Information for Medical Professionals

Apoptosis linked to tennis elbow

Apoptosis and autophagic cell death are major factors in the development and progression of tennis elbow (chronic lateral epicondylitis), it has been claimed.

According to new research published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, during chronic lateral epicondylitis, apoptosis and autophagic cell death occurs in the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon.

In a grade I matrix with relatively less collagen structure disruption, the rate of apoptosis and autophagic cell death was 23.2 per cent and 7.6 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, in a grade II matrix with advanced breakdown in collagen structure, apoptosis stood at 34.4 per cent, while autophagic cell death climbed to 13.7 per cent.

The researchers behind the paper, entitled In Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis, Apoptosis and Autophagic Cell Death Occur in the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Tendon, said: "The markedly elevated apoptotic rate and autophagic cell death rate in the grade II matrix may be responsible for the decrease in cellularity and further deterioration of collagen quality seen in end-stage grade III matrix."

According to recent research published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, the rate of apoptosis in damaged rotator cuff muscles could be affected by hypoxia.

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