Conclusions
While additional biomechanical analysis is warranted, these data suggest that elevated serum AGEs in persons with diabetes may impact tendon health.
Methods
Mice began receiving daily intraperitoneal injections of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-Control or AGE-BSA injections (200μg/ml) at 16-weeks of age. A tendon injury was created in the central third of both patellar tendons. Animals assigned to an exercise group began a moderate treadmill protocol one week following injury. The intact Achilles tendon and soleus muscle were also evaluated to assess the effect of BSA and AGE-BSA on un-injured muscle and tendon.
Results
We demonstrate that our injection dosing and schedule lead to an increase in serum AGEs. Our findings imply that AGEs indeed modulate gene expression following a patellar tendon injury and have modest effects on gene expression in intact muscle and tendon. Conclusions: While additional biomechanical analysis is warranted, these data suggest that elevated serum AGEs in persons with diabetes may impact tendon health.