title: Thyroid hormones increase collagen I and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) expression in vitro human tenocytes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  we previously demonstrated the presence of high levels of thyroid hormones (THs) receptors isoforms in healthy tendons, their protective action during tenocyte apoptosis, and the capability to enhance tenocyte proliferation in vitro. In the present study we tested the ability of THs to influence ECM protein tenocyte secretion in an in vitro system.
  
  
  METHODS
  primary tenocyte-like cells were cultivated for 1, 7 and 14 days in the presence of T3 or T4 individually or in combination with ascorbic acid (AA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  THs (T3 or T4) in synergism with AA increase significantly the total collagen production after 14 days. THs in synergism with AA increase significantly the expression of collagen I,biglycan and COMP, after some days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  THs play a role on the extra cellular matrix of tendons, enhancing in vitro the production of several proteins such as collagen I, biglycan and COMP. THs receptors are active on human tenocytes, and can play a role in tendon ailments.
authors.affiliation: UOC Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Laboratories, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Spirito Santo Hospital, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Berardi
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Oliva
authors.affiliation: UOC Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Laboratories, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Spirito Santo Hospital, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berardocco
authors.affiliation: UOC Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Laboratories, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Spirito Santo Hospital, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: la Rovere
authors.affiliation: UOC Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Laboratories, Spirito Santo Hospital, Pescara, Italy.
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Accorsi
authors.affiliation: Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy; and Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Health Sciences Education, Centre for Sports and Exercise, London, UK.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maffulli
keywords: COMP; ascorbic acid; collagen I; tendons; tenocytes; thyroid hormones