Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025
Author Spotlight: Integrating Mechanical and Biological Analysis in Tendinopathy Research
Published on: March 1, 2024
Polydeoxyribonucleotide Ameliorates Inflammation and Apoptosis in Achilles Tendon-Injury Rats
Jeong Ho Rho1, Il-Gyu Ko2, Jun-Jang Jin2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Okcheon St. Mary's Hospital, Okcheon, Korea.
Purpose:
Adenosine A2A receptor agonist polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) possesses an anti-inflammatory effect and suppress apoptotic cell death in several disorders. In this current study, the effect of PDRN on inflammation and apoptosis in rats with Achilles tendon injury was investigated.
Methods:
von Frey filament test and plantar test were conducted for the determination of pain threshold. Analysis of histological alterations was conducted by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3-positive cells and cleaved caspase-9-positive cells was done. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to detect the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP). Western blot was conducted to detect the protein levels of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), protein kinase A (PKA), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2).
Results:
PDRN treatment relieved mechanical allodynia and alleviated thermal hyperalgesia after Achilles tendon injury. TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were decreased by PDRN application. PDRN injection significantly enhanced cAMP concentration and phosphorylated CREB versus CREB ratio, showing cAMP-PKA-CREB pathway was activated by PDRN application. PDRN treatment inhibited percentages of cleaved caspase-3-positive cells and caspase-9-posiive cells and the suppressed Bax versus Bcl-2 ratio in Achilles tendon injury rats.
Conclusion:
PDRN is probably believed to have a good effect on pain and inflammation in the urogenital organs. PDRN may be used as a new treatment for Achilles tendon injury.
Insights
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) reduces pain and inflammation in Achilles tendon injuries by activating the cAMP-PKA-CREB pathway and inhibiting apoptosis. This suggests PDRN is a potential new treatment for tendon injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), an adenosine A2A receptor agonist, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.
- Achilles tendon injury is characterized by pain, inflammation, and cell death, necessitating effective therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of PDRN on inflammation and apoptosis in a rat model of Achilles tendon injury.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of PDRN action in tendon healing.
Main Methods:
- Pain thresholds were assessed using von Frey filament and plantar tests.
- Histological analysis, immunohistochemistry (caspase-3, caspase-9), ELISA (TNF-α, IL-6, cAMP), and Western blotting (CREB, PKA, Bax, Bcl-2) were employed.
- The study utilized a rat model of Achilles tendon injury.
Main Results:
- PDRN treatment significantly reduced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia.
- PDRN decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and inhibited apoptosis markers (cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9).
- PDRN activated the cAMP-PKA-CREB pathway and modulated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, promoting cell survival.
Conclusions:
- PDRN effectively alleviates pain and inflammation associated with Achilles tendon injury.
- The findings support PDRN's potential as a novel therapeutic agent for Achilles tendon injuries.
