamine chondroitine sulphate (glcN-CS) on rat Achilles tendons in this experimental animal study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty Wistar albino type rats weighing 300-350 g were randomly grouped into two. Group A: Achilles tendons were tenotomized, repaired and, glcN-CS given orally. Group B: Achilles tendons were tenotomized and repaired. All the rats were fed with pellet chow. Five rats in each group were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks interval. Tensile strength of three tendon specimen from each group were tested biomechanically and two specimen were analysed histopathologically via immunohistochemical staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Contralateral side Achilles tendons were also grouped and analyzed as controls (group C and D).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histological results showed well organized collagen formation and less inflammation in group A. Biomechanical testing showed higher tendon strength in group A at eight weeks which is not statisticaly significant (55.3±4.84N, p=0.078). Rats which were were given glcN-CS had greater tendon strength which is statisticaly significant (50.01±5.62, p=0.014).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Glucoseamine chondroitine sulphate improved results of Achilles tendon healing in rats. This result might be due to decreased inflammation and stimulation of collagen synthesis. Although glcN-CS is recommended only in osteoarthritic patients to relieve symptoms and signs it can also be prefered in treatment of soft tissue injuries formed during sports activities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medicine Faculty of Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. hamzabuz@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Hamza
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ozer
authors.forename: Anıl
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taşkesen
authors.forename: Oğuz
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kul
authors.forename: Hakan Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Selek
authors.forename: Sacit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Turanlı
authors.forename: Kenan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Köse
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002807:Chondroitin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007249:Inflammation; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D002807:Chondroitin