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Therapeutic use of hormones on tendinopathies: a narrative review

Authors :
Isabel Andia
Cosima Schiavone
Daniele Vanni
Michele Abate
Matteo Guelfi
Vincenzo Salini
Andrea Pantalone
Abate, Michele
Guelfi, Matteo
Pantalone, Andrea
Vanni, Daniele
Schiavone, Cosima
Andia, Isabel
Salini, Vincenzo
Source :
Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal. 6(4)
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Background Hormones can modify tendon homeostasis, some of them leading to tendon damage, while others are essentials for healing. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on the topic, focusing on the hormones normally secreted by endocrine glands. Methods A search in PubMed, Web of Knowledge and EMBASE, using the terms tendinopathy or tendon, combined with estrogens, testosterone, thyroid and parathyroid hormones, glucocorticoids and growth hormone, independently, was performed. Relevant articles focusing on the correlation between hormones and tendons, and their therapeutic use in tendinopathies, were selected. Results Tendon abnormalities observed in subjects with hyperparathyroidism, hypercortisolism and acromegaly are described. At present, experimental studies and preliminary observations in humans suggest that parathyroid and growth hormones, locally administered, are promising therapeutic tools in specific tendon disorders. Local injections of glucocorticoids are useful in several tendinopathies, exploiting their anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties, but carry the risk of further tendon degeneration and ruptures, due to the detrimental direct effect of glucocorticoids on the tendon structure. Conclusion Because tendons injuries are frequent, often with long lasting sequels, it is important to improve our understanding concerning the therapeutic potential of hormones on healing. Level of evidence IV.

Details

ISSN :
22404554
Volume :
6
Issue :
4
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....af00926cd233a1266cd928db5759bdd2