Extracellular matrix adaptation of tendon and skeletal muscle to exercise

Michael Kjaer, Peter Magnusson, Michael Krogsgaard, Jens Boysen Møller, Jens Olesen, Katja Heinemeier, Mette Hansen, Bjarki Haraldsson, Satu Koskinen, Birgitte Esmarck, Henning Langberg

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

184 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues enables linking to other tissues, and plays a key role in force transmission and tissue structure maintenance in tendons, ligaments, bone and muscle. ECM turnover is influenced by physical activity, and both collagen synthesis and metalloprotease activity increase with mechanical loading. This can be shown by determining propeptide and proteinase activity by microdialysis, as well as by verifying the incorporation of infused stable isotope amino acids in biopsies. Local tissue expression and release of growth factors for ECM such as IGF-1, TGF-beta and IL-6 is enhanced following exercise. For tendons, metabolic activity (e.g. detected by positron emission tomography scanning), circulatory responses (e.g. as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy and dye dilution) and collagen turnover are markedly increased after exercise. Tendon blood flow is regulated by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated pathways, and glucose uptake is regulated by specific pathways in tendons that differ from those in skeletal muscle. Chronic loading in the form of physical training leads both to increased collagen turnover as well as to some degree of net collagen synthesis. These changes modify the mechanical properties and the viscoelastic characteristics of the tissue, decrease its stress-susceptibility and probably make it more load-resistant. The mechanical properties of tendon fascicles vary within a given human tendon, and even show gender differences. The latter is supported by findings of gender-related differences in the activation of collagen synthesis with exercise. These findings may provide the basis for understanding tissue overloading and injury in both tendons and skeletal muscle.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Anatomy
Volume208
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)445-50
Number of pages6
ISSN0021-8782
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Keywords

  • Bone and Bones
  • Collagen
  • Exercise
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Female
  • Growth Substances
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Proteins
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Physical Education and Training
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Sex Factors
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tendons

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