Treadmill running induces remodeling of the infrapatellar fat pad in an intensity-dependent manner

ObjectiveTo investigate the response of the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) to running at different intensities and further explore the underlying mechanisms of these responses under different running-induced loadings.MethodsAnimals were randomly assigned into the sedentary (SED), low-intensity running (LIR), medium-intensity running (MIR), and high-intensity running (HIR) groups. The rats in the LIR, MIR, and HIR groups were subjected to an 8-week treadmill running protocol. In each group, the IFP was examined at the baseline and at the 8th week to perform histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and mRNA expression analyses.ResultsCompared with LIR and MIR, HIR for 8weeks led to a substantial increase in the surface cellularity (1.67 1.15), fibrosis (1.29 +/- 0.36), and vascularity (33.31 +/- 8.43) of the IFP but did not increase IFP inflammation or M1 macrophage polarization. Low-to-medium-intensity running resulted in unchanged or decreased fibrosis, vascularity, and surface cellularity in the IFP compared to those of the SED group. Furthermore, serum leptin and visfatin levels were significantly lower in the LIR and MIR groups than in the SED group or the HIR group (P < 0.05).Conclusion The effect of running on IFP remodeling was intensity dependent. In contrast to LIR and MIR, HIR increased the fibrosis and vascularity of the IFP. HIR-induced IFP fibrosis was probably due to mechanical stress, rather than pathological proinflammatory M1/M2 polarization.

Automated summary

The response of the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) to running is intensity dependent, with high-intensity running leading to increased fibrosis and vascularity. Low to medium intensity running may not cause significant changes in the IFP.