Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RVC study reveals insights on tendon disease
“Our results show that proteins within tendon are renewed much more rapidly than previously thought" - Dr Chavaunne Thorpe.
Scientists examined protein turnover rates in the tendons of rats.

New treatments for tendon disease and other musculoskeletal disorders could be on the horizon thanks to research by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).

In the study, scientists examined protein turnover rates in the tendons of rats and found that tendons are dynamic tissue with varying turnover rates of proteins.

It is hoped the discovery could eventually provide a greater understanding of how tendon disease and other connective tissue disorders can be treated.

Dr Chavaunne Thorpe, Versus Arthritis Career Development Fellow at the RVC and author of the paper, explains: “Our results show that proteins within tendon are renewed much more rapidly than previously thought, with different rates of turnover in different regions of the tendon.

“These findings will help us to understand how the rate of protein renewal in tendon is affected by ageing or injury and will allow future studies to identify potential targets for treatment of tendon disease and other prominent diseases which are caused by alterations in protein turnover rates.”

The study built on previous research that found that the interfascicular matrix - the main load-bearing structures of the tendon - allows sliding between fascicles, meaning that it may be prone to damage.

In this latest study, scientists sought to establish if the turnover rate of proteins in the interfascicular matrix is greater than in the fascicles, which would help repair any damage. The results are published in the journal Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics.

'The discovery challenges long-held beliefs that almost no protein turnover occurs in tendon and instead, provides the first step in understanding how altered protein turnover contributes to the development of tendon disease,' the researchers note.

'Additionally, with alterations in protein turnover rates contributing to other musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases, this study will also help target future research into how these diseases can most effectively be treated.'

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com