Journal article
Menstrual Cycle Hormone Relaxin and ACL Injuries in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review
The Iowa orthopaedic journal, Vol.44(1), pp.113-123
01/01/2024
PMCID: PMC11195904
PMID: 38919370
Appears in Diamond Open Access
Abstract
Background: Female athletes are at increased risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The influence of hormonal variation on female ACL injury risk remains ill-defined. Recent data suggests that the collagen-degrading menstrual hormone relaxin may cyclically impact female ACL tissue quality. This review aims to identify any correlation between menstrual relaxin peaks and rates of female ACL injury.
Methods: A systematic review was performed, utilizing the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. Included studies had to directly address relaxin/female ACL interactions. The primary outcome variable was relaxin proteolysis of the ACL, at cellular, tissue, joint, and whole-organism levels. The secondary outcome variable was any discussed method of moderating relaxin levels, and the clinical results if available.
Results: AllThe numerous relaxin receptors on female ACLs upregulate local collagenolysis and suppress local collagen production. Peak serum relaxin concentrations (SRC) occur during menstrual cycle days 21-24; a time phase associated with greater risk of ACL injury. Oral contraceptives (OCPs) reduce SRC, with a potential ACLprotective effect.
Conclusion: A reasonable correlative and plausible causative relationship exists between peak relaxin levels and increased risk of ACL injury in females, and further investigation is warranted. Level of Evidence: III.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Menstrual Cycle Hormone Relaxin and ACL Injuries in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review
- Creators
- Emily A. Parker - University of IowaKyle R. Duchman - University of IowaAlex M. Meyer - University of IowaBrian R. Wolf - University of IowaRobert W. Westermann - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Iowa orthopaedic journal, Vol.44(1), pp.113-123
- Publisher
- Dept. of Orthopaedics, The University of Iowa; United States
- PMID
- 38919370
- PMCID
- PMC11195904
- ISSN
- 1541-5457
- eISSN
- 1555-1377
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/2024
- Academic Unit
- Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; Athletic Training Program
- Record Identifier
- 9984648256702771
Metrics
8 Record Views