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Rocha LC, Barbosa GK, Pimentel Neto J, Jacob CDS, Knudsen AB, Watanabe IS, Ciena AP. Aquatic Training after Joint Immobilization in Rats Promotes Adaptations in Myotendinous Junctions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136983. [PMID: 34209663 PMCID: PMC8267653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the muscle-tendon interface and constitutes an integrated mechanical unit to force transmission. Joint immobilization promotes muscle atrophy via disuse, while physical exercise can be used as an adaptative stimulus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the components of the MTJ and their adaptations and the associated elements triggered with aquatic training after joint immobilization. Forty-four male Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (SD), aquatic training (AT), immobilization (IM), and immobilization/aquatic training (IMAT) groups. The samples were processed to measure fiber area, nuclear fractal dimension, MTJ nuclear density, identification of telocytes, sarcomeres, and MTJ perimeter length. In the AT group, the maintenance of ultrastructure and elements in the MTJ region were observed; the IM group presented muscle atrophy effects with reduced MTJ perimeter; the IMAT group demonstrated that aquatic training after joint immobilization promotes benefits in the muscle fiber area and fractal dimension, in the MTJ region shows longer sarcomeres and MTJ perimeter. We identified the presence of telocytes in the MTJ region in all experimental groups. We concluded that aquatic training is an effective rehabilitation method after joint immobilization due to reduced muscle atrophy and regeneration effects on MTJ in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Caetano Rocha
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (L.C.R.); (G.K.B.); (J.P.N.); (C.d.S.J.)
| | - Gabriela Klein Barbosa
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (L.C.R.); (G.K.B.); (J.P.N.); (C.d.S.J.)
| | - Jurandyr Pimentel Neto
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (L.C.R.); (G.K.B.); (J.P.N.); (C.d.S.J.)
| | - Carolina dos Santos Jacob
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (L.C.R.); (G.K.B.); (J.P.N.); (C.d.S.J.)
| | - Andreas B. Knudsen
- Department of Sports Traumatology M51, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, IOC Copenhagen Research Center, 1050 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Ii-Sei Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science III, University of São Paulo-USP, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Adriano Polican Ciena
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (L.C.R.); (G.K.B.); (J.P.N.); (C.d.S.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-193-526-4346
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Effect of Stretching Combined With Ultrashort Wave Diathermy on Joint Function and Its Possible Mechanism in a Rabbit Knee Contracture Model. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 97:357-363. [DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Iwasawa H, Nomura M, Sakitani N, Watanabe K, Watanabe D, Moriyama H. Stretching After Heat But Not After Cold Decreases Contractures After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2016; 474:2692-2701. [PMID: 27530397 PMCID: PMC5085939 DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5030-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contractures are a prevalent and potentially severe complication in patients with neurologic disorders. Although heat, cold, and stretching are commonly used for treatment of contractures and/or spasticity (the cause of many contractures), the sequential effects of these modalities remain unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES Using an established rat model with spinal cord injury with knee flexion contracture, we sought to determine what combination of heat or cold before stretching is the most effective for treatment of contractures derived from spastic paralyses and investigated which treatment leads to the best (1) improvement in the loss of ROM; (2) restoration of deterioration in the muscular and articular factors responsible for contractures; and (3) amelioration of histopathologic features such as muscular fibrosis in biceps femoris and shortening of the joint capsule. METHODS Forty-two adolescent male Wistar rats were used. After spasticity developed at 2 weeks postinjury, each animal with spinal cord injury underwent the treatment protocol daily for 1 week. Knee extension ROM was measured with a goniometer by two examiners blinded to each other's scores. The muscular and articular factors contributing to contractures were calculated by measuring ROM before and after the myotomies. We quantitatively measured the muscular fibrosis and the synovial intima length, and observed the distribution of collagen of skeletal muscle. The results were confirmed by a blinded observer. RESULTS The ROM of heat alone (34° ± 1°) and cold alone (34° ± 2°) rats were not different with the numbers available from that of rats with spinal cord injury (35° ± 2°) (p = 0.92 and 0.89, respectively). Stretching after heat (24° ± 1°) was more effective than stretching alone (27° ± 3°) at increasing ROM (p < 0.001). Contrastingly, there was no difference between stretching after cold (25° ± 1°) and stretching alone (p = 0.352). Stretching after heat was the most effective for percentage improvement of muscular (29%) and articular (50%) factors of contractures. Although quantification of muscular fibrosis in the rats with spinal cord injury (11% ± 1%) was higher than that of controls (9% ± 0.4%) (p = 0.01), no difference was found between spinal cord injury and each treatment protocol. The total synovial intima length of rats with spinal cord injury (5.9 ± 0.2 mm) became shorter than those of the controls (7.6 ± 0.2 mm) (p < 0.001), and those of stretching alone (6.9 ± 0.4 mm), stretching after heat (7.1 ± 0.3 mm), and stretching after cold (6.7 ± 0.4 mm) increased compared with rats with spinal cord injury (p = 0.01, p = 0.001, and p = 0.04, respectively). The staining intensity and pattern of collagen showed no difference among the treatment protocols. CONCLUSIONS This animal study implies that heat or cold alone is ineffective, and that stretching is helpful for the correction of contractures after spinal cord injury. In addition, we provide evidence that heat is more beneficial than cold to increase the effectiveness of stretching. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our findings tend to support the idea that stretching after heat can improve the loss of ROM and histopathologic features of joint tissues. However, further studies are warranted to determine if our findings are clinically applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Iwasawa
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Tomogaoka 7-10-2, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142 Japan ,Department of Rehabilitation, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Masato Nomura
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Tomogaoka 7-10-2, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142 Japan
| | - Naoyoshi Sakitani
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Tomogaoka 7-10-2, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142 Japan
| | - Kosuke Watanabe
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Tomogaoka 7-10-2, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142 Japan
| | - Daichi Watanabe
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Tomogaoka 7-10-2, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142 Japan
| | - Hideki Moriyama
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Tomogaoka 7-10-2, Suma-ku, Kobe, 654-0142 Japan
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dos Santos AA, Oliveira P, Fernandes KR, Rhon L, Tim CR, Vasilceac FA, Pinto KNZ, Mattiello SM, Parizotto NA, Renno ACM. Effects of low-level laser therapy on cartilage repair in an experimental model of osteoarthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1515/plm-2013-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the degenerative process in the articular cartilage after an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model in rats.Methods:Eighty male rats (Wistar) were divided into four groups: 1.) intact control group (CG), 2.) injured control group (ICG), 3.) injured laser-treated group at 10 J/cmResults:Initial signs of tissue degradation could be observed 5 weeks post-ACLT, evidenced by the decrease of proteoglycan concentration and increase in cartilage thickness of the ICG. After 8 weeks post-surgery, analysis showed a progression of the degenerative processes in the ICG revealed by the increased cellularity and higher TNF-α, IL1-β and MMP-13 immunoexpression. LLLT was able to modulate some of the aspects relating to the degradative process, such as biomodulation of the number of chondrocyte proliferation, prevention of proteoglycan loss, and decrease of MMP-13 immunoexpression.Conclusion:This study showed that the 685-nm laser irradiation, especially at 10 J/cm
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Moriyama H, Tobimatsu Y, Ozawa J, Kito N, Tanaka R. Amount of torque and duration of stretching affects correction of knee contracture in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2013; 471:3626-36. [PMID: 23893364 PMCID: PMC3792286 DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Joint contractures are a common complication of many neurologic conditions, and stretching often is advocated to prevent and treat these contractures. However, the magnitude and duration of the stretching done in practice usually are guided by subjective clinical impressions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES Using an established T8 spinal cord injury rat model of knee contracture, we sought to determine what combination of static or intermittent stretching, varied by magnitude (high or low) and duration (long or short), leads to the best (1) improvement in the limitation in ROM; (2) restoration of the muscular and articular factors leading to contractures; and (3) prevention and treatment of contracture-associated histologic alterations of joint capsule and articular cartilage. METHODS Using a rat animal model, the spinal cord was transected completely at the level of T8. The rats were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups (n = 4 per group), which were composed of static or intermittent stretching in combination with different amounts of applied torque magnitude and duration. We assessed the effect of stretching by measuring the ROM and evaluating the histologic alteration of the capsule and cartilage. RESULTS Contractures improved in all treated groups except for the low-torque and short-duration static stretching conditions. High-torque stretching was effective against shortening of the synovial membrane and adhesions in the posterosuperior regions. Collagen Type II and VEGF in the cartilage were increased by stretching. CONCLUSIONS High-torque and long-duration static stretching led to greater restoration of ROM than the other torque and duration treatment groups. Stretching was more effective in improving articular components of contractures compared with the muscular components. Stretching in this rat model prevented shortening and adhesion of the joint capsule, and affected biochemical composition, but did not change morphologic features of the cartilage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This animal study tends to support the ideas that static stretching can influence joint ROM and histologic qualities of joint tissues, and that the way stretching is performed influences its efficacy. However, further studies are warranted to determine if our findings are clinically applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Moriyama
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Tomogaoka 7-10-2, Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 654-0142, Japan,
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Renner AF, Vasilceac FA, dos Santos AA, Dias CK, Teodoro WR, Mattiello SM. Muscle stretching after immobilization applied at alternate days preserves components of articular cartilage. Connect Tissue Res 2013; 54:132-8. [PMID: 23216052 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2012.756873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We compared the response of articular cartilage subjected to muscle stretching at different frequencies after joint immobilization. Wistar rats with immobilized left hind limbs were classified into the following groups: immobilization, immobilization followed by muscle stretching applied daily (group IS7) or three times a week (IS3), muscle stretching applied daily (S7) or three times a week (S3), and a control group (C) that underwent no intervention. We then evaluated the cartilage for cellularity, loss of proteoglycans, collagen density, and immunostaining of fibronectin and chondroitin 4-sulfate. Group IS7 showed a significant increase in cellularity and significant loss of proteoglycan compared with the control. In addition, IS7 group had less proteoglycan than IS3. Thin collagen fibrils were significantly reduced in IS7 rats, compared with IS3 and C. There was a significant decrease in the amount of thick fibrils in all groups compared with the control. Groups IS7 and IS3 showed significantly more intense fibronectin immunostaining than the other groups. Our results show that if applied daily after immobilization, muscle stretching is harmful to articular cartilage. However, when applied on alternate days, muscle stretching preserves the components of articular cartilage. We suggest that the latter frequency is more suitable for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Frias Renner
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Condi FLF, Soares JM, Teodoro WR, Veloso AP, Parra ER, de Jesus Simoes M, Baracat EC. The effects of conjugated estrogen, raloxifene and soy extract on collagen in rat bones. Climacteric 2012; 15:441-8. [PMID: 22208761 DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2011.624213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the action of conjugated equine estrogen, raloxifene and isolated or combined genistein-rich soy extracts on collagen fibers in the bones of oophorectomized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy female rats received testosterone propionate (0.1 µg/g) on the 9th day after birth. At 6 months of age, the rats were administered the vehicle (propylene glycol, 0.5 ml/day), and ten of the rats were randomly chosen to comprise the non-oophorectomized control group (GI). The other 60 rats were ovariectomized and randomized into six groups of ten as follows: GII, vehicle; GIII, conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), 50 µg/kg/day; GIV, raloxifene (RAL), 0.75 mg/kg/day; GV, genistein-rich soy extract (GSE), 300 mg/kg/day; GVI, CEE + GSE, 50 µg/kg/day + 300 mg/kg/day; and GVII, CEE + RAL, 50 µg/kg/day + 0.75 mg/kg/day. Three months after surgery, the drugs were administered for 60 consecutive days. All rats were euthanized, and their left tibiae were removed for histological routine. The histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and picrosirius for evaluating bone microarchitecture. Types I and II collagen fibers were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Data analysis was carried out with ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS Collagen reduction was significant in the GIII animals when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the thickness of collagen fibers among the groups. There was a greater quantity of type III collagen in GVI than in the other groups. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that conjugated equine estrogen improves bone quality because it increases the quantity of type I collagen while reducing the quantity of thin collagen fibers. In addition, the combination of CEE and raloxifene or genistein-rich soy extract is not as efficient as CEE itself to improve bone quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L F Condi
- LIM 58, Gynecology Department, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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de Aro AA, Vidal BDC, Biancalana A, Tolentino FT, Gomes L, Mattiello SM, Pimentel ER. Analysis of the deep digital flexor tendon in rats submitted to stretching after immobilization. Connect Tissue Res 2011; 53:29-38. [PMID: 21967646 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2011.608868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have analyzed the effect of stretching after immobilization on the structural and biochemical properties of tendons. Here, the effect of stretching and immobilization on the proximal (p), intermediate (i), and distal (d) regions of the deep digital flexor tendon in rats was analyzed. The d region was subjected to compression and tension forces, the i region was subjected to compressive forces and the p region received tension forces. Rats were separated into five groups: GI--control for GII; GII--immobilized rats; GIII--control for GIV and GV groups; GIV--immobilized and stretched rats; and GV--immobilized rats which were allowed free cage activity. GII showed a higher molecular organization in the d and p regions as detected by measuring optical retardation, a lower concentration of hydroxyproline in the i region and a significant decrease in noncollagenous proteins found in the three regions of the tendon. Regarding the glycosaminoglycans, diminishing dermatan sulfate and the absence of chondroitin sulfate in the i region were observed in GII when compared to GI. However, in the same region of GIV, higher concentrations of chondroitin and dermatan sulfate were observed along with a strong metachromasy. An increase in hydroxyproline content in the i region and a higher molecular organization in the d and p regions were observed in GIV. Apparently, the active isoforms of metalloproteinase-2 also increased after stretching in all regions. These results suggest that stretching after immobilization contributed to the increase in molecular organization and to the synthesis of extracellular matrix components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aparecida de Aro
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Dias CNK, Renner AF, dos Santos AA, Vasilceac FA, Mattiello SM. Progression of articular cartilage degeneration after application of muscle stretch. Connect Tissue Res 2011; 53:39-47. [PMID: 21932932 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2011.610476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of study was to evaluate the progression of the ankle articular cartilage alterations after a post-immobilization muscle stretching. Twenty-nine Wistar rats were separated into five groups: C--control, S--stretched, SR--stretch recovery, IS--immobilized and stretched, and ISR--immobilized stretched recovery. The immobilization was maintained for 4 weeks and the left ankle was then stretched manually through a full dorsal flexion for 10 times for 60 s with a 30 s interval between each 60 s period, 7 days/week for 3 weeks. The recovery period was of 7 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the left ankles were removed, processed in paraffin, and stained in hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O. Two blinded observers evaluated the articular cartilage using the Mankin grading system (cellularity, chondrocyte cloning, and proteoglycan content) through light microscopy, and performed the morphometry (cellularity, total thickness, non-calcified thickness, and calcified thickness measures). Both the Mankin grading system and the morphometric analysis showed that the ISR group presented the most increased cellularity among the groups. The IS and SR groups showed the highest proteoglycan loss, and the ISR group showed the same content of proteoglycan observed in the C group. No significant differences were found in the chondrocyte cloning, the total cartilage thickness, the non-calcified cartilage thickness, and the calcified cartilage thickness among the groups. The results suggest that the cartilage can recover the proteoglycan loss caused by immobilization and stretching, probably because of the increased chondrocyte density. Therefore, the ankle articular cartilage responded as to repair the metabolic deficits.
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