Aging is associated with increased activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in tenocytes.

Background: Most tendon pathology is associated with degeneration, which is thought to involve cyclic loading and cumulative age-related changes in tissue architecture. However, the association between aging and degeneration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tendons has not been investigated extensively.

Methods: We examined tenocytes from Achilles tendons taken from rats of three different ages (2, 12, and 24 months).

Optimizing human synovial fluid preparation for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Background: Proteome analysis is frequently applied in identifying the proteins or biomarkers in knee synovial fluids (SF) that are associated with osteoarthritis and other arthritic disorders. The 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) is the technique of choice in these studies. Disease biomarkers usually appear in low concentrations and may be masked by high abundant proteins.

A novel approach to sonographic examination in a patient with a calf muscle tear: a case report.

Introduction: Rupture of the distal musculotendinous junction of the medial head of the gastrocnemius, also known as "tennis leg", can be readily examined using a soft tissue ultrasound. Loss of muscle fiber continuity and the occurrence of bloody fluid accumulation can be observed using ultrasound with the patient in the prone position; however, some cases may have normal ultrasound findings in this conventional position. We report a case of a middle-aged man with tennis leg.