Table 3 Diverse pro-inflammatory substances in the inflammation phase

TNF-α

Tumor necrosis factor α, is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, which affects other factors in tendon repair

[60]

IL-1β

Interleukin-1, is produced by the macrophages, monocytes and dendritic cells, which inhibits the formation of cartilage matrix

[61, 62]

IL-6

Interleukin-6 is a pro-inflammatory factor that plays a central role in tissue injury

[61]

COX-2

Cyclooxygenase-2, a key enzyme for conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins

[63]