Fig. 4
From: Metformin lotion as a novel approach to prevent tendinopathy induced by mechanical overuse
Met lotion improves tendon structure by inhibiting degeneration associated with failed remodeling. ITR induces tendon degeneration, characterized by thinner collagen fibers, reduced enthesis size, and an increase in round-shaped chondrocyte-like cells (a–d). ML applications mitigate these degenerative changes, resulting in well-organized collagen fibers in the enthesis area, larger fibrocartilage tissue, and fewer chondrocyte-like cells in tendon tissues (e–l). Semi-quantitative analysis shows a significant decrease in chondrocyte-like cells with a 11-fold and 21-fold reduction in tendons with 3% and 6% ML applications, respectively (m). b,f,j: Enlarged green box areas from images (a,e,i; c,g,k: Enlarged blue box areas from images a,e,i; d,h,l: Enlarged yellow box areas from images c,g,k.m: Semi-quantitative results from 45 images (15 sections from 5 mice per group) are presented as mean ± SD (n = 5). ML: Met Lotion. Scale bars: 500 μm (black); 200 μm (blue); 50 μm (white); 12.5 μm (yellow).
