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Jiang Y, Zhou R, Wu Y, Kong G, Zeng J, Li X, Wang B, Gu C, Liao F, Qi F, Zhu Q, Gu L, Zheng C. In vitro modeling of skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury based on sphere differentiation culture from human pluripotent stem cells. Exp Cell Res 2024; 439:114111. [PMID: 38823471 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury poses significant challenges due to its local and systemic complications. Traditional studies relying on two-dimensional (2D) cell culture or animal models often fall short of faithfully replicating the human in vivo environment, thereby impeding the translational process from animal research to clinical applications. Three-dimensional (3D) constructs, such as skeletal muscle spheroids with enhanced cell-cell interactions from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer a promising alternative by partially mimicking human physiological cellular environment in vivo processes. This study aims to establish an innovative in vitro model, human skeletal muscle spheroids based on sphere differentiation from hPSCs, to investigate human skeletal muscle developmental processes and IR mechanisms within a controlled laboratory setting. By eticulously recapitulating embryonic myogenesis through paraxial mesodermal differentiation of neuro-mesodermal progenitors, we successfully established 3D skeletal muscle spheroids that mirror the dynamic colonization observed during human skeletal muscle development. Co-culturing human skeletal muscle spheroids with spinal cord spheroids facilitated the formation of neuromuscular junctions, providing functional relevance to skeletal muscle spheroids. Furthermore, through oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation treatment, 3D skeletal muscle spheroids provide insights into the molecular events and pathogenesis of IR injury. The findings presented in this study significantly contribute to our understanding of skeletal muscle development and offer a robust platform for in vitro studies on skeletal muscle IR injury, holding potential applications in drug testing, therapeutic development, and personalized medicine within the realm of skeletal muscle-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Jiang
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runtao Zhou
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixun Wu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ganggang Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China; Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingguang Zeng
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xubo Li
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China; Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fawei Liao
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangze Qi
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qintang Zhu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqiang Gu
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canbin Zheng
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Soft Tissue Biofabrication, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang QB, Huo L, Li M, Zhang R, Zhou T, Wang F, Zhou Y. Role of hypoxia-mediated pyroptosis in the development of extending knee joint contracture in rats. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:298. [PMID: 38802976 PMCID: PMC11129407 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Joint contracture is one of the common diseases clinically, and joint capsule fibrosis is considered to be one of the most important pathological changes of joint contracture. However, the underlying mechanism of joint capsule fibrosis is still controversial. The present study aims to establish an animal model of knee extending joint contracture in rats, and to investigate the role of hypoxia-mediated pyroptosis in the progression of joint contracture using this animal model. 36 male SD rats were selected, 6 of which were not immobilized and were used as control group, while 30 rats were divided into I-1 group (immobilized for 1 week following 7 weeks of free movement), I-2 group (immobilized for 2 weeks following 6 weeks of free movement), I-4 group (immobilized for 4 weeks following 4 weeks of free movement), I-6 group (immobilized for 6 weeks following 2 weeks of free movement) and I-8 group (immobilized for 8 weeks) according to different immobilizing time. The progression of joint contracture was assessed by the measurement of knee joint range of motion, collagen deposition in joint capsule was examined with Masson staining, protein expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, TGF-β1, α-SMA and p-Smad3 in joint capsule were assessed using western blotting, and the morphological changes of fibroblasts were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The degree of total and arthrogenic contracture progressed from the first week and lasted until the first eight weeks after immobilization. The degree of total and arthrogenic contracture progressed rapidly in the first four weeks after immobilization and then progressed slowly. Masson staining indicated that collagen deposition in joint capsule gradually increased in the first 8 weeks following immobilization. Western blotting analysis showed that the protein levels of HIF-1α continued to increase during the first 8 weeks of immobilization, and the protein levels of pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N continued to increase in the first 4 weeks after immobilization and then decreased. The protein levels of fibrosis-related proteins TGF-β1, p-Smad3 and α-SMA continued to increase in the first 8 weeks after immobilization. Transmission electron microscopy showed that 4 weeks of immobilization induced cell membrane rupture and cell contents overflow, which further indicated the activation of pyroptosis. Knee extending joint contracture animal model can be established by external immobilization orthosis in rats, and the activation of hypoxia-mediated pyroptosis may play a stimulating role in the process of joint capsule fibrosis and joint contracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Bing Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Huo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Mian Li
- Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
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Zhou CX, Wang F, Zhou Y, Fang QZ, Zhang QB. Formation process of extension knee joint contracture following external immobilization in rats. World J Orthop 2023; 14:669-681. [PMID: 37744718 PMCID: PMC10514713 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i9.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current research lacks a model of knee extension contracture in rats.
AIM To elucidate the formation process of knee extension contracture.
METHODS We developed a rat model using an aluminum external fixator. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats with mature bones were divided into the control group (n = 6) and groups that had the left knee immobilized with an aluminum external fixator for 1, 2, and 3 d, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 wk (n = 6 in each group). The passive extension range of motion, histology, and expression of fibrosis-related proteins were compared between the control group and the immobilization groups.
RESULTS Myogenic contracture progressed very quickly during the initial 2 wk of immobilization. After 2 wk, the contracture gradually changed from myogenic to arthrogenic. The arthrogenic contracture progressed slowly during the 1st week, rapidly progressed until the 3rd week, and then showed a steady progression until the 4rd week. Histological analyses confirmed that the anterior joint capsule of the extended fixed knee became increasingly thicker over time. Correspondingly, the level of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (p-Smad2) in the anterior joint capsule also increased with the immobilization time. Over time, the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers gradually decreased, while the amount of intermuscular collagen and TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 was increased. Unexpectedly, the amount of intermuscular collagen and TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 was decreased during the late stage of immobilization (6-8 wk). The myogenic contracture was stabilized after 2 wk of immobilization, whereas the arthrogenic contracture was stabilized after 3 wk of immobilization and completely stable in 4 wk.
CONCLUSION This rat model may be a useful tool to study the etiology of joint contracture and establish therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Xu Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Qiao-Zhou Fang
- The Second Clinical Medicine College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Quan-Bing Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
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Hu C, Zhang QB, Wang F, Wang H, Zhou Y. The effect of extracorporeal shock wave on joint capsule fibrosis in rats with knee extension contracture: a preliminary study. Connect Tissue Res 2023; 64:469-478. [PMID: 37267052 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2023.2217254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to observe the therapeutic effect of extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) on extensional joint contracture of knee joint in rats and its mechanism on articular capsule fibrosis. Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, immobilization, natural recovery, and ESW intervention groups. Except for the control group, the left knee joints of other rats were fixed with external fixation brace for 4 weeks when they were fully extended to form joint contracture. The effect of intervention was assessed by evaluating joint contracture, total cell count and collagen deposition in joint capsule, and protein expression levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, p-JNK, JNK, I and III collagen in joint capsule. ESW can effectively reduce arthrogenic contracture, improve the histopathological changes of anterior joint capsule, inhibit the high expression of target protein and the excessive activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3/JNK signal pathway. Inhibition of excessive activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3/JNK pathway may be one of the potential molecular mechanisms by which extracorporeal shock wave can play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Quan Bing Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Wang F, Zhou T, Zhou CX, Zhang QB, Wang H, Zhou Y. The worsening of skeletal muscle atrophy induced by immobilization at the early stage of remobilization correlates with BNIP3-dependent mitophagy. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:632. [PMID: 37542244 PMCID: PMC10401904 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that immobilization enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitophagy activity in atrophic skeletal muscle. However, there are relatively few studies examining the biological changes and underlying mechanisms of skeletal muscle during remobilization. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of remobilization on skeletal muscle and explore the role of BNIP3-dependent mitophagy in this process. METHODS Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups based on immobilization and remobilization time: control (C), immobilization for two weeks (I-2w), and remobilization for one day (R-1d), three days (R-3d), seven days (R-7d), and two weeks (R-2w). At the end of the experimental period, the rectus femoris muscles were removed and weighed, and the measurements were expressed as the ratio of muscle wet weight to body weight (MWW/BW). Sirius Red staining was performed to calculate the values of cross-sectional area (CSA) of rectus femoris. Oxidative fluorescent dihydroethidium was used to evaluate the production of ROS, and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also detected. The morphological changes of mitochondria and the formation of mitophagosomes in rectus femoris were examined and evaluated by transmission electron microscope. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the co-localization of BNIP3 and LC3B, while Western blot analysis was performed to quantify the levels of proteins associated with mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. The total ATP content of the rectus femoris was determined to assess mitochondrial function. RESULTS Within the first three days of remobilization, the rats demonstrated decreased MWW/BW, CSA, and ATP concentration, along with increased ROS production and HIF-1α protein levels in the rectus femoris. Results also indicated that remobilization triggered BNIP3-dependent mitophagy, supported by the accumulation of mitophagosomes, the degradation of mitochondrial proteins (including HSP60 and COX IV), the elevation of BNIP3-dependent mitophagy protein markers (including BNIP3, LC3B-II/LC3B-I, and Beclin-1), and the accumulation of puncta representing co-localization of BNIP3 with LC3B. Additionally, PGC-1α, which is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, was upregulated within the first seven days of remobilization to counteract this adverse effect. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that BNIP3-denpendent mitophagy was sustained activated at the early stages of remobilization, and it might contribute to the worsening of skeletal muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Chen Xu Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Quan Bing Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China.
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China.
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Zhang QB, Liu AY, Fang QZ, Wang F, Wang H, Zhou Y. Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Disuse Muscular Atrophy Induced by Immobilization: Correlation With Upregulation of PERK Signal and Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 102:692-700. [PMID: 36630294 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the study are to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on disuse muscular atrophy induced by immobilization (IM) and to explore the role of PERK signal and Parkin-dependent mitophagy in this process. DESIGN In the first subexperiment, 24 rabbits were divided into four groups, which underwent different periods of IM. In the second subexperiment, 24 rabbits were divided into four groups on average in accordance with different kinds of interventions. To test the time-dependent changes of rectus femoris after IM, and to evaluate the effect of electrical stimulation, the wet weights, cross-sectional area and fat deposition of rectus femoris were assessed in this study, along with the protein levels of atrogin-1, p-PERK, Parkin, and COXIV. RESULTS The wet weights and cross-sectional area decreased, and the fat deposition increased in rectus femoris after IM, along with the elevated protein levels of atrogin-1, p-PERK, Parkin, and decreased protein levels of COXIV. The above histomorphological and molecular changes can be partially ameliorated by electrical stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Immobilization of unilateral lower limb could induce rectus femoris atrophy, which can be partially rectified by electrical stimulation. PERK signal and Parkin-mediated mitophagy may be the mechanisms by which electrical stimulation can play a significant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Bing Zhang
- From the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China (Q-BZ, FW, YZ); The Center for Scientific Research of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China (A-YL); The Second Clinical Medicine College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China (Q-ZF); Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China (HW); and Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China (HW)
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Wang F, Zhou CX, Zheng Z, Li DJ, Li W, Zhou Y. Metformin reduces myogenic contracture and myofibrosis induced by rat knee joint immobilization via AMPK-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Connect Tissue Res 2023; 64:26-39. [PMID: 35723580 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2022.2088365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The two structural components contributing to joint contracture formation are myogenic and arthrogenic contracture, and myofibrosis is an important part of myogenic contracture. Myofibrosis is a response to long-time immobilization and is described as a condition with excessive deposition of endomysial and perimysial connective tissue components in skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to confirm whether metformin can attenuate the formation of myogenic contracture and myofibrosis through the phosphorylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhabitation of subsequent transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) 1/Smad signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS An immobilized rat model was used to determine whether metformin could inhibit myogenic contracture and myofibrosis. The contents of myogenic contracture of knee joint was calculated by measuring instrument of range of motion (ROM), and myofibrosis of rectus femoris were determined by ultrasound shear wave elastography and Masson staining. Protein expression of AMPK and subsequent TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway were determined by western blot. Subsequently, Compound C, a specific AMPK inhibitor, was used to further clarify the role of the AMPK-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. RESULTS We revealed that the levels of myogenic contracture and myofibrosis were gradually increased during immobilization, and overexpression of TGF-β1-induced formation of myofibrosis by activating Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Activation of AMPK by metformin suppressed overexpression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, further reducing myogenic contracture and myofibrosis during immobilization. In contrast, inhibition of AMPK by Compound C partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by metformin. CONCLUSION Notably, we first illustrated the therapeutic effect of metformin through AMPK-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in myofibrosis, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy for myogenic contracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Xu Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Du Juan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Liu AY, Zhang QB, Zhu HL, Xiong YW, Wang F, Huang PP, Xu QY, Zhong HZ, Wang H, Zhou Y. Low-frequency electrical stimulation alleviates immobilization-evoked disuse muscle atrophy by repressing autophagy in skeletal muscle of rabbits. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:398. [PMID: 35484550 PMCID: PMC9047266 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to investigate the effect of low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) on disuse muscle atrophy and its mechanism in a rabbit model of knee extension contracture. METHODS This study involved two experiments. In the time-point experiment, 24 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control 1 (Ctrl1 group), immobilization for 2 weeks (I-2 group), immobilization for 4 weeks (I-4 group), and immobilization for 6 weeks (I-6 group). In the intervention experiment, 24 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control 2 (Ctrl2 group), electrical stimulation (ESG group), natural recovery (NRG group), and electrical stimulation treatment (ESTG group). All intervention effects were assessed by evaluating the knee joint range of motion (ROM), cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris muscle, and expression of autophagy-related proteins. RESULTS The time-point experiment showed that immobilization reduced the knee ROM, reduced the rectus femoris muscle CSA, and activated autophagy in skeletal muscle. The levels of five autophagy-related proteins [mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), autophagy-related protein 7 (Atg7), p62, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B-II (LC3B-II)] were significantly elevated in the skeletal muscle of the I-4 group. The intervention experiment further showed that LFES significantly improved the immobilization-induced reductions in ROM and CSA. Additionally, LFES resulted in a significant decrease in the protein expression of mTOR, p-mTOR, Atg7, p62, and LC3B-II in the rectus femoris muscle. CONCLUSIONS LFES alleviates immobilization-evoked disuse muscle atrophy possibly by inhibiting autophagy in the skeletal muscle of rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Ying Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Quan-Bing Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China.,Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yong-Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China.,Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Peng-Peng Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Qi-Yu Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Hua-Zhang Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China. .,Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, China.
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