Resveratrol Treatment Protects Tendons from Obesity and Insulin Resistance Effects

Background. Obesity and Insulin resistance (IR) are conditions that cause metabolic disorders and secondary effects, including musculoskeletal complications making tendon prone to lesions. Antidiabetic drugs presents several side effects, making fundamental the pursue of alternative treatments, to improve patient's quality of life. Resveratrol (RSV) can re-establish insulin sensitivity and regulate glycemic levels. It also presents a range of other biological properties such as: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-aging, anti-cancer, prevention of cardiovascular disease, and improvement in mitochondria' function. The study evaluates RSV's effects in the calcaneal tendon in insulin-resistant obese animals. Methods. 40 male mice (C5B16) were distributed in 8 groups: Non-obese Control; Non-obese Insulin-treated; Non-obese RSV- treated; Non-obese Insulin and RSV-treated; Obese; Obese insulin-treated; Obese RSV-treated; Obese Insulin and RSV-treated. IR was induced by a hyperlipidemic AIN-93 diet and attested through an insulin tolerance test. RSV was administered daily via gavage (100 mg/kg) for two weeks, starting on the 10th week of life until euthanasia, when tendons were removed for testing. Results. Resveratrol treatment demonstrated a protective effect over tendons in obese, insulin-resistant animals, reducing the activity of different MMPs, MMP-2, and MMP-9, and avoiding protein content reduction, maintaining its levels similar to healthy animals. Conclusions. Resveratrol treatment reduces the activity of, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and also avoids protein content degradation. Its effects over inflammation could be helpful addressing IR patients, helping not only to control the disease, but also making the tendon lesion treatment more efficient.