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NAMPT-Improved Mitochondrial Function Alleviates Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy in Aged Mice
Yao Zhang1, Shuai Lu2, Gang Yu1
1Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|August 24, 2023
Summary
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) treatment reversed mitochondrial dysfunction in aged mice, alleviating age-related rotator cuff tendinopathy. This suggests NAMPT as a potential therapy for degenerative rotator cuff tears.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Mitochondrial biology
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Background:
- Age-related rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) increases tear and retear rates.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in age-related degenerative conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if NAMPT can alleviate degenerative RCT in aged mice.
- To determine if NAMPT can prevent postoperative retears by improving mitochondrial function.
Main Methods:
- 32 young and 64 aged mice were used, with aged mice receiving NAMPT-loaded fibrin gel injections.
- Histological, biomechanical, and mitochondrial function tests were performed.
- Groups included young, aged, and aged NAMPT-treated (ANAMPT) mice.
Main Results:
- Aged mice showed decreased cellularity, disrupted collagen, and reduced tendon strength, indicating spontaneous RCT.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction (reduced NAD+, ATP, and citrate synthase activity) correlated with RCT.
- NAMPT treatment improved mitochondrial function, alleviated degenerative changes, and enhanced tendon strength.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneously developed degenerative RCT in aged mice models clinical scenarios.
- NAMPT improves mitochondrial function, alleviating age-induced RCT and preventing suture cut-through.
- NAMPT presents a novel therapeutic strategy for age-related degenerative RCT.
