Modulation of early functional recovery of Achilles tendon to bone unit after transection by BPC 157 and methylprednisolone

Objective and design: In the presented study we compared the effect of stable peptide BPC 157 and methylprednisolone on early functional recovery after Achilles tendon to bone transection in a rat model before collagen healing started. Material and methods: Surgical transection of the right Achilles tendon to bone area was performed in seventy-two Wistar Albino male rats. Healing Achilles tendon edges were harvested at days 1-4 following the transection. Using Achilles functional index (AFI), myeloperoxidase activity, histological inflammatory cell influx and vascular index early functional recovery was evaluated. Treatment: Agents (stable peptide BPC 157 10 mu g, methylprednisolone 5 mg, normal saline 5 ml) were given alone (/kg b.w., intraperitoneally, once daily, first 30 min after surgery, last 24 h before analysis). Control group received normal saline 5 ml/kg. Results: BPC 157 improved functional recovery (AFI values increased at all time points, p <0.05) by anti-inflammatory (decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histological inflammatory cell influx, p <0.05) and increased new blood vessel formation (increased vascular index, p <0.05). Methyprednisolone decreased MPO activity and histological inflammatory cell influx, (p <0.05) but also decreased new blood vessel formation and did not affect early functional recovery. Conclusions: Stable peptide BPC 157 with combined anti-inflammatory action and induction of early new blood vessel formation facilitates early functional recovery in Achilles tendon to bone healing.