Nuclear lamin A in rotator cuff tear margin tenocytes: an antiapoptotic and cell mechanostat factor

• Published in: Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research 2021-06, Vol.16 (1), p.1-413, Article 413
• Main Authors: Gumina, Stefano, Peruzzi, Barbara, Leopizzi, Martina, Porta, Natale, Di Maio, Valeria, Rocca, Carlo Della, Candela, Vittorio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Analysis; Apoptosis; DNA binding proteins; Immunohistochemistry; Implants, Artificial; Injuries; Intermediate filament proteins; Joint surgery; Lamins; NF-κB protein; Orthopedics; Oxidative stress; Prosthesis; Proteins; Rotator cuff; Shoulder; Signal transduction; Statistical analysis; Tendons; Transcription factors
• ISSN: 1749-799X; 1749-799X
• DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02569-1

Background The network of intermediate filament proteins underlying the inner nuclear membrane forms the nuclear lamin. A- and B-type lamins are the major components of the nuclear lamina. Lamins function in many nuclear activities. The role of lamin A and transcription factors (NF-kB) as anti-apoptotic is well documented. Recently, lamin A has also been considered as a mechanosensor protein that is able to maintain nuclear integrity from mechanical insults. We aimed to verify how lamin A expression varies in healthy cuff cells and in those with different-sized tears where various mechanical stresses are present. Methods Forty-three patients with rotator cuff tear (RCT) [23M-20F, mean age (SD): 63.5 (6.1)] were enrolled. Tissue samples excised from the most medial point of tear margins were analyzed for lamin A expression by immunohistochemistry. Controls were represented by samples obtained by normal supraspinatus tendons excised from patients submitted to reverse shoulder prosthesis implant [8M-7F, mean age (SD): 67.9 (7.1)]. The intensity of staining was graded, and an H-score was assigned. Statistical analysis was performed. Results Our study revealed a moderate intensity of lamin A in the healthy cuff tendons, a higher expression of this protein in the small tears, and a significant decrease of lamin A with increasing tear size (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Our study emphasizes the importance of early repair of small RCTs since nuclear stability is maintained, and the cellular function is protected by lamin A overexpression. High re-tear of massive cuff repair could be due to cellular apoptosis and nuclear modifications induced by lamin A lack. Level of evidence III