Suramin enhances proliferation, migration, and tendon gene expression of human supraspinatus tenocytes

Abstract Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder with limited pharmacological treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate tenocytes’ functional in vitro response from a ruptured supraspinatus tendon to suramin administration and to elucidate whether suramin can enhance tendon repair and modulate the inflammatory response to injury. Tenocytes were obtained from human supraspinatus tendons ( n = 6). We investigated the effect of suramin on LPS‐induced inflammatory responses and the underlying molecular mechanisms in THP‐1 macrophages. Suramin enhanced the proliferation, cell viability, and migration of tenocytes. It also increased the protein expression of PCNA and Ki‐67. Suramin‐treated tenocytes exhibited increased expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, TNC, SCX, and VEGF. Suramin significantly reduced LPS‐induced iNOS, COX2 synthesis, inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α production, and inflammatory signaling by influencing the NF‐κB pathways in THP‐1 cells. Our results suggest that suramin holds great promise as a therapeutic option for treating rotator cuff tendinopathy.