Published in:
01-06-2009 | Review
Pathogenesis of tendinopathies: inflammation or degeneration?
Authors:
Michele Abate, Karin Gravare Silbernagel, Carl Siljeholm, Angelo Di Iorio, Daniele De Amicis, Vincenzo Salini, Suzanne Werner, Roberto Paganelli
Published in:
Arthritis Research & Therapy
|
Issue 3/2009
Login to get access
Abstract
The intrinsic pathogenetic mechanisms of tendinopathies are largely unknown and whether inflammation or degeneration has the prominent role is still a matter of debate. Assuming that there is a continuum from physiology to pathology, overuse may be considered as the initial disease factor; in this context, microruptures of tendon fibers occur and several molecules are expressed, some of which promote the healing process, while others, including inflammatory cytokines, act as disease mediators. Neural in-growth that accompanies the neovessels explains the occurrence of pain and triggers neurogenic-mediated inflammation. It is conceivable that inflammation and degeneration are not mutually exclusive, but work together in the pathogenesis of tendinopathies.