Pathogenesis of tendinopathies: inflammation or degeneration?

Arthritis Res Ther. 2009;11(3):235. doi: 10.1186/ar2723. Epub 2009 Jun 30.

Abstract

The intrinsic pathogenetic mechanisms of tendinopathies are largely unknown and whether inflammation or degeneration has the prominent role is still a matter of debate. Assuming that there is a continuum from physiology to pathology, overuse may be considered as the initial disease factor; in this context, microruptures of tendon fibers occur and several molecules are expressed, some of which promote the healing process, while others, including inflammatory cytokines, act as disease mediators. Neural in-growth that accompanies the neovessels explains the occurrence of pain and triggers neurogenic-mediated inflammation. It is conceivable that inflammation and degeneration are not mutually exclusive, but work together in the pathogenesis of tendinopathies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / immunology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Tendinopathy / immunology*
  • Tendinopathy / metabolism
  • Tendinopathy / pathology*

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators