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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.'

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.