Abstract
Many studies have been performed on the structure, molecular composition, and biochemical properties of tendons. However, comparatively little research has been conducted on the content of various trace elements within tendons. Six elements were analyzed in four regions of the peroneus longus tendon: the tensional part of the tendon immediately proximal to the lateral malleolus (region A), the compressive region of the tendon in contact with the lateral malleolus (region B), the compressive region of the tendon in contact with the deep surface of the cuboid (region C), and the tensional part of the tendon between the cuboid and first metatarsal, to which the tendon is attached (region D). Regions B and C are wraparound regions. The calcium content was higher in region C (2.10 ± 0.93 mg/g) than in both regions A (1.25 ± 0.51 mg/g) and D (1.43 ± 0.41 mg/g) (p < 0.05), indicating that it is likely related to regional differences in cartilage degeneration. The phosphorus content was also higher in region C, possibly because of low alkaline phosphatase activity in this region. The sulfur content was higher in the wraparound regions (region B: 0.98 ± 0.09 mg/g, region C: 1.24 ± 0.19 mg/g) than in both regions A (0.83 ± 0.11 mg/g) and D (0.83 ± 0.1 mg/g) (p < 0.01); sulfur content is thought to be influenced by tendon–bone compression. Finally, the magnesium content in the wraparound regions was also higher, which is probably related to a higher level of fibrocartilage. No significant relationships were found with regard to zinc or iron. Overall, the findings of the present study indicate that element contents are related to function and anatomical differences in tendons, and that they may even vary within the same tendon.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Mann RA (1991) Overview of the foot and ankle biomechanics. In: Jahss MH (ed) Disorders of the foot and ankle: medical and surgical management, 2nd edn. W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 385–408
Ugurlu M, Bozkurt M, Demirkale I et al (2010) Anatomy of the lateral complex of the ankle joint in relation to peroneal tendons, distal fibula, and talus: a cadaveric study. Eklem Hastalik Cerrahisi 21:153–158
Vogel KG, Ordog A, Pogany G et al (1993) Proteoglycans in the compressed region of human tibialis posterior tendon and in ligaments. J Orthop Res 11:68–77
Vogel KG, Koob TJ (1989) Structural specialization in tendons under compression. Int Rev Cytol 115:267–293
Kumai T, Yamada G, Takakura Y et al (2006) Trace elements in human tendons and ligaments. Biol Trace Elem Res 114:151–161
Benjamin M, Qin S, Ralphs JR (1995) Fibrocartilage associated with human tendons and their pulleys. J Anat 187:625–633
Benjamin M, Ralphs JR (1995) Functional and development anatomy of tendon and ligaments. In: Gordon SL, Blair SJ, Fin LJ (eds) Repetitive motion disorders of the upper extremity. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Rosemont, pp 185–203
Benjamin M, Ralphs JR (1998) Fibrocartilage in tendons and ligaments: an adaptation to compressive load. J Anat 193:481–494
Habata T, Ohgushi H, Takakura Y et al (2001) Relationship between meniscal degeneration and element contents. Biol Trace Elem Res 79:247–256
Sobel M, Pavlov H, Geppert MJ et al (1994) Painful os peroneum syndrome: a spectrum of conditions responsible for plantar lateral foot pain. Foot Ankle Int 15:112–124
Tohno S, Tohno Y, Hayashi M et al (2001) Accumulation of magnesium as well as calcium and phosphorus in Japanese monkey arteries with aging. Biol Trace Elem Res 84:81–92
Gruber HE, Ingram J, Norton HJ et al (2004) Alterations in growth plate and articular cartilage morphology are associated with reduced SOX9 localization in the magnesium-deficient rat. Biotech Histochem 79:45–52
Acknowledgments
The authors express their cordial thanks for the support and cooperation of Mrs. Yumi Moriwake.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Matsumoto, N., Kumai, T., Isomoto, S. et al. Regional Differences in Elements of Human Peroneus LongusTendons. Biol Trace Elem Res 154, 185–189 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-013-9735-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-013-9735-3