Weird, link keeps pointing to the other article, I'll post the actual article until I can fugure it out...
got it - ajs.sagepub.com/content/32/4/934.abstract
Nandrolone Decanoate and Load Increase Remodeling and Strength in Human Supraspinatus Bioartificial Tendons
Ioannis K. Triantafillopoulos, MD*,***8224;,
Albert J. Banes, PhD***8224;,***8225;,§,
Karl F. Bowman, Jr||,
Melissa Maloney, MS¶,
William E. Garrett, Jr, MD, PhD#, and
Spero G. Karas, MD*,***8224;,**
+ Author Affiliations
From *the Shoulder and Elbow Service, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, ***8224;Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, ***8225;Flexcell International Corporation, Hillsborough, North Carolina, the §Department of Biomedical Engineering, the ||School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, ¶Flexcell International Corporation, Hillsborough, North Carolina, and the #Department of Orthopaedics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
Address correspondence to Spero G. Karas, MD, Chief, Shoulder and Elbow Service, University of North Carolina, Department of Orthopaedics, CB#7055, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7055 (e-mail: Spero_Karas@med.unc.edu).
Abstract
Background: To date, no studies document the effect of anabolic steroids on rotator cuff tendons.
Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.
Hypothesis: Anabolic steroids enhance remodeling and improve the biomechanical properties of bioartificially engineered human supraspinatus tendons.
Methods: Bioartificial tendons were treated with either nandrolone decanoate (nonload, steroid, n = 18), loading (load, nonsteroid, n = 18), or both (load, steroid, n = 18). A control group received no treatment (nonload, nonsteroid [NLNS], n = 18). Bioartificial tendons***8217; remodeling was assessed by daily scanning, cytoskeletal organization by staining, matrix metalloproteinase***8211;3 levels by ELISA assay, and biomechanical properties by load-to-failure testing.
Results: The load, steroid group showed the greatest remodeling and the best organized actin cytoskeleton. Matrix metallo-proteinase***8211;3 levels in the load, steroid group were greater than those of the nonload, nonsteroid group (P < .05). Ultimate stress and ultimate strain in the load, steroid group were greater than those of the nonload, nonsteroid and nonload, steroid groups (P < .05). The strain energy density in the load, steroid group was greater when compared to other groups (P < .05).
Conclusions: Nandrolone decanoate and load acted synergistically to increase matrix remodeling and biomechanical properties of bioartificial tendons.
Clinical Relevance: Data suggest anabolic steroids may enhance production of bioartificial tendons and rotator cuff tendon healing in vitro. More research is necessary before such clinical use is recommended.