Modulation of early functional recovery of Achilles tendon to bone unit after transection by BPC 157 and methylprednisolone

Inflamm Res. 2008 May;57(5):205-10. doi: 10.1007/s00011-007-7056-8.

Abstract

Objective and design: 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.

Material and 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.

Treatment: 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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / physiology*
  • Achilles Tendon / surgery
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Calcaneus / physiology*
  • Calcaneus / surgery
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / pathology
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / pharmacology*
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Models, Animal
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / drug effects
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology
  • Neutrophils / pathology
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Peptide Fragments / therapeutic use
  • Peroxidase / metabolism
  • Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Tendon Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Tendon Injuries / physiopathology
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*
  • Wound Healing / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Proteins
  • BPC 157
  • Peroxidase
  • Methylprednisolone