Advanced Glycation End-Products Suppress Mitochondrial Function and Proliferative Capacity of Achilles Tendon-Derived Fibroblasts

Shivam H Patel; Feng Yue; Shannon K Saw; Rachel Foguth; Jason R Cannon; Jonathan H Shannahan; Shihuan Kuang; Arman Sabbaghi; Chad C Carroll

doi:10.1038/s41598-019-49062-8

. 2019 Aug 30;9:12614. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-49062-8

Advanced Glycation End-Products Suppress Mitochondrial Function and Proliferative Capacity of Achilles Tendon-Derived Fibroblasts

Shivam H Patel ¹, Feng Yue ², Shannon K Saw ¹, Rachel Foguth ^3,⁴, Jason R Cannon ^3,⁴, Jonathan H Shannahan ³, Shihuan Kuang ², Arman Sabbaghi ⁵, Chad C Carroll ^1,^6,^✉

PMCID: PMC6717202 PMID: 31471548

Abstract

Debilitating cases of tendon pain and degeneration affect the majority of diabetic individuals. The high rate of tendon degeneration persists even when glucose levels are well controlled, suggesting that other mechanisms may drive tendon degeneration in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of advanced glycation end-products on tendon fibroblasts to further our mechanistic understanding of the development and progression of diabetic tendinopathy. We proposed that advanced glycation end-products would induce limitations to mitochondrial function and proliferative capacity in tendon-derived fibroblasts, restricting their ability to maintain biosynthesis of tendon extracellular matrix. Using an in-vitro cell culture system, rat Achilles tendon fibroblasts were treated with glycolaldehyde-derived advanced glycation end-products (0, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml) for 48 hours in normal glucose (5.5 mM) and high glucose (25 mM) conditions. We demonstrate that tendon fibroblasts treated with advanced glycation end-products display reduced ATP production, electron transport efficiency, and proliferative capacity. These impairments were coupled with alterations in mitochondrial DNA content and expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, mitochondrial energy metabolism, and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that advanced glycation end-products disrupt tendon fibroblast homeostasis and may be involved in the development and progression of diabetic tendinopathy.

Subject terms: Diabetes complications, Type 2 diabetes, Tendons

Introduction

Over 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Evaluation of this patient population suggests that tendon abnormalities (i.e., tendinopathies) such as collagen fibril disorganization, increased tissue stiffness, and tissue degeneration are present in the majority of diabetic individuals^1–3. Notably, the high rate of tendinopathies in diabetic individuals persists even when glucose levels are well controlled (hemoglobin A1c <7)^2,4,5. Given the high prevalence of diabetic tendinopathy, there is a critical need to define the molecular process underlying the diabetic tendon phenotype.

Advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation is a non-enzymatic process in which free amine terminals are subjected to covalent modification by reactive glucose or other carbonyl containing molecules. AGEs form at an accelerated rate in diabetes and these modifications can result in non-enzymatic cross-links in long-lived extracellular proteins such as tendon collagen, which increase tissue stiffness and alter tissue mechanical properties^6–10. Furthermore, circulating AGE adducts are able to interact with the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) to initiate a noxious feed forward cycle of sustained inflammation and tissue damage¹¹. In other tissues, endogenous AGE formation as result of chronic hyperglycemia and spontaneous oxidation of glycolytic intermediates contribute significantly to elevated levels of bound and circulating AGE adducts in diabetic patients^12,13. Additionally, AGE-rich diets can increase serum AGE levels and result in accumulation of AGEs in tendon of mice¹⁴. It is not known, however, what role circulating AGEs play in the development and progression of diabetic tendinopathy.

In non-tendon models, AGEs have been shown to activate RAGE-mediated cellular pathways leading to impairments in mitochondrial function and apoptosis^15–18. To our knowledge, the impact of AGEs on tenocyte mitochondrial function (e.g., ATP production and electron transport efficiency) has not previously been evaluated. Specifically, ATP has been shown to promote biosynthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in intervertebral cells¹⁹. In diabetic tendinopathy, degeneration and loss of organization in the ECM may be driven, in part, by the imbalance of energy (ATP) demand and supply. We propose that AGEs contribute to the diabetic tendon phenotype by activating cellular pathways that limit mitochondrial function, thereby interfering with the capacity of tendon fibroblasts to maintain biosynthesis of tendon ECM.

In effort to better understand diabetes associated tendon pathology, we sought to characterize impairments to energy producing systems and proliferative capacity of tendon-derived fibroblasts in response to AGE treatment and high glucose containing medium. We hypothesized that AGEs, in-vitro, would impair mitochondrial function and proliferative capacity, independent of glucose concentrations. Further, we hypothesized that AGEs and high glucose medium would reduce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and further contribute to limitations imposed to energy producing pathways in tendon fibroblasts. To advance our understanding of mitochondrial biogenesis and energy production during AGE exposure, analyses of mitochondrial apoptotic regulators, as well as regulators of mitochondrial energy metabolism were completed. This study provides new functional and descriptive perspective of the AGE insult on tendon fibroblast homeostasis.

Results

Proliferative capacity

Cell proliferation (EdU), cell counts, Mybl2 mRNA, Pcna mRNA, and cytostatic MTT were significantly reduced at AGE-50 μg/ml, AGE-100 μg/ml, and AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 1b–f, respectively). The HG condition had no effect on cell proliferation (EdU), cell counts, and Mybl2 mRNA (p > 0.0125, Fig. 1b–d, respectively). However, the HG condition reduced Pcna mRNA transcript counts (p < 0.0125, Fig. 1e) and increased absorbance values of cytostatic MTT data (p < 0.0125, Fig. 1f).

Inline graphic — Proliferative Capacity (n = 8). (a) Representative images of EdU⁺/DAPI overlay after 48 hours of AGE treatment. EdU⁺ nuclei are pink and have active DNA synthesis. Blue nuclei (DAPI) do not have active DNA synthesis. (b) Graphical representation of EdU images (Panel A). Data represented as ratio of EdU⁺ nuclei to total nuclei. (c) Cell counts after 48 hours of AGE treatment. Dashed line represents initial seeding density of 15,000 cells. (**d,e**) ddPCR gene transcript counts for Myb-related protein B (Mybl2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna). (f) Cytostatic MTT shown as absolute arbitrary absorbance units. *p < 0.0125 main effect for AGE vs. AGE-0 μg/ml, mixed effects regression. NG:HG p < 0.0125 indicates main effect for glucose condition, mixed effects regression. Data presented as mean ± standard error. ■ Normal Glucose (NG), High Glucose (HG).

Mitochondrial stress tests

ATP production-coupled respiration was significantly reduced at AGE-100 μg/ml and AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 2a). ATP production-coupled respiration was also significantly reduced in the HG condition (p < 0.0125, Fig. 2a). Basal respiration was significantly reduced at AGE-100 μg/ml and AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 2b), but no glucose effect was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 2b). Neither AGE treatment nor glucose condition had a significant effect on maximal respiration (p > 0.0125, Fig. 2c). AGE treatment had no effect on proton leak (p > 0.0125, Fig. 2d), but the HG condition increased proton leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane (p < 0.0125, Fig. 2d). Coupling efficiency was significantly reduced at AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 2e). Coupling efficiency was also significantly reduced in the HG condition (p < 0.0125, Fig. 2e). Spare respiratory capacity was significantly increased at AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 2f), but no glucose effect was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 2f).

Mitochondrial membrane potential

AGE treatment had no effect on mitochondrial membrane potential (p > 0.025, Fig. 3), but mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased in the HG condition (p < 0.025, Fig. 3).

Transcriptional analysis of extracellular matrix remodeling

Col1a1 and MMP9 mRNA transcript counts were significantly reduced in the AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 4a,d). Col3a1 mRNA transcript counts were significantly increased in the AGE-50 μg/ml and AGE-100 μg/ml groups compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 4b). MMP2 mRNA transcript counts were significantly increased in the AGE-100 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 4c). AGEs had no effect on TIMP1 mRNA transcript counts (p < 0.0125, Fig. 4e). No glucose effect was observed for Col1a1, Col3a1, MMP2, MMP9, or TIMP1 (0 < 0.0125, Fig. 4a–e).

Mitochondrial DNA Content

mtDNA content was significantly increased at AGE-50 μg/ml, AGE-100 μg/ml, and AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 5a), but no effect of glucose condition was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 5a). Neither AGE treatment nor glucose condition had a significant effect on DNA content when normalized to cell counts (p > 0.0125, Fig. 5b).

Transcriptional Analysis of Mitochondrial Complexes

Ndufa1 mRNA transcript counts were significantly increased at AGE-50 μg/ml, AGE-100 μg/ml, and AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 6a), but no effect of glucose condition was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 6a). Sdha mRNA transcript counts were significantly reduced at AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 6b), but no effect of glucose was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 6b). A secondary direct comparison to test the conditional main effect revealed that Sdha transcript counts were significantly reduced at HG AGE-200 μg/ml compared to HG AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.05, Fig. 6b). Bcs1l mRNA was significantly reduced at AGE-50 μg/ml, AGE-100 μg/ml, and AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 6c). Bcs1l mRNA was also significantly reduced in the HG condition (p < 0.0125, Fig. 6c). Neither AGE treatment nor glucose condition altered Cox4i1 mRNA transcript counts (p > 0.0125, Fig. 6d). MT-ATP6 mRNA transcript counts were significantly reduced at HG AGE-200 μg/ml compared to HG AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.05, Fig. 6e), but no effect of glucose was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 6e).

Protein analysis of mitochondrial complexes

Expression of complex III (UQCRC2) was significantly increased at AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.017, Fig. 7c), but no glucose effect was observed (p > 0.017, Fig. 7c). Expression of complex I (NDUFB8), II (SDHB), IV (MTCO1), or V (ATP5A) were not altered by either AGE treatment or glucose condition (p > 0.017, Fig. 7a,b,d,e, respectively). However, a significant interaction between AGE treatment and glucose condition was observed for complex I (NDUFB8) and complex IV (MTCO1) (p < 0.017, Fig. 7a,d).

Transcriptional analysis of mitochondrial apoptosis

Bak1 mRNA transcript counts were significantly reduced at AGE-100 μg/ml and AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 8a), but no effect of glucose condition was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 8a). Bax and Casp8 mRNA transcript counts were significantly reduced at HG AGE-200 μg/ml compared to HG AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.05, Fig. 8b,e, respectively), but no effect of glucose was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 8b,e, respectively). Bcl2 and Tgfbr3 mRNA transcript counts were significantly reduced at AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.0125, Fig. 8c,f, respectively), but no effect of glucose condition was observed (p > 0.0125, Fig. 8c,f, respectively). AGE treatment had no effect on Casp3 mRNA (p > 0.0125, Fig. 8d), but the HG condition reduced Casp3 mRNA transcript counts (p < 0.0125, Fig. 8d).

Superoxide production

Mitochondrial and total ROS/superoxide production were significantly increased at AGE-200 μg/ml compared to AGE-0 μg/ml (p < 0.025, Fig. 9a,b, respectively), but no glucose effect was observed in either (p > 0.025, Fig. 9).

Discussion

AGE-induced non-enzymatic collagen cross-link formation in the ECM has been proposed to increase tendon stiffness in diabetic individuals^6,7,10. However, factors contributing to tendon degeneration and collagen fibril disorganization in diabetic tendon have not been extensively characterized. The detrimental effects of AGE associated pathology are well described in non-tendon tissues and have been linked to several diabetic complications such as cardiomyopathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and endothelial dysfunction^10,20. In this study, we sought to address the effect of AGEs at the cellular level to better understand factors that may contribute to the disorganization and degeneration of tendon ECM noted in diabetic individuals. Using an in-vitro primary cell culture system, we demonstrate dose-dependent AGE-induced reductions in proliferative capacity and mitochondrial ATP production of tendon-derived fibroblasts. Additionally, we demonstrate increased mtDNA content and modifications to mitochondrial complexes and markers of apoptosis after AGE treatment. While previous research has established AGE dependent mitochondrial and proliferative limitations^17,18,21, these data, to the best of our knowledge, are the first to show these impairments in tendon-derived fibroblasts.

Tendon injuries and degenerative pathology are a common and debilitating clinical problem in diabetic individuals^2,3,22–26. Diabetic tendons are thicker^24,27, and more commonly present with fibril disorganization². Despite convincing epidemiological data, the molecular factors contributing to the development and degenerative process of tendinopathy in diabetic individuals are not well characterized. Much focus has been directed to the influence of elevated glucose on cellular and structural tendon parameters. In-vitro and in-vivo data have indicated that elevated glucose availability can alter cell signaling dynamics and structural properties in tendon^28–30. These data suggest that glucose may contribute to tendon pathology, however conflicting reports exist and more conclusive human data is needed to confirm hyperglycemia-associated tendon degeneration in diabetes.

As evidenced, glucose does seem to be implicated in modulation of some tendon cellular and structural properties^28–30, however, the underlying mechanisms influencing tendon degeneration in diabetic patients remain inconclusive. Couppé et al.⁴ have demonstrated that Achilles tendon Young’s modulus (stiffness) is greater in diabetic subjects compared to control subjects, but no difference exists between subjects with well-controlled and poorly controlled diabetes. These data highlight that hyperglycemia is unlikely to be the sole contributor of diabetic tendon pathology. In support of this notion, we explored the role of AGEs on modulation of tendon cellular properties that may consequently interfere with regulation and maintenance of the ECM.

Tendon fibroblast proliferation is a vital component to tendon development, adaptation, and healing^31,32. An inability of tenocytes to proliferate in the presence of AGEs would significantly precipitate the development of tendinopathy³³. Tendinopathy is thought to develop, in part, from a failed healing response to minor tendon damage during loading. Specifically, delayed and abnormal healing is a common complication of both type I and type II diabetes^34,35. As evidence, tendinopathies in diabetic patients are generally more pervasive and can present with more severe degeneration, which may, in part, be driven by prolonged injury status^2,36,37. We note dramatic impairments to tendon fibroblast proliferative capacity in the presence of AGEs. Our in-vitro data demonstrate, in a dose dependent fashion, reduced cell proliferation (EdU) and cell counts after 48 hours of AGE treatment (Fig. 1b,c, respectively). In concert, we demonstrate a reduction in proliferative gene markers, Mybl2 and Pcna, and reduced absorbance values of cytostatic MTT with AGE treatment (Fig. 1d–f, respectively). These data are in agreement with data from Hu et al.²¹, which also demonstrates a lack of proliferative capacity in the presence of AGEs. While the HG condition did impact Pcna mRNA and cytostatic MTT (Fig. 1e,f), the primary insult to proliferative capacity appears to be driven by AGE treatment. Impaired proliferation is likely mediated by RAGE signaling³⁸, but further work is needed to confirm AGE-mediated impairments to tendon fibroblast proliferation and tendon healing.

AGEs have been linked to numerous diabetes related complications and their detrimental effects are well documented in several tissues^10,20. The primary consequences of AGE-mediated RAGE activation are chronic inflammation, as result of the NF-κB mediated cascade, and oxidative stress, due to NADPH oxidase stimulation. Among resulting complications, reports in other cell types have identified AGE-mediated impairments to mitochondrial function and dynamics^15–18. Similarly, we report impaired mitochondrial parameters and reduced ATP production-coupled respiration in tendon fibroblasts treated with AGEs (Fig. 2a). The role of ATP is diverse and essential for a multitude of cellular processes including cell proliferation, contraction, and wound healing. Specifically, ATP has been shown to promote biosynthesis of the ECM in intervertebral disk cells¹⁹. In tendon, the resident fibroblast population maintains the ECM, which is primarily composed of collagen. Due to the energy demanding nature of ECM maintenance, it is possible, that in the presence of AGEs, limited ATP production contributes to loss of organization in the ECM, which is commonly noted in diabetic tendon^1–3. While maximal respiration of tendon fibroblasts was unchanged due to identical XFp seeding density, basal respiration was reduced after AGE treatment (Fig. 2b,c, respectively). In addition to loss of ATP production and reduced basal respiration, we demonstrate that AGEs also impair electron transport coupling efficiency; thereby increasing spare respiratory capacity of AGE treated tendon fibroblasts and indicating overall reduction to electron transport efficiency (Fig. 2e,f, respectively). Interestingly, the HG condition reduced ATP production and coupling efficiency (Fig. 2a,e) and increased proton leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane (Fig. 2d), suggesting that glucose alone can also impact electron transport efficiency. Proton leak across the inner membrane is known to influence mitochondrial membrane potential^39,40. In agreement with our proton leak data, our analysis revealed that the HG condition reduces mitochondrial membrane potential, however, no effect of AGE is observed (Fig. 3). It is important to note that AGE and/or glucose-mediated mitochondrial impairments are likely not the sole contributor of tendon ECM disorganization. For example, AGEs increase matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) expression and activity, which may contribute in an additive manner to enhanced degeneration in tendon ECM⁴¹.

To address our hypothesis that the presence of AGEs and resulting limited ATP production contribute to loss of organization in the ECM, we completed gene analysis of targets associated with ECM maintenance and remodeling. We note that AGE treatment reduces Col1a1 mRNA expression (Fig. 4a), consistent with previous work which has demonstrated reduced collagen synthesis during AGE treatment in fibroblasts⁴². Col3a1 mRNA expression was however increased with AGE 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml, but not at 200 μg/ml (Fig. 4b). Col3a1 expression is upregulated after injury and during the early stages of wound healing^43,44. It is possible that in our cell culture model, increased Col3a1 mRNA expression in the AGE 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml groups was an attempt to overcome the AGE insult to tendon fibroblast collagen production. However, it appears that the potential compensatory response was unsuccessful in the AGE 200 μg/ml group (Fig. 4b). Further, MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) work to tightly regulate ECM remodeling. Previous work in chondrocyte cell culture has demonstrated an increase to MMP mRNA expression with AGE treatment^41,45. While we did observe increased MMP2 mRNA expression in the AGE 100 μg/ml group, MMP9 mRNA expression was reduced in the AGE 200 μg/ml group (Fig. 4c,d). Lastly, we did not observe an AGE or glucose effect of TIMP1 mRNA (Fig. 4e). Reduced collagen expression and altered MMP modulation may favor an environment that promotes loss of ECM organization. Future work evaluating post-translational MMP activation and collagen fibril organization is needed to determine the role of AGEs in modulation of tendon ECM.

We also noted increased content of mtDNA after 48 hours of AGE treatment, despite striking reductions to ATP production. mtDNA content can be used as an estimate of mitochondrial volume⁴⁶, however, contrary to our hypothesis, 48 hours of AGE treatment resulted in increased mtDNA content in a dose dependent manner independent of glucose condition (Fig. 5a). Based on our findings, it is plausible that the increase in mtDNA in AGE-treated tendon fibroblasts was indicative of a compensatory response to overcome the AGE insult and meet energy demands^47,48. In support of this theory, cells under oxidative stress have been shown to increase mitochondria and mtDNA⁴⁹. Additionally, Kim et al.⁴⁸ have demonstrated a relationship between mtDNA content and severity of histopathology in cancerous lesions, suggesting that increased mtDNA content may be used as a measure of DNA injury and pathology. Despite this compensatory response, functional mitochondrial limitations were still evident after 48 hours of AGE treatment. Alternatively, it is possible that AGE-induced limitations to mitochondrial biogenesis may result in failure of tendon fibroblasts to meet energy demands. For example, mtDNA is more susceptible to mutation than nuclear DNA and AGEs have been shown to induce damage to mtDNA, which could ultimately impact mitochondrial biogenesis^50,51. However, further molecular work is needed to conclusively define the pathway of AGE-mediated mitochondrial damage. To confirm that mtDNA content measurements were not falsely elevated by an increase in total DNA, despite equal DNA loading per PCR reaction, we normalized total DNA yield to cell counts and noted no difference in DNA content with either glucose condition or AGE treatment (Fig. 5b).

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced primarily by mitochondria, have been implicated in AGE-mediated cell apoptosis and mitochondrial damage^18,52,53. To further explore and identify specific targets of the AGE insult, we assessed regulation of electron transport complexes and apoptosis. Analysis of gene transcripts associated with complex I-V (Fig. 6a–e, respectively) of the electron transport chain revealed increased expression of Ndufa1 mRNA (Fig. 6a) and marked reduction of Bcs1l mRNA (Fig. 6c) with AGE treatment. Additionally, the HG condition further reduced Bcs1l mRNA expression (Fig. 6c). Increased Ndufa1 mRNA after AGE treatment may be interpreted as a compensatory response to increase mitochondrial complex I in effort to meet energy demands after the AGE insult. However, Bcs1l mRNA, which encodes mitochondrial complex III, is dramatically reduced in a dose dependent manner after AGE treatment, suggesting that the AGE insult may be targeted to complex III. Lastly, Sdha and MT-ATP6 mRNA, coding for mitochondrial complex II and complex V (ATP synthase), respectively, were reduced in the HG AGE-200 μg/ml group compared to HG AGE-0 μg/ml (Fig. 6b,c, respectively). A direct comparison was made between HG AGE-0 μg/ml and HG AGE-200 μg/ml to test the conditional main effect and reveal a significant reduction to Sdha and MT-ATP6 mRNA, suggesting that both AGE treatment and HG condition were contributing to this reduction. Cox4i1 (complex IV, Fig. 6d) was not impacted by either AGE treatment or HG condition. While these gene data provide indication that AGEs may indeed have targeted effects to the electron transport chain, protein analysis revealed a significant AGE main effect for only complex III (UQCRC2) (Fig. 7c). Additionally, complex III protein expression was increased with AGE exposure, while complex III mRNA expression was reduced. Lack of response to remaining complexes and discrepancies between gene and protein analysis may be attributed to the acute duration of AGE exposure. Further, an interaction between AGEs and glucose condition was observed in complex I (NDUFB8, Fig. 7a) and complex IV (MTCO1, Fig. 7d). These results merit further work to discover mechanistic pathways by which AGEs limit mitochondrial function during long-term AGE exposure.

To assess the impact of AGEs on mitochondrial-related tendon fibroblast apoptosis, we completed analysis of associated gene transcripts and measurement of superoxide production. Transcript counts of pro-apoptotic gene Bak1 were reduced with AGE treatment (Fig. 8a). Additionally, pro-apoptotic Bax mRNA expression was reduced only in the HG AGE-200 μg/ml group compared to HG AGE-0 μg/ml (Fig. 8b). Although these findings are contrary to previous work²¹, it is possible that these may be compensatory responses to AGE-mediated apoptotic signals. In agreement with previous work by Hu et al.²¹, expression of Bcl2 mRNA, an anti-apoptotic mediator, was reduced with AGE treatment (Fig. 8c). Previous reports have indicated an inverse relationship between Bcl2 and ROS, where ROS may act to reduce expression of Bcl2 and sensitize cells to apoptosis⁵⁴. In agreement, our analysis of superoxide, the primary mitochondrial- derived reactive oxygen species⁵⁵, demonstrates increased production of both mitochondrial derived and total superoxide after AGE treatment (Fig. 9). Further, cytochrome c release is suppressed by Bcl2, but is promoted by Bak1 and Bax. Cytochrome c release will ultimately result in caspase activation⁵⁶. Previous reports indicate AGE treatment induces caspase activation^21,57, however we did not note any AGE-induced changes to Casp3 mRNA (Fig. 8d) but did note reduced Casp8 mRNA in the HG AGE-200 μg/ml group compared to HG AGE-0 μg/ml (Fig. 8e). Finally, transcript counts of Tgfbr3 were reduced with AGE treatment (Fig. 8f). Tgfbr3 overexpression has been shown to increase Bax and Bcl2 expression, as well as promote activation of caspase 3⁵⁸. Casp3 mRNA expression was reduced in the HG condition and was the only target associated with apoptosis to be affected by glucose (Fig. 8d). From these data, it is evident that AGEs alter transcriptional regulation of gene transcripts associated with apoptosis, however, we are limited in our interpretation and further post-translational and activity assays are needed to define the precise mechanisms by which AGEs may induce apoptosis in diabetic tendinopathy.

In summary (Fig. 10), we demonstrate that AGEs, which are elevated in serum of diabetic individuals, impair proliferative capacity, ATP production, and electron transport chain efficiency. Additionally we demonstrate that AGEs alter regulation of mitochondrial complex expression and gene transcripts associated with apoptosis. While the HG condition did impact some mitochondrial parameters, AGEs appear to be the primary insult and may be responsible for the development of the diabetic tendon phenotype. This work provides new insights to the pathophysiology of tendon ECM in diabetic patients. However, future in-vivo and mechanistic work is needed to determine whether controlling serum AGEs in diabetic patients can reduce risk of degenerative tendinopathy.

Summary of Major AGE-Mediated Findings. Figure created with BioRender.

Methods

AGE preparation

Glycolaldehyde-derived AGEs were generated under sterile conditions as described by Valencia et al.⁵⁹. Briefly, sterile filtered 30% BSA solution (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) was incubated with 70 mM glycolaldehyde dimer (Sigma) in sterile PBS without calcium chloride and magnesium chloride for three days at 37 °C. After incubation, the AGE product was dialyzed against sterile PBS for 24 hours at 4 °C using gamma-irradiated 10 kDa cut-off cassettes (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA) to remove unreacted glycolaldehyde. Unmodified control BSA was prepared similarly, without the addition of glycolaldehyde dimer. Protein concentration was determined by BCA assay (Thermo Scientific) and absence of endotoxin (<0.25Eu/ml) was confirmed via the LAL gel-clot assay (GenScript, Piscataway, NJ).

Extent of AGE modification

Extent of BSA modification was confirmed by fluorescence, absorbance, and loss of primary amines^59–62. AGE-BSA and Control-BSA were diluted to 1 mg/ml in PBS and fluorescent spectra and absorbance were recorded at 335 nm excitation/420 nm emission and 340 nm, respectively (Molecular Devices, San Jose, CA). For determination of loss of primary amines AGE-BSA and Control-BSA were diluted to 0.2 mg/ml in PBS. An equal volume of ortho-phthalaldehyde solution (Sigma) was added and fluorescent spectrum was recorded at 340 nm excitation/455 nm emission (Molecular Devices). A standard curve of 0 to 0.2 mg/ml of BSA that did not undergo 37 °C incubation was used to generate a standard curve of free amine content and data was normalized to represent percentage of amine terminals remaining with reference to the standard curve⁵⁹. Respective fluorescence or absorbance values of PBS alone were subtracted from all data. AGE-BSA fluorescence was increased to 697.78 arbitrary units (AU) compared to −0.72 AU for control BSA. Absorbance readings were completed to determine the extent of glycation. AGE-BSA showed increased glycation with absorbance readings of 0.682 AU compared to 0.01 AU for control BSA. Finally, AGE-BSA primary amine terminals underwent complete modification (−0.03% accessible amine terminals remaining), while control BSA retained 81.48% of accessible amine terminals. Spectra and absorbance values of PBS alone were subtracted from data but resulted in negative values for fluorescent-based detection because the spectra of PBS alone was greater than the obtained sample values. Negative values were interpreted as zero, and extent of modification was similar to previous reports⁵⁹.

Animal protocol

This study was approved by the Purdue University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and all animals were cared for in accordance with the recommendations in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals⁶³. Eight-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8,256.43 ± 5.19 g) were purchased from Charles River Laboratories (Wilmington, MA) and maintained for an additional eight weeks. Rats were housed on a 12-hour light-dark cycle and provided access to standard rat chow and water ad libitum. At sixteen weeks, rats were euthanized by decapitation after CO₂ inhalation.

Tendon fibroblast isolation and cell culture

Tendon-derived fibroblasts were isolated from the Achilles tendons of eight rats. After euthanasia, Achilles tendons were carefully excised and trimmed of remaining muscle and fascia. The tendon was rinsed with sterile PBS, finely minced, placed in DMEM containing 0.2% type I collagenase, and incubated in a 37 °C shaking water bath for four hours. After tissue digestion, the cell suspension was filtered through a 100 μm mesh filter, pelleted by centrifugation, resuspended in 5.5 mM glucose DMEM containing 10% FBS, 1% sodium pyruvate (Sigma), and 1% penicillin/streptomycin (Thermo Scientific) and plated in 100 mm collagen coated dishes. After reaching ~75–80% confluence, tendon fibroblasts were subcultured with either normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mM) DMEM (Sigma) or high glucose (HG, 25 mM) DMEM (Sigma) for a minimum of one passage to allow for glucose condition acclimation. Tendon fibroblasts were then seeded into 6-well, 24-well, or 96-well collagen coated culture plates and treated for 48 hours with 0, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml of AGEs within both glucose conditions. The 0 μg/ml AGE group was treated with 200 μg/ml of unmodified control BSA. Tendon fibroblasts from passage 2–4 were used for all experiments.