Histological and biomechanical analysis of the effects of streptozotocin-induced type one diabetes mellitus on healing of tenotomised Achilles tendons in rats.

BACKGROUND

Tendon healing is impaired in patient with diabetes mellitus. The effects of streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes (STZ-D) on the healing of the transected Achilles tendon in rats was studied.

METHODS

In the experimental group, type one diabetes was induced via administration of STZ. The right Achilles tendon of all the rats was transected 30 days after the STZ administration. The Achilles tendons were examined for biomechanical and histological examinations.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis showed that Young's modulus of elasticity and stress tensile load of the control group were significantly higher than those of the experimental group, and inflammation in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group. At the same time, fibrosis in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group.

CONCLUSION

Induction of type 1 diabetes by STZ significantly delayed the healing of the transected Achilles tendon in rats.