Increased expression of aggrecan and biglycan mRNA in Achilles tendinopathy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the expression of mRNA encoding the proteoglycans aggrecan, versican, biglycan and decorin in mid-tendon samples of chronic painful Achilles tendinopathy and ruptured Achilles tendons, compared with normal tendons. METHODS: Total RNA isolated from frozen tendon samples (14 normal, 13 painful, 14 ruptured) was assayed by relative quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for aggrecan, versican, biglycan and decorin mRNA, normalized using 18S rRNA. Differences between sample groups were tested by univariate analysis of variance with age as co-variate. RESULTS: In normal tendon samples expression of each of the proteoglycan mRNA decreased with increasing age. Decorin mRNA was the most highly-expressed of the proteoglycan mRNA, while versican mRNA expression was higher (3.8-fold) than that of aggrecan. In painful tendinopathy both aggrecan and biglycan mRNA expression increased (more than 10-fold and 5-fold, respectively) compared with normal tendon samples, but levels of versican and decorin mRNA were not significantly changed. In ruptured tendons the levels of aggrecan, biglycan and versican mRNA were not changed compared with normal tendon samples, but decorin mRNA decreased markedly. CONCLUSIONS: Increased aggrecan and biglycan mRNA expression in painful tendinopathy resembles the pattern in fibrocartilaginous regions of tendon, and may reflect an altered mechanical environment at the site of the lesion. Increased aggrecan mRNA expression may underlie the increase in glycosaminoglycan observed in painful tendinopathy.

Pulsed low-intensity ultrasound therapy for chronic lateral epicondylitis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Pulsed low-intensity ultrasound therapy (LIUS) has been found to be beneficial in accelerating fracture healing and has produced positive results in animal tendon repair. In the light of this we undertook a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of LIUS vs placebo therapy daily for 12 weeks in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE). METHODS: Patients with LE of at least 6 weeks' duration were recruited from general practice, physiotherapy and rheumatology clinics, and had to have failed at least one first-line treatment including non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injection. Participants were assigned either active LIUS or placebo. Treatment was self-administered daily for 20 min over a 12-week period. The primary end-point was a 50% improvement from baseline in elbow pain measured at 12 weeks using a patient-completed visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Fifty-five subjects aged 18-80 were recruited over a 9-month period. In the active group 64% (16/25) achieved at least 50% improvement from baseline in elbow pain at 12 weeks compared with 57% (13/23) in the placebo group (difference of 7%; 95% confidence interval -20 to 35%). However, this was not statistically significant (chi(2) = 0.28, P = 0.60). CONCLUSION: In this study LIUS was no more effective for a large treatment effect than placebo for recalcitrant LE. This is in keeping with other interventional studies for the condition.

Contrasting effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics on the expression of the collagenases, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and -13, in human tendon-derived cells.

OBJECTIVES: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause tendon pain and rupture. We reported previously that the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin potentiated interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3 and MMP-1 in human tendon-derived cells. We have now tested additional fluoroquinolones and investigated whether they have a similar effect on expression of MMP-13. METHODS: Tendon cells were incubated for two periods of 48 h with or without fluoroquinolones and IL-1beta. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was assayed for MMP messenger RNA by relative quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, with normalization for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA. Samples of supernatant medium were assayed for MMP output by activity assays. RESULTS: MMP-13 was expressed by tendon cells at lower levels than MMP-1, and was stimulated typically 10- to 100-fold by IL-1beta. Ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin each reduced both basal and stimulated expression of MMP-13 mRNA. In contrast, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin increased basal and IL-1beta-stimulated MMP-1 mRNA expression. Both the inhibition of MMP-13 and the potentiation of MMP-1 expression by fluoroquinolones were accompanied by corresponding changes in IL-1beta-stimulated MMP output. The non-fluorinated quinolone nalidixic acid had lesser or no effects. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroquinolones show contrasting effects on the expression of the two collagenases MMP-1 and MMP-13, indicating specific effects on MMP gene regulation.

Diagnosis and relation to general health of shoulder disorders presenting to primary care.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate the incidence, spectrum of disease and relation to general health of shoulder disorders in primary care. METHODS: Patients presenting with shoulder pain to two large general practices in the Cambridge area over a 1-month period were invited to participate. After consulting their general practitioner, patients were administered a demographic information questionnaire, a shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) and a short form 36 (SF-36) health survey. Subsequent review in a clinic held by a rheumatology registrar every 2 weeks was undertaken. RESULTS: The sex- and age-standardized incidence of shoulder pain was 9.5 per 1000 (95% confidence interval 7.9 to 11.2 per 1000). Rotator cuff tendinopathy was found in 85%, signs of impingement in 74%, acromioclavicular joint disease in 24%, adhesive capsulitis in 15% and referred pain in 7%. On the SPADI the mean disability subscale score was 45 (95% confidence interval 41 to 50) and the mean pain score was 58 (95% confidence interval 53 to 62) (range 0 to 100). Evaluation of general health status using the SF-36 showed the difference between population norms and those with shoulder pain was significant in six of the eight domains, being especially marked (greater than 20 point reduction) for emotional role, physical function and physical role. CONCLUSION: Shoulder pain, most commonly due to rotator cuff tendinopathy, is associated with significantly reduced health when measured by both specific and generic means. Effort towards prevention and early intervention in these complaints is warranted.

Interrater reproducibility of clinical tests for rotator cuff lesions.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff lesions are common in the community but reproducibility of tests for shoulder assessment has not been adequately appraised and there is no uniform approach to their use. OBJECTIVE: To study interrater reproducibility of standard tests for shoulder evaluation among a rheumatology specialist, rheumatology trainee, and research nurse. METHODS: 136 patients were reviewed over 12 months at a major teaching hospital. The three assessors examined each patient in random order and were unaware of each other's evaluation. Each shoulder was examined in a standard manner by recognised tests for specific lesions and a diagnostic algorithm was used. Between-observer agreement was determined by calculating Cohen's kappa coefficients (measuring agreement beyond that expected by chance). RESULTS: Fair to substantial agreement was obtained for the observations of tenderness, painful arc, and external rotation. Tests for supraspinatus and subscapularis also showed at least fair agreement between observers. 40/55 (73%) kappa coefficient assessments were rated at >0.2, indicating at least fair concordance between observers; 21/55 (38%) were rated at >0.4, indicating at least moderate concordance between observers. CONCLUSION: The reproducibility of certain tests, employed by observers of varying experience, in the assessment of the rotator cuff and general shoulder disease was determined. This has implications for delegation of shoulder assessment to nurse specialists, the development of a simplified evaluation schedule for general practitioners, and uniformity in epidemiological research studies.

Versican splice variant messenger RNA expression in normal human Achilles tendon and tendinopathies.

OBJECTIVES: Versican is the principal large proteoglycan expressed in mid-tendon, but its role in tendon pathology is unknown. Our objective was to define the expression of versican isoform splice variant messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in normal Achilles tendons, in chronic painful tendinopathy and in ruptured tendons. METHODS: Total RNA isolated from frozen tendon samples (normal n = 14; chronic painful tendinopathy n = 10; ruptured n = 8) was assayed by relative quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for total versican, versican variants V0, V1, V2, V3 and type I collagen alpha1 mRNA, normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Differences between sample groups were tested by Wilcoxon statistics. RESULTS: Painful and ruptured tendons showed a significant decrease (median 2-fold) in the expression of versican mRNA, in contrast to an increased expression (median 8-fold) of type I collagen alpha1 mRNA in painful tendons. Versican splice variants V0 and V1 mRNA were readily detected in normal samples, V3 levels were substantially lower, and V2 levels were more variable. Each of V1, V2 and V3 mRNA showed significant decreases in expression in painful and ruptured tendons, but V0 was not significantly changed. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in versican expression relative to that of collagen, and alterations in the balance of versican splice variants, may contribute to changes in matrix structure and function in tendinopathies.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis. A double blind randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an increasingly popular therapeutic approach in the management of a number of tendinopathies. Benefit has been shown in calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff, but evidence for its use in non-calcific disorders is limited. AIMS: To perform a double blind randomised controlled trial of moderate dose shock wave therapy in plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Adults with plantar fasciitis for at least 3 months were randomised to receive either active treatment (0.12 mJ/mm(2)) or sham therapy, monthly for 3 months. Pain in the day, nocturnal pain and morning start-up pain were assessed at baseline, before each treatment and 1 and 3 months after completion of therapy. RESULTS: Eighty-eight subjects participated and no differences existed between the groups at baseline. At 3 months, 37% of the subjects in the ESWT group and 24% in the sham group showed a positive response (50% improvement from baseline) with respect to pain. Positive responses in night pain occurred in 41% and 31% in the ESWT and sham groups, respectively. Positive responses in start-up pain occurred in 37% and 36% in the ESWT and sham groups, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvement over the course of the study, but no statistically significant difference existed between the groups with respect to the changes were seen in any of the outcome measures over the 6-month period. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no treatment effect of moderate dose ESWT in subjects with plantar fasciitis. Efficacy may be highly dependent upon machine types and treatment protocols. Further research is needed to develop evidence based recommendation for the use ESWT in musculoskeletal complaints.

Ciprofloxacin reduces the stimulation of prostaglandin E(2) output by interleukin-1beta in human tendon-derived cells.

OBJECTIVE: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin can induce tendon pathology and have various effects on tendon-derived cells in culture. We are investigating whether ciprofloxacin modifies signalling responses in tendon cells. METHODS: Human Achilles tendon-derived cells were preincubated with or without ciprofloxacin (50 mug/ml) and were then challenged with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta, 1 ng/ml) for up to 48 h. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) output was assayed by ELISA. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: IL-1beta stimulated a substantial and prolonged increase in the output of PGE2. Preincubation with ciprofloxacin reduced IL-1beta-induced PGE2 output at all times tested; the reduction at 48 h was 69% (99% confidence interval 59-79%; 15 experiments). Norfloxacin and ofloxacin also reduced PGE2 output. However, ciprofloxacin did not affect the induction of COX-2 by IL-1beta, measured at 4 or 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Ciprofloxacin reduces IL-1beta-induced PGE2 output in tendon-derived cells. The reduction in PGE2 output could modulate various cellular activities of IL-1beta, and may be implicated in fluoroquinolone-induced tendinopathy.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for lateral epicondylitis--a double blind randomised controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an increasingly popular therapeutic approach to the treatment of a number of soft tissue complaints. Whilst benefit has been demonstrated in calcific tendinitis, evidence is lacking for benefit in the management of non-calcific rotator cuff disorders. AIMS: To perform a double-blind placebo controlled trial of moderate dose ESWT in chronic lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: Adults with lateral epicondylitis were randomised to receive either active treatment (1500 pulses ESWT at 0.12 mJ/ mm2) or sham therapy, monthly for three months. All were assessed before each treatment and one month after completion of therapy. Outcome measures consisted of visual analogue scores for pain in the day and at night. RESULTS: Seventy-five subjects participated and there were no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. The mean duration of symptoms was 15.9 and 12 months in the ESWT and sham groups, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvements from two months. No significant difference existed between the groups with respect to the degrees of change in pain scores over the study period. In the ESWT group the mean (SD, range) pain score was 73.4 (14.5, 38-99) at baseline and 47.9 (31.4, 3-100) at three months. In the sham group the mean (SD, range) pain score was 67.2 (21.7, 12-100) at baseline and 51.5 (32.5, 3-100) at three months. At three months, 50% improvement from baseline was noted in 35% of the ESWT group and 34% of the sham group with respect to pain. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a significant placebo effect of moderate dose ESWT in subjects with lateral epicondylitis but there is no evidence of added benefit of treatment when compared to sham therapy.

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for tendonitis of the rotator cuff. A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial.

We have performed a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of moderate doses of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) for non-calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff. Adults (74) with chronic tendonitis of the rotator cuff were randomised to receive either active (1500 pulses ESWT at 0.12 mJ/mm2) or sham treatment, monthly for three months. All were assessed before each treatment, and at one and three months after the completion of treatment. The outcome was measured with regard to pain in the shoulder, including a visual analogue score for night pain, and a disability index. There were no significant differences between the two groups before treatment. The mean duration of symptoms in both groups was 23.3 months. Both showed significant and sustained improvements from two months onwards. There was no significant difference between them with respect to change in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores or night pain over the six-month period. A mean (+/-SD; range) change in SPADI of 16.1 +/- 27.2 (0 to 82) in the treatment group and 24.3 +/- 24.8 (-11 to 83) in the sham group was noted at three months. At six months the mean changes were 28.4 +/- 25.9 (-24 to 69) and 30.4 +/- 31.2 (-12 to 88), respectively. Similar results were noted for night pain. We conclude that there is a significant and sustained placebo effect after moderate doses of ESWT in patients with non-calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff, but there is no evidence of added benefit when compared with sham treatment.

Morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis patients with prolonged and profound therapy-induced lymphopenia.

OBJECTIVE: Therapies that deplete lymphocytes often improve symptoms in patients with otherwise refractory autoimmune disease but may result in long-term lymphopenia, the consequences of which are uncertain. To assess the impact of prolonged lymphopenia on morbidity and mortality, we studied patients who had previously received lymphocytotoxic monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Fifty-three patients who received the lymphocytotoxic mAb CAMPATH-1H between 1991 and 1994 in the United Kingdom were assessed for mortality and infectious and malignant morbidity, by interview and case-note review. In addition, patients were monitored via the National Health Service Central Registry, to verify notification of death. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. A retrospective, matched-cohort study of mortality was also performed with 102 control subjects selected from the European League Against Rheumatism database, which comprises patients with rheumatic disorders who have received immunosuppressive drugs. RESULTS: There was profound and persistent peripheral blood lymphopenia in the mAb-treated patients, affecting predominantly the CD4+ subset. Median CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ peripheral blood lymphocyte counts at 73-84 months after therapy were 185 cells/microl, 95 cells/microl, and 115 cells/microl, respectively. At a median followup of 71 months (range 14-90), 13 patients had died (24.5%), compared with 18% of the matched controls, providing a mortality rate ratio of 1.45 (95% confidence interval 0.65-3.13). During 283 patient-years of followup, there were 36 infections classified as major (12.7 per 100 patient-years). The causes of death and the spectrum of infections documented were similar to those expected in a hospital-based RA cohort. Patients who received more than 1 course of therapy had more severe lymphopenia than did patients who received a single course, but this did not have an impact on mortality or morbidity. CONCLUSION: Despite the occurrence of profound and long-lasting lymphopenia following treatment with antilymphocyte mAb therapy for RA, this therapy is not associated with a large excess of mortality nor with an unusual spectrum of infections, at least during a medium-term period of followup. These data are also relevant to patients receiving lymphocytotoxic mAb therapy for other indications, and to patients receiving other lymphodepleting therapies such as autologous stem cell transplantation.

Expression of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms and their receptors in chronic tendinosis.

Chronic tendon lesions are degenerative conditions and may represent a failure to repair or remodel the extracellular matrix after repeated micro-injury. Since TGF-beta is strongly associated with tissue repair, we investigated the expression of TGF-beta isoforms (beta1, beta2 and beta3) and their 2 signalling receptors (TGF-betaRI and TGF-betaRII) in normal and pathological Achilles tendons. In all tissues, all 3 TGF-beta isoforms and the 2 receptors were present at sites of blood vessels. Cells in the matrix showed no staining for TGF-beta1 or beta3, while TGF-beta2 was associated with cells throughout the normal cadaver tendon. Tissue from tendons with pathological lesions showed an increase in cell numbers and percentage TGF-beta2 expression. TGF-betaRII showed a wide distribution in cells throughout the tissue sections. As with TGF-beta2, there was an increase in the number of cells expressing TGF-betaRII in pathological tissue. TGF-betaRI was restricted to blood vessels and was absent from the fibrillar matrix. We conclude that despite the presence and upregulation of TGF-beta2, TGF-beta signalling is not propagated due to the lack of TGF-betaRI. This might explain why chronic tendon lesions fail to resolve and suggests that the addition of exogenous TGF-beta will have little effect on chronic tendinopathy.

Inhibition of tendon cell proliferation and matrix glycosaminoglycan synthesis by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in vitro.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of some commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on human tendon. Explants of human digital flexor and patella tendons were cultured in medium containing pharmacological concentrations of NSAIDs. Cell proliferation was measured by incorporation of 3H-thymidine and glycosaminoglycan synthesis was measured by incorporation of 35S-Sulphate. Diclofenac and aceclofenac had no significant effect either on tendon cell proliferation or glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Indomethacin and naproxen inhibited cell proliferation in patella tendons and inhibited glycosaminoglycan synthesis in both digital flexor and patella tendons. If applicable to the in vivo situation, these NSAIDs should be used with caution in the treatment of pain after tendon injury and surgery.

96-well plate-based method for total collagen analysis of cell cultures.

Total collagen assays are often laborious and use large quantities of consumables. We have developed a new method of assaying total 3H-proline-labeled collagen from cultured cells. Cells and media are harvested from 96-well plates directly onto fiberglass filtermats and counted in the Wallac 1205 flat-bed scintillation counter (BetaPlate). The assay was validated by comparison with a traditional total collagen assay. The resulting assay provides a rapid one-step method for quantifying collagen synthesis, which, unlike many collagen assays, does not require extensive dialysis or precipitation of proteins.

Lysylhydroxylation and non-reducible crosslinking of human supraspinatus tendon collagen: changes with age and in chronic rotator cuff tendinitis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate age related and site specific variations in turnover and chemistry of the collagen network in healthy tendons as well as the role of collagen remodelling in the degeneration of the supraspinatus tendon (ST-D) in rotator cuff tendinitis. METHODS: Collagen content and the amount of hydroxylysine (Hyl), hydroxy-lysylpyridinoline (HP), lysylpyridinoline (LP), and the degree of non-enzymatic glycation (pentosidine) were investigated in ST-D and in normal human supraspinatus (ST-N) and biceps brachii tendons (BT-N) by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: In BT-N, tendons that served as control tissue as it shows rarely matrix abnormalities, pentosidine levels rise linearly with age (20-90 years), indicating little tissue remodelling (resulting in an undisturbed accumulation of pentosidine). A similar accumulation was observed in ST-N up to 50 years. At older ages, little pentosidine accumulation was observed and pentosidine levels showed large interindividual variability. This was interpreted as remodelling of collagen in normal ST after age 50 years because of microruptures (thus diluting old collagen with newly synthesised collagen). All degenerate ST samples showed decreased pentosidine levels compared with age matched controls, indicating extensive remodelling in an attempt to repair the tendon defect. Collagen content and the amount of Hyl, HP, and LP of ST-N and BT-N did not change with age. With the exception of collagen content, which did not differ, all parameters were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in BT-N. The ST-D samples had a reduced collagen content and had higher Hyl, HP, and LP levels than ST-N (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Inasmuch as Hyl, HP, and LP levels in ST-N did not change with age, tissue remodelling as a consequence of microruptures does not seem to affect the quality of the tendon collagen. On the other hand, the clearly different profile of post-translational modifications in ST-D indicates that the newly deposited collagen network in degenerated tendons is qualitatively different. It is concluded that in ST-D the previously functional and carefully constructed matrix is replaced by aberrant collagen. This may result in a mechanically less stable tendon; as the supraspinatus is constantly subjected to considerable forces this could explain why tendinitis is mostly of a chronic nature.