Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 2026; 93(2):111-118

Impact of Treadmill Running Intensity on Lubricin Levels in Rat Achilles TendonsPůvodní práce

SHU-FEN LI1, CHENG-XIAN SONG2, SHENG-YAO LIU3, WEI LIU4, SHAO-YONG XU5
1 Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
2 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China
3 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
4 Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
5 Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China

Purpose of the study
The Achilles tendon is crucial for transferring force from the calf muscles to the heel bone. Lubricin, a key glycoprotein, ensures smooth tendon gliding. This study investigated the effects of different treadmill running intensities on lubricin levels in rat Achilles tendons and explored the associated molecular mechanisms.

Material and methods
Eighteen rats were divided into three groups: Strenuous Treadmill Running (STR), Moderate Treadmill Running (MTR), and a sedentary Control group (CON). The running protocols were conducted over eight weeks. Post-intervention, tendon samples were analyzed for histological changes (collagen fiber integrity and cell count), lubricin levels, and the expression of TGF-β1 (a growth factor involved in tendon healing) and IL-1 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine).

Results
The STR group exhibited significantly greater collagen fiber damage compared to the other groups. In contrast, the MTR group showed higher cell proliferation, elevated lubricin levels, and increased TGF-β1 expression. The STR group had reduced lubricin levels, likely due to elevated IL-1 expression.

Discussion
MTR enhances tendon health by upregulating TGF-β1, increasing lubricin production, and improving load transmission. Conversely, STR may promote tendon degeneration by elevating IL-1, reducing lubricin levels, and increasing the risk of tendinopathy. These findings support previous research indicating that moderate mechanical loading maintains tendon homeostasis, whereas excessive loading leads to inflammation and structural damage.

Conclusions
Moderate-intensity treadmill running boosts lubricin levels via TGF-β1 regulation, supporting tendon function, while strenuous running decreases lubricin due to IL-1 upregulation, increasing tendon injury risk. These results emphasize the importance of optimal exercise intensity in preventing tendinopathies and maintaining tendon health. The findings could guide exercise recommendations for athletes and rehabilitation programs. Future research should explore therapeutic strategies targeting the TGF-β1 and IL-1 pathways.

Klíčová slova: Key words: lubricin, TGF-β1, IL-1, Achilles tendon, treadmill running, tendinopathy.

Vloženo: 11. duben 2025; Revidováno: 11. duben 2025; Přijato: 30. září 2025; Zveřejněno: 1. květen 2026  Zobrazit citaci

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SHU-FEN L, SONG C, LIU S, LIU W, SHAO-YONG X. Impact of Treadmill Running Intensity on Lubricin Levels in Rat Achilles Tendons. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 2026;93(2):111-118.
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