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Expression of procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA in rotator cuff tears
A Tomonaga1, K Hamada, M Gotoh
1Department of Orthopaedics, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among expression of procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA, subacromial adhesion, and limited shoulder elevation in rotator cuff tears. Procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA was analyzed in the torn supraspinatus tendons and synovial tissue of 42 patients with rotator cuff tears. As a control, four normal supraspinatus tendons of patients who had undergone shoulder surgery other than rotator cuff repair served as controls. Cells stained positively for procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA were more abundant in the adhesive synovium of the subacromial bursa and in the torn supraspinatus tendons than in controls. Patients with complete-thickness tears who had undergone surgery less than 10 months after trauma were found to have more signal-positive cells than those later than 10 months. We conclude that the adhesive synovium of the subacromial bursa contains abundant cells stained positively for procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA. We suggest that the production of type III collagen by these cells could contribute to the limitation of shoulder motion in patients with rotator cuff tears, and recommend release and excision of the excess adhesive synovium during rotator cuff surgery.
Insights
Increased procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA in rotator cuff tears correlates with subacromial adhesion and limited shoulder motion. Excision of adhesive synovium may improve shoulder function.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears often lead to subacromial adhesion and limited shoulder elevation.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying subacromial adhesion in rotator cuff tears are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA expression, subacromial adhesion, and limited shoulder elevation in patients with rotator cuff tears.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA in torn supraspinatus tendons and synovial tissue from 42 rotator cuff tear patients.
- Compared findings with four control supraspinatus tendons.
- Assessed abundance of signal-positive cells in relation to tear severity and time since trauma.
Main Results:
- Cells positive for procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA were more abundant in the adhesive synovium and torn tendons of patients compared to controls.
- Patients with complete-thickness tears operated on within 10 months of trauma showed higher signal-positive cell counts.
Conclusions:
- The adhesive synovium in the subacromial bursa exhibits abundant procollagen alpha 1 type III mRNA expression.
- Type III collagen production by these cells may contribute to restricted shoulder motion.
- Surgical release and excision of excess adhesive synovium are recommended for rotator cuff repair.