Piperine ameliorates collagenase-induced Achilles tendon injury in the rat. (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gong, Fengyan; Cui, Lifeng; Zhang, Xiaona; Zhan, Xiangbo; Gong, Xu; Wen, Yan
• Is Part Of: Connective tissue research. Volume 59:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Collagen -- ERK -- extracellular matrix -- matrix metalloproteinase -- tendinopathy; Connective tissues -- Periodicals; 616.770072
• DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2017.1289188
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-8207

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Tendinopathy is a common clinical pathology found in athletes and workers with mixed treatment results. Piperine, a major alkaloid found in the black and long pepper, has been demonstrated to have variety of pharmacological properties such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of piperine on collagenase-induced Achilles tendon injury. Rats were intratendineously injected with collagenase in the right Achilles tendon, followed by intragastrical administration of piperine (100 mg/kg). Morphological structure and biochemical analysis of glycosaminoglycans, hydroxyproline, collagen III, and the activity of matrix metallopeptidases in the tendon tissues were performed. Our results showed that collagenase injection resulted in clear degenerative changes in the tendon. Administration of piperine improved the morphological structure of tendon, increased glycosaminoglycans and hydroxyproline levels, and inhibited the expression and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, piperine inhibited the activation of ERK and p38 signaling pathways in injured tendon. These results indicate a beneficial role of piperine against collagenase-induced tendon injury.