Collagen type V polymorphism in spontaneous quadriceps tendon ruptures

Collagen Gene Variants and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Italian Athletes: A Preliminary Report

Several studies have investigated the role of genetics in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, often returning conflicting results. The present pilot study aimed to analyze the association between six Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1800012; rs12722; rs13946; rs240736; rs970547; and rs4870723, located on the COL1A1, COL5A1, COL12A1, and COL14A1 genes), and ACL rupture, among Italian athletes. A hypothesis-driven association study was conducted. In total, 181 male and female athletes (n = 86 injured; n = 96 non-injured) were genotyped for the prioritized variants. All polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR RFLP, with the only exception being the rs1800012 on the COL1A1 gene, which was detected using MTPA PCR. The allele frequency distribution fell within the worldwide range. Despite the evident population variability, no selective pressure signals were recorded using PBS analysis. No significant difference was detected between the cases and controls for any of the SNPs (rs1800012; rs13946; rs240736; rs970547, and rs4870723) included in the analyses (p > 0.008, Bonferroni-adjusted for multiple comparisons). Moreover, no significant differences were found when males and females were assessed separately. Further investigations based on a larger sample size are needed, in order to draw solid conclusions for the influence between collagen genes and ACL rupture.

The patellar ligament: A comprehensive review

The patellar ligament (PL) is an epiphyseal ligament and is part of the extensor complex of the knee. The ligament has gained attention due to its clinical relevance to autograft and tendinopathy. A variety of anatomical variations of the PL such as aplasia, numerical variations, and vascularity are being reported recently by clinicians and anatomists. The aim of this literature was to review the available literature to provide a consensus regarding anatomic variations of the PL, neurovasculature surrounding the PL, histology of the PL, and various aspects of PL measurements with relevance to the surgical considerations and sex and age-related differences. A narrative review of the patellar ligament was performed by conducting a detailed literature search and review of relevant articles. A total of 90 articles on the patellar ligament were included and were categorized into studies based on anatomical variations, neurovasculature, morphometrics, microanatomy, sex and age-related difference, and ACL reconstruction. The anatomical variations and morphometrics of the PL were found to correlate with the frequency of strain injuries, tendinopathy, and efficacy of the PL autograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The sex differences in PL measurements and the effect of estrogen on collagen synthesis explained a higher incidence of patellar tendinopathy in women. An awareness of its variations enables careful selection of surgical incisions, thereby avoiding complications related to nerve injury. Accurate knowledge of the PL microanatomy assists in understanding the mechanism of ligament degeneration, rupture, autograft harvesting, and ligamentization results.

Genetic Factors in Tendon Injury: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Tendon injury such as tendinopathy or rupture is common and has multiple etiologies, including both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The genetic influence on susceptibility to tendon injury is not well understood.

PURPOSE

To analyze the published literature regarding genetic factors associated with tendon injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A systematic review of published literature was performed in concordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify current evidence for genetic predisposition to tendon injury. PubMed, Ovid, and ScienceDirect databases were searched. Studies were included for review if they specifically addressed genetic factors and tendon injuries in humans. Reviews, animal studies, or studies evaluating the influence of posttranscription factors and modifications (eg, proteins) were excluded.

RESULTS

Overall, 460 studies were available for initial review. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were ultimately included for qualitative synthesis. Upon screening of references of these 11 articles, an additional 15 studies were included in the final review, for a total of 26 studies. The genetic factors with the strongest evidence of association with tendon injury were those involving type V collagen A1, tenascin-C, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and estrogen-related receptor beta.

CONCLUSION

The published literature is limited to relatively homogenous populations, with only level 3 and level 4 data. Additional research is needed to make further conclusions about the genetic factors involved in tendon injury.

Prevalence of a characteristic gene profile in high-level rhythmic gymnasts

High-level physical performance in rhythmic gymnastics is influenced by numerous skills and anthropometric factors. In order to understand if genetic predisposition could play a role to define the elite rhythmic gymnast phenotype, we analysed the frequency of common polymorphisms linked to genes correlated with body mass (ADRB2 and FTO), explosive strength (ACTN3 and ACE), and joint mobility (COL5A1), in 42 gymnasts involved in National and International events, and in 42 control girls. Our results demonstrated that high-level rhythmic gymnasts constituted a genetically selected population showing higher frequency of: (a) ADRB2 and FTO alleles linked to low body mass index and low fat mass; (b) COL5A1 CT genotype linked to high joint mobility and to the occurrence of genu recurvatum, but also to a higher incidence of injuries. ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms did not appear to be connected with the phenotype of high-level rhythmic gymnast. Based on these data, it can be assumed that these polymorphisms could positively affect the phenotype and performance of gymnasts.