Variations in Apelin Expression Levels during Achilles Tendon Healing

Authors : Derya ÇIRAKOĞLU, Alper ÇIRAKLI, Havva ERDEM, Erdal UZUN, Mürüvvet AKÇAY ÇELİK

Pages : 57-63

Doi:10.19127/mbsjohs.873010

View : 16 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2021-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Research in recent years focused on the role of the apelin-APJ axis in pathologic fibrosis. The axis includes the parenchyma and mesenchymal cells of most organs. Reduction in parenchymal cells and activation of fibroblasts generally results in fibrosis of the organ. In this study, the aim was to reveal differences in apelin in tendons with primary repair. Methods: The study used 15 male Wistar Albino rats. The tendons of the right and left legs of the rats were used. Rats were divided into 3 groups containing 5 rats each. Group 1 was the sham group; Group 2 had tendon repair performed and were sacrificed 3 weeks later; and Group 3 had tendon repair and were sacrificed 6 weeks later. Under anesthesia, bilateral tendonectomy was performed and surgically repaired. Tendons were removed in the 3rd and 6th weeks. Samples were immunohistochemically stained for apelin and stain degree was assessed from 0 to 4 with a light microscope. The scores were compared with the Friedman test. Results: The results of statistical evaluation identified that the sham group had statistically significantly higher levels compared to the scores in the other two groups. There was no significant difference identified between the groups sacrificed in the 3rd and 6th weeks. Conclusion: This study concluded that apelin may be beneficial for tendon healing and that apelin levels may increase with fibrosis.
Keywords : Apelin, Fibrosis, Repair