What is one of the roles of IGF-1 in tendon healing?

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) plays a crucial role in tendon healing primarily by enhancing the healing rate. During the healing process, IGF-1 stimulates cellular proliferation and differentiation, particularly in tendon fibroblasts, which are essential for producing the extracellular matrix components, including collagen. Adequate collagen synthesis is vital for restoring the structural integrity of the tendon. Additionally, IGF-1 has been shown to promote angiogenesis and increase nutrient supply to the healing tissue, further aiding the rapid recovery of tendons after injury.

While other factors may influence tendon healing, IGF-1's ability to accelerate the overall healing process makes it a key player in tendon regeneration. This is especially important since tendon injuries can lead to prolonged pain and functional impairment if not healed efficiently. The role of IGF-1 explicitly focuses on promoting healing rather than inhibiting processes or recruiting different cell types that aren't primarily involved in tendon repair.