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How Obesity Affects Tendons?

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Metabolic Influences on Risk for Tendon Disorders

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 920))

Abstract

Several epidemiological and clinical observations have definitely demonstrated that obesity has harmful effects on tendons. The pathogenesis of tendon damage is multi-factorial. In addition to overload, attributable to the increased body weight, which significantly affects load-bearing tendons, systemic factors play a relevant role. Several bioactive peptides (chemerin, leptin, adiponectin and others) are released by adipocytes, and influence tendon structure by means of negative activities on mesenchymal cells. The ensuing systemic state of chronic, sub-clinic, low-grade inflammation can damage tendon structure. Metabolic disorders (diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and dislipidemia), frequently associated with visceral adiposity, are concurrent pathogenetic factors. Indeed, high glucose levels increase the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products, which in turn form stable covalent cross-links within collagen fibers, modifying their structure and functionality.

Sport activities, so useful for preventing important cardiovascular complications, may be detrimental for tendons if they are submitted to intense acute or chronic overload. Therefore, two caution rules are mandatory: first, to engage in personalized soft training program, and secondly to follow regular check-up for tendon pathology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University G. d’Annunzio, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti-Pescara, 66013, Chieti Scalo (CH), Italy

    Michele Abate & Vincenzo Salini

  2. Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain

    Isabel Andia

Authors
  1. Michele Abate
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  2. Vincenzo Salini
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  3. Isabel Andia
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Correspondence to Michele Abate .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

    Paul W. Ackermann

  2. McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    David A. Hart

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Abate, M., Salini, V., Andia, I. (2016). How Obesity Affects Tendons?. In: Ackermann, P., Hart, D. (eds) Metabolic Influences on Risk for Tendon Disorders. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 920. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33943-6_15

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