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Ravara B, Giuriati W, Zampieri S, Kern H, Pond AL. Translational mobility medicine and ugo carraro: a life of significant scientific contributions reviewed in celebration. Neurol Res 2024; 46:139-156. [PMID: 38043115 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2023.2258041] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Prof. Ugo Carraro reached 80 years of age on 23 February 2023, and we wish to celebrate him and his work by reviewing his lifetime of scientific achievements in Translational Myology. Currently, he is a Senior Scholar with the University of Padova, Italy, where, as a tenured faculty member, he founded the Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology. Prof. Carraro, a pioneer in skeletal muscle research, is a world-class expert in structural and molecular investigations of skeletal muscle biology, physiology, pathology, and care. An authority in bidimensional gel electrophoresis for myosin light chains, he was the first to separate mammalian muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms by SDS-gel electrophoresis. He has demonstrated that long-term denervated muscle can survive denervation by myofiber regeneration, and shown that an athletic lifestyle has beneficial impacts on muscle reinnervation. He has utilized his expertise in translational myology to develop and validate rehabilitative treatments for denervated and ageing skeletal muscle. He has authored more than 160 PubMed listed papers and numerous scholarly books, including his recent autobiography. Prof. Carraro founded and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Translational Myology and Mobility Medicine. He has organized more than 40 Padua Muscle Days Meetings and continues this, encouraging students and young scientists to participate. As he dreams endlessly, he is currently validating non-invasive analyses on saliva, a promising approach that will allow increased frequency sampling to analyze systemic factors during the transient effects of training and rehabilitation by his proposed Full-Body in- Bed Gym for bed-ridden elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ravara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DSB), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- CIR-Myo Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Walter Giuriati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DSB), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- CIR-Myo Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (DSB), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- CIR-Myo Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology Sciences, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Helmut Kern
- Physiko- und Rheumatherapie, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Sankt Pölten, Austria
| | - Amber L Pond
- Anatomy Department, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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Daeschler SC, Feinberg K, Harhaus L, Kneser U, Gordon T, Borschel GH. Advancing Nerve Regeneration: Translational Perspectives of Tacrolimus (FK506). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12771. [PMID: 37628951 PMCID: PMC10454725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries have far-reaching implications for individuals and society, leading to functional impairments, prolonged rehabilitation, and substantial socioeconomic burdens. Tacrolimus, a potent immunosuppressive drug known for its neuroregenerative properties, has emerged in experimental studies as a promising candidate to accelerate nerve fiber regeneration. This review investigates the therapeutic potential of tacrolimus by exploring the postulated mechanisms of action in relation to biological barriers to nerve injury recovery. By mapping both the preclinical and clinical evidence, the benefits and drawbacks of systemic tacrolimus administration and novel delivery systems for localized tacrolimus delivery after nerve injury are elucidated. Through synthesizing the current evidence, identifying practical barriers for clinical translation, and discussing potential strategies to overcome the translational gap, this review provides insights into the translational perspectives of tacrolimus as an adjunct therapy for nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon C. Daeschler
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Heidelberg, BG Trauma Hospital, D-67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Konstantin Feinberg
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Leila Harhaus
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Heidelberg, BG Trauma Hospital, D-67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Heidelberg, BG Trauma Hospital, D-67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Tessa Gordon
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Gregory H. Borschel
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Bernacchioni C, Squecco R, Gamberi T, Ghini V, Schumacher F, Mannelli M, Garella R, Idrizaj E, Cencetti F, Puliti E, Bruni P, Turano P, Fiaschi T, Donati C. S1P Signalling Axis Is Necessary for Adiponectin-Directed Regulation of Electrophysiological Properties and Oxidative Metabolism in C2C12 Myotubes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040713. [PMID: 35203362 PMCID: PMC8869893 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Adiponectin (Adn), released by adipocytes and other cell types such as skeletal muscle, has insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is reported to act as effector of diverse biological actions of Adn in different tissues. S1P is a bioactive sphingolipid synthesized by the phosphorylation of sphingosine catalyzed by sphingosine kinase (SK) 1 and 2. Consolidated findings support the key role of S1P in the biology of skeletal muscle. Methods and Results: Here we provide experimental evidence that S1P signalling is modulated by globular Adn treatment being able to increase the phosphorylation of SK1/2 as well as the mRNA expression levels of S1P4 in C2C12 myotubes. These findings were confirmed by LC-MS/MS that showed an increase of S1P levels after Adn treatment. Notably, the involvement of S1P axis in Adn action was highlighted since, when SK1 and 2 were inhibited by PF543 and ABC294640 inhibitors, respectively, not only the electrophysiological changes but also the increase of oxygen consumption and of aminoacid levels induced by the hormone, were significantly inhibited. Conclusion: Altogether, these findings show that S1P biosynthesis is necessary for the electrophysiological properties and oxidative metabolism of Adn in skeletal muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (R.S.); (R.G.); (E.I.)
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Veronica Ghini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy; (V.G.); (P.T.)
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Michele Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Rachele Garella
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (R.S.); (R.G.); (E.I.)
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (R.S.); (R.G.); (E.I.)
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Elisa Puliti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Paola Turano
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy; (V.G.); (P.T.)
| | - Tania Fiaschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-275-1232
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Cell instructive Liquid Crystalline Networks for myotube formation. iScience 2021; 24:103077. [PMID: 34568797 PMCID: PMC8449234 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of biological tissues in vitro is not a trivial task and requires the correct maturation of the selected cell line. To this aim, many attempts were done mainly by mimicking the biological environment using micro/nanopatterned or stimulated scaffolds. However, the obtainment of functional tissues in vitro is still far from being achieved. In contrast with the standard methods, we here present an easy approach for the maturation of myotubes toward the reproduction of muscular tissue. By using liquid crystalline networks with different stiffness and molecular alignment, we demonstrate how the material itself can give favorable interactions with myoblasts helping a correct differentiation. Electrophysiological studies demonstrate that myotubes obtained on these polymers have more adult-like morphology and better functional features with respect to those cultured on standard supports. The study opens to a platform for the differentiation of other cell lines in a simple and scalable way.
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Di Fonso A, Pietrangelo L, D’Onofrio L, Michelucci A, Boncompagni S, Protasi F. Ageing Causes Ultrastructural Modification to Calcium Release Units and Mitochondria in Cardiomyocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8364. [PMID: 34445071 PMCID: PMC8395047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is associated with an increase in the incidence of heart failure, even if the existence of a real age-related cardiomyopathy remains controversial. Effective contraction and relaxation of cardiomyocytes depend on efficient production of ATP (handled by mitochondria) and on proper Ca2+ supply to myofibrils during excitation-contraction (EC) coupling (handled by Ca2+ release units, CRUs). Here, we analyzed mitochondria and CRUs in hearts of adult (4 months old) and aged (≥24 months old) mice. Analysis by confocal and electron microscopy (CM and EM, respectively) revealed an age-related loss of proper organization and disposition of both mitochondria and EC coupling units: (a) mitochondria are improperly disposed and often damaged (percentage of severely damaged mitochondria: adults 3.5 ± 1.1%; aged 16.5 ± 3.5%); (b) CRUs that are often misoriented (longitudinal) and/or misplaced from the correct position at the Z line. Immunolabeling with antibodies that mark either the SR or T-tubules indicates that in aged cardiomyocytes the sarcotubular system displays an extensive disarray. This disarray could be in part caused by the decreased expression of Cav-3 and JP-2 detected by western blot (WB), two proteins involved in formation of T-tubules and in docking SR to T-tubules in dyads. By WB analysis, we also detected increased levels of 3-NT in whole hearts homogenates of aged mice, a product of nitration of protein tyrosine residues, recognized as marker of oxidative stress. Finally, a detailed EM analysis of CRUs (formed by association of SR with T-tubules) points to ultrastructural modifications, i.e., a decrease in their frequency (adult: 5.1 ± 0.5; aged: 3.9 ± 0.4 n./50 μm2) and size (adult: 362 ± 40 nm; aged: 254 ± 60 nm). The changes in morphology and disposition of mitochondria and CRUs highlighted by our results may underlie an inefficient supply of Ca2+ ions and ATP to the contractile elements, and possibly contribute to cardiac dysfunction in ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Di Fonso
- CAST, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.F.); (A.M.); (S.B.); (F.P.)
- DMSI, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- CAST, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.F.); (A.M.); (S.B.); (F.P.)
- DMSI, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura D’Onofrio
- IZSAM, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Antonio Michelucci
- CAST, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.F.); (A.M.); (S.B.); (F.P.)
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- CAST, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.F.); (A.M.); (S.B.); (F.P.)
- DNICS, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- CAST, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.F.); (A.M.); (S.B.); (F.P.)
- DMSI, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio (Ud’A) of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Daeschler SC, Zuker R, Borschel GH. Strategies to Improve Cross-Face Nerve Grafting in Facial Paralysis. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2021; 29:423-430. [PMID: 34217445 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsc.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cross-face nerve grafting enables the reanimation of the contralateral hemiface in unilateral facial palsy and may recover a spontaneous smile. This chapter discusses various clinically applicable strategies to increase the chances for good functional outcomes by maintaining the viability of the neural pathway and target muscle, increasing the number of reinnervating nerve fibers and selecting functionally compatible donor nerve branches. Adopting those strategies may help to further improve patient outcomes in facial reanimation surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon C Daeschler
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronald Zuker
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory H Borschel
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Protasi F, Pietrangelo L, Boncompagni S. Improper Remodeling of Organelles Deputed to Ca 2+ Handling and Aerobic ATP Production Underlies Muscle Dysfunction in Ageing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6195. [PMID: 34201319 PMCID: PMC8228829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper skeletal muscle function is controlled by intracellular Ca2+ concentration and by efficient production of energy (ATP), which, in turn, depend on: (a) the release and re-uptake of Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic-reticulum (SR) during excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, which controls the contraction and relaxation of sarcomeres; (b) the uptake of Ca2+ into the mitochondrial matrix, which stimulates aerobic ATP production; and finally (c) the entry of Ca2+ from the extracellular space via store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a mechanism that is important to limit/delay muscle fatigue. Abnormalities in Ca2+ handling underlie many physio-pathological conditions, including dysfunction in ageing. The specific focus of this review is to discuss the importance of the proper architecture of organelles and membrane systems involved in the mechanisms introduced above for the correct skeletal muscle function. We reviewed the existing literature about EC coupling, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, SOCE and about the structural membranes and organelles deputed to those functions and finally, we summarized the data collected in different, but complementary, projects studying changes caused by denervation and ageing to the structure and positioning of those organelles: a. denervation of muscle fibers-an event that contributes, to some degree, to muscle loss in ageing (known as sarcopenia)-causes misplacement and damage: (i) of membrane structures involved in EC coupling (calcium release units, CRUs) and (ii) of the mitochondrial network; b. sedentary ageing causes partial disarray/damage of CRUs and of calcium entry units (CEUs, structures involved in SOCE) and loss/misplacement of mitochondria; c. functional electrical stimulation (FES) and regular exercise promote the rescue/maintenance of the proper architecture of CRUs, CEUs, and of mitochondria in both denervation and ageing. All these structural changes were accompanied by related functional changes, i.e., loss/decay in function caused by denervation and ageing, and improved function following FES or exercise. These data suggest that the integrity and proper disposition of intracellular organelles deputed to Ca2+ handling and aerobic generation of ATP is challenged by inactivity (or reduced activity); modifications in the architecture of these intracellular membrane systems may contribute to muscle dysfunction in ageing and sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feliciano Protasi
- CAST, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, I-66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (S.B.)
- DMSI, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, I-66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- CAST, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, I-66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (S.B.)
- DMSI, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, I-66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- CAST, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, I-66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (S.B.)
- DNICS, Department of Neuroscience and Clinical Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, I-66100 Chieti, Italy
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Carraro U. Gerta Vrbová, a guide and a friend for a generation of neuro-myologists - Her scientific legacies and relations with colleagues. Eur J Transl Myol 2021; 31. [PMID: 33709645 PMCID: PMC8056157 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2021.9670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gerta Sidonová - Vrbová, (Trnava, Slovakia, November 28, 1926 - London, UK, October 2, 2020) has been a key neuroscientist, who for almost half a century has contributed important findings and hypotheses on the relationships between motoneurons and skeletal muscle fibers, in particular on the differentiation and extent of plasticity of the peculiar characteristics of the different types of fibers present in mammalian muscles. This issue, Ejtm 31 (1), 2021, opens with the personal obituary authored by Dirk Pette, who remember his lifelong collaboration with Gerta, describing the many molecular and metabolic events that occur by changing the pattern of activation of adult muscle fibers through neuromuscular low frequency electrical stimulation. To honor the many scientific legacies of Gerta Vrbová and her impact on a generation of researchers studying myology and managements of neuromuscular disorders I add here additional examples of Gerta's scientific heritage and of her relations with colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Carraro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy; CIR-Myo - Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology, University of Padova, Italy; A-C M-C Foundation for Translational Myology, Padova.
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Carraro U. Gerta Vrbová, a guide and a friend for a generation of neuro-myologists – Her scientific legacies and relations with colleagues. Eur J Transl Myol 2021. [DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2020.9670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gerta Sidonová - Vrbová, (Trnava, Slovakia, November 28, 1926 - London, UK, October 2, 2020) has been a key neuroscientist, who for almost half a century has contributed important findings and hypotheses on the relationships between motoneurons and skeletal muscle fibers, in particular on the differentiation and extent of plasticity of the peculiar characteristics of the different types of fibers present in mammalian muscles. This issue, Ejtm 31 (1), 2021, opens with the personal obituary authored by Dirk Pette, who remember his lifelong collaboration with Gerta, describing the many molecular and metabolic events that occur by changing the pattern of activation of adult muscle fibers through neuromuscular low frequency electrical stimulation. To honor the many scientific legacies of Gerta Vrbová and her impact on a generation of researchers studying myology and managements of neuromuscular disorders I add here additional examples of Gerta’s scientific heritage and of her relations with colleagues.
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Role of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Signalling Axis in Muscle Atrophy Induced by TNFα in C2C12 Myotubes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031280. [PMID: 33525436 PMCID: PMC7866171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is characterized by a decrease in muscle mass causing reduced agility, increased fatigability and higher risk of bone fractures. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), are strong inducers of skeletal muscle atrophy. The bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phoshate (S1P) plays an important role in skeletal muscle biology. S1P, generated by the phosphorylation of sphingosine catalyzed by sphingosine kinase (SK1/2), exerts most of its actions through its specific receptors, S1P1-5. Here, we provide experimental evidence that TNFα induces atrophy and autophagy in skeletal muscle C2C12 myotubes, modulating the expression of specific markers and both active and passive membrane electrophysiological properties. NMR-metabolomics provided a clear picture of the deep remodelling of skeletal muscle fibre metabolism induced by TNFα challenge. The cytokine is responsible for the modulation of S1P signalling axis, upregulating mRNA levels of S1P2 and S1P3 and downregulating those of SK2. TNFα increases the phosphorylated form of SK1, readout of its activation. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of SK1 and specific antagonism of S1P3 prevented the increase in autophagy markers and the changes in the electrophysiological properties of C2C12 myotubes without affecting metabolic remodelling induced by the cytokine, highlighting the involvement of S1P signalling axis on TNFα-induced atrophy in skeletal muscle.
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Li A, Zhou J, Widelitz RB, Chow RH, Chuong CM. Integrating Bioelectrical Currents and Ca 2+ Signaling with Biochemical Signaling in Development and Pathogenesis. Bioelectricity 2020; 2:210-220. [PMID: 34476353 PMCID: PMC8370337 DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2020.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Roles of bioelectrical signals are increasingly recognized in excitable and nonexcitable non-neural tissues. Diverse ion-selective channels, pumps, and gap junctions participate in bioelectrical signaling, including those transporting calcium ions (Ca2+). Ca2+ is the most versatile transported ion, because it serves as an electrical charge carrier and a biochemical regulator for multiple molecular binding, enzyme, and transcription activities. We aspire to learn how bioelectrical signals crosstalk to biochemical/biomechanical signals. In this study, we review four recent studies showing how bioelectrical currents and Ca2+ signaling affect collective dermal cell migration during feather bud elongation, affect chondrogenic differentiation in limb development, couple with mechanical tension in aligning gut smooth muscle, and affect mitochondrial function and skeletal muscle atrophy. We observe bioelectrical signals involved in several developmental and pathological conditions in chickens and mice at multiple spatial scales: cellular, cellular collective, and subcellular. These examples inspire novel concept and approaches for future basic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Jingsong Zhou
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Randall B. Widelitz
- Department of Pathology and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert H. Chow
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Manetti M, Tani A, Rosa I, Chellini F, Squecco R, Idrizaj E, Zecchi-Orlandini S, Ibba-Manneschi L, Sassoli C. Morphological evidence for telocytes as stromal cells supporting satellite cell activation in eccentric contraction-induced skeletal muscle injury. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14515. [PMID: 31601891 PMCID: PMC6787026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51078-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although telocytes (TCs) have been proposed to play a “nursing” role in resident satellite cell (SC)-mediated skeletal muscle regeneration, currently there is no evidence of TC-SC morpho-functional interaction following tissue injury. Hence, we explored the presence of TCs and their relationship with SCs in an ex vivo model of eccentric contraction (EC)-induced muscle damage. EC-injured muscles showed structural/ultrastructural alterations and changes in electrophysiological sarcolemnic properties. TCs were identified in control and EC-injured muscles by either confocal immunofluorescence (i.e. CD34+CD31− TCs) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In EC-injured muscles, an extended interstitial network of CD34+ TCs/telopodes was detected around activated SCs displaying Pax7+ and MyoD+ nuclei. TEM revealed that TCs invaded the SC niche passing with their telopodes through a fragmented basal lamina and contacting the underlying activated SCs. TC-SC interaction after injury was confirmed in vitro by culturing single endomysial sheath-covered myofibers and sprouting TCs and SCs. EC-damaged muscle-derived TCs showed increased expression of the recognized pro-myogenic vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and SCs from the same samples exhibited increased MyoD expression and greater tendency to fuse into myotubes. Here, we provide the essential groundwork for further investigation of TC-SC interactions in the setting of skeletal muscle injury and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessia Tani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Flaminia Chellini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Zecchi-Orlandini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lidia Ibba-Manneschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Sassoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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13
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Iodice P, Boncompagni S, Pietrangelo L, Galli L, Pierantozzi E, Rossi D, Fusella A, Caulo M, Kern H, Sorrentino V, Protasi F. Functional Electrical Stimulation: A Possible Strategy to Improve Muscle Function in Central Core Disease? Front Neurol 2019; 10:479. [PMID: 31191425 PMCID: PMC6548841 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Central Core Disease (CCD) is a congenital myopathy characterized by presence of amorphous central areas (or cores) lacking glycolytic/oxidative enzymes and mitochondria in skeletal muscle fibers. Most CCD families are linked to mutations in ryanodine receptor type-1 (RYR1), the gene encoding for the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channel of skeletal muscle. As no treatments are available for CCD, currently management of patients is essentially based on a physiotherapic approaches. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a technique used to deliver low energy electrical impulses to artificially stimulate selected skeletal muscle groups. Here we tested the efficacy of FES in counteracting muscle loss and improve function in the lower extremities of a 55-year-old female patient which was diagnosed with CCD at the age of 44. Genetic screening of the RyR1 gene identified a missense mutation (c.7354C>T) in exon 46 resulting in an amino acid substitution (p.R2452W) and a duplication (c.12853_12864dup12) in exon 91. The patient was treated with FES for 26 months and subjected before, during, and after training to a series of functional and structural assessments: measurement of maximum isometric force of leg extensor muscles, magnetic resonance imaging, a complete set of functional tests to assess mobility in activities of daily living, and analysis of muscle biopsies by histology and electron microscopy. All results point to an improvement in muscle structure and function induced by FES suggesting that this approach could be considered as an additional supportive measure to maintain/improve muscle function (and possibly reduce muscle loss) in CCD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Iodice
- CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy.,CETAPS-EA3832, University of Rouen Normandy, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lucia Galli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Enrico Pierantozzi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Aurora Fusella
- CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimo Caulo
- DNICS, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Helmut Kern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vincenzo Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- CeSI-Met-Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
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14
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Pietrangelo L, D'Incecco A, Ainbinder A, Michelucci A, Kern H, Dirksen RT, Boncompagni S, Protasi F. Age-dependent uncoupling of mitochondria from Ca2⁺ release units in skeletal muscle. Oncotarget 2016; 6:35358-71. [PMID: 26485763 PMCID: PMC4742110 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium release units (CRUs) and mitochondria control myoplasmic [Ca2+] levels and ATP production in muscle, respectively. We recently reported that these two organelles are structurally connected by tethers, which promote proximity and proper Ca2+ signaling. Here we show that disposition, ultrastructure, and density of CRUs and mitochondria and their reciprocal association are compromised in muscle from aged mice. Specifically, the density of CRUs and mitochondria is decreased in muscle fibers from aged (>24 months) vs. adult (3-12 months), with an increased percentage of mitochondria being damaged and misplaced from their normal triadic position. A significant reduction in tether (13.8±0.4 vs. 5.5±0.3 tethers/100μm2) and CRU-mitochondrial pair density (37.4±0.8 vs. 27.0±0.7 pairs/100μm2) was also observed in aged mice. In addition, myoplasmic Ca2+ transient (1.68±0.08 vs 1.37±0.03) and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake (9.6±0.050 vs 6.58±0.54) during repetitive high frequency tetanic stimulation were significantly decreased. Finally oxidative stress, assessed from levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), Cu/Zn superoxide-dismutase (SOD1) and Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression, were significantly increased in aged mice. The reduced association between CRUs and mitochondria with aging may contribute to impaired cross-talk between the two organelles, possibly resulting in reduced efficiency in activity-dependent ATP production and, thus, to age-dependent decline of skeletal muscle performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pietrangelo
- CeSI - Center for Research on Aging & DNICS, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Incecco
- CeSI - Center for Research on Aging & DNICS, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alina Ainbinder
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Antonio Michelucci
- CeSI - Center for Research on Aging & DNICS, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Helmut Kern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation & Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert T Dirksen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- CeSI - Center for Research on Aging & DNICS, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- CeSI - Center for Research on Aging & DNICS, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
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15
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Carraro U, Kern H. Severely Atrophic Human Muscle Fibers With Nuclear Misplacement Survive Many Years of Permanent Denervation. Eur J Transl Myol 2016; 26:5894. [PMID: 27478559 PMCID: PMC4942702 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2016.5894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Likewise in rodents, after complete spinal cord injury (SCI) the lower motor neuron (LMN) denervated human muscle fibers lose completely the myofibrillar apparatus and the coil distribution of myonuclei that are relocated in groups (nuclear clumps) in the center of severely atrophic muscle fibers. Up to two years of LMN denervation the muscle fibers with nuclear clumps are very seldom, but in this cohort of patients the severely atrophic muscle fibers are frequent in muscle biopsies harvested three to six years after SCI. Indeed, the percentage increased to 27 ± 9% (p< 0.001), and then abruptly decreased from the 6th year onward, when fibrosis takes over to neurogenic muscle atrophy. Immunohistochemical analyses shown that nuclear misplacements occurred in both fast and slow muscle fibers. In conclusion, human muscle fibers survive permanent denervation much longer than generally accepted and relocation of nuclei is a general behavior in long term denervated muscle fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Carraro
- IRCCS, Fondazione Ospedale San Camillo , Venice, Italy
| | - Helmut Kern
- Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Editors T. Muscle Decline in Aging and Neuromuscular Disorders - Mechanisms and Countermeasures: Terme Euganee, Padova (Italy), April 13-16, 2016. Eur J Transl Myol 2016; 26:5904. [PMID: 27054021 PMCID: PMC4821223 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2016.5904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Not available.
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17
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Kern H, Jakubiec-Puka A, Carraro U. Editorial: The EJTM Special "Mobility in Elderly". Eur J Transl Myol 2015; 25:208-13. [PMID: 26913158 PMCID: PMC4748983 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2015.5412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Not available.
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18
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Carraro U, Edmunds KJ, Gargiulo P. 3D False Color Computed Tomography for Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Permanent Denervated Human Muscles Submitted to Home-Based Functional Electrical Stimulation. Eur J Transl Myol 2015; 25:5133. [PMID: 26913154 PMCID: PMC4749015 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2015.5133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This report outlines the use of a customized false-color 3D computed tomography (CT) protocol for the imaging of the rectus femoris of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients suffering from complete and permanent denervation, as characterized by complete Conus and Cauda Equina syndrome. This muscle imaging method elicits the progression of the syndrome from initial atrophy to eventual degeneration, as well as the extent to which patients' quadriceps could be recovered during four years of home-based functional electrical stimulation (h-b FES). Patients were pre-selected from several European hospitals and functionally tested by, and enrolled in the EU Commission Shared Cost Project RISE (Contract n. QLG5-CT-2001-02191) at the Department of Physical Medicine, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria. Denervated muscles were electrically stimulated using a custom-designed stimulator, large surface electrodes, and customized progressive stimulation settings. Spiral CT images and specialized computational tools were used to isolate the rectus femoris muscle and produce 3D and 2D reconstructions of the denervated muscles. The cross sections of the muscles were determined by 2D Color CT, while muscle volumes were reconstructed by 3D Color CT. Shape, volume, and density changes were measured over the entirety of each rectus femoris muscle. Changes in tissue composition within the muscle were visualized by associating different colors to specified Hounsfield unit (HU) values for fat, (yellow: [-200; -10]), loose connective tissue or atrophic muscle, (cyan: [-9; 40]), and normal muscle, fascia and tendons included, (red: [41; 200]). The results from this analysis are presented as the average HU values within the rectus femoris muscle reconstruction, as well as the percentage of these tissues with respect to the total muscle volume. Results from this study demonstrate that h-b FES induces a compliance-dependent recovery of muscle volume and size of muscle fibers, as evidenced by the gain and loss in muscle mass. These results highlight the particular utility of this modality in the quantitative longitudinal assessment of the responses of skeletal muscle to long-term denervation and h-b FES recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Carraro
- IRRCS Fondazione Ospedale San Camillo, Venezia, Italy
| | - Kyle J. Edmunds
- Institute for Biomedical and Neural Engineering, Reykjavik University
- Landspítali, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Paolo Gargiulo
- Institute for Biomedical and Neural Engineering, Reykjavik University
- Landspítali, Reykjavík, Iceland
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19
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Carraro U, Boncompagni S, Gobbo V, Rossini K, Zampieri S, Mosole S, Ravara B, Nori A, Stramare R, Ambrosio F, Piccione F, Masiero S, Vindigni V, Gargiulo P, Protasi F, Kern H, Pond A, Marcante A. Persistent Muscle Fiber Regeneration in Long Term Denervation. Past, Present, Future. Eur J Transl Myol 2015; 25:4832. [PMID: 26913148 PMCID: PMC4383182 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2015.4832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the ravages of long term denervation there is structural and ultrastructural evidence for survival of muscle fibers in mammals, with some fibers surviving at least ten months in rodents and 3-6 years in humans. Further, in rodents there is evidence that muscle fibers may regenerate even after repeated damage in the absence of the nerve, and that this potential is maintained for several months after denervation. While in animal models permanently denervated muscle sooner or later loses the ability to contract, the muscles may maintain their size and ability to function if electrically stimulated soon after denervation. Whether in mammals, humans included, this is a result of persistent de novo formation of muscle fibers is an open issue we would like to explore in this review. During the past decade, we have studied muscle biopsies from the quadriceps muscle of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients suffering with Conus and Cauda Equina syndrome, a condition that fully and irreversibly disconnects skeletal muscle fibers from their damaged innervating motor neurons. We have demonstrated that human denervated muscle fibers survive years of denervation and can be rescued from severe atrophy by home-based Functional Electrical Stimulation (h-bFES). Using immunohistochemistry with both non-stimulated and the h-bFES stimulated human muscle biopsies, we have observed the persistent presence of muscle fibers which are positive to labeling by an antibody which specifically recognizes the embryonic myosin heavy chain (MHCemb). Relative to the total number of fibers present, only a small percentage of these MHCemb positive fibers are detected, suggesting that they are regenerating muscle fibers and not pre-existing myofibers re-expressing embryonic isoforms. Although embryonic isoforms of acetylcholine receptors are known to be re-expressed and to spread from the end-plate to the sarcolemma of muscle fibers in early phases of muscle denervation, we suggest that the MHCemb positive muscle fibers we observe result from the activation, proliferation and fusion of satellite cells, the myogenic precursors present under the basal lamina of the muscle fibers. Using morphological features and molecular biomarkers, we show that severely atrophic muscle fibers, with a peculiar cluster reorganization of myonuclei, are present in rodent muscle seven-months after neurectomy and in human muscles 30-months after complete Conus-Cauda Equina Syndrome and that these are structurally distinct from early myotubes. Beyond reviewing evidence from rodent and human studies, we add some ultrastructural evidence of muscle fiber regeneration in long-term denervated human muscles and discuss the options to substantially increase the regenerative potential of severely denervated human muscles not having been treated with h-bFES. Some of the mandatory procedures, are ready to be translated from animal experiments to clinical studies to meet the needs of persons with long-term irreversible muscle denervation. An European Project, the trial Rise4EU (Rise for You, a personalized treatment for recovery of function of denervated muscle in long-term stable SCI) will hopefully follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Carraro
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Foundation San Camillo Hospital, I.R.C.C.S., Venice, Italy
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- CeSI, Center for Research on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti, Italy
| | - Valerio Gobbo
- C.N.R. Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Katia Rossini
- Translational Myology, Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology of the University of Padova CIR-Myo, Department of Biomedical Science, Padova, Italy
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Translational Myology, Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology of the University of Padova CIR-Myo, Department of Biomedical Science, Padova, Italy
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Mosole
- Translational Myology, Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology of the University of Padova CIR-Myo, Department of Biomedical Science, Padova, Italy
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Ravara
- Translational Myology, Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology of the University of Padova CIR-Myo, Department of Biomedical Science, Padova, Italy
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Nori
- Translational Myology, Interdepartmental Research Center of Myology of the University of Padova CIR-Myo, Department of Biomedical Science, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Stramare
- CIR-Myo, Department of Medicine, Radiology Unit, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Ambrosio
- Antalgic Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Piccione
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Foundation San Camillo Hospital, I.R.C.C.S., Venice, Italy
| | - Stefano Masiero
- CIR-Myo, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Unit, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vindigni
- CIR-Myo, Department of Neuroscience, Plastic Surgery Unit, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Gargiulo
- Department of Science, Education, Innovation, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- CeSI, Center for Research on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti, Italy
| | - Helmut Kern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Physical Medicine, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amber Pond
- Anatomy Department, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrea Marcante
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Foundation San Camillo Hospital, I.R.C.C.S., Venice, Italy
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20
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Cisterna BA, Cardozo C, Sáez JC. Neuronal involvement in muscular atrophy. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:405. [PMID: 25540609 PMCID: PMC4261799 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The innervation of skeletal myofibers exerts a crucial influence on the maintenance of muscle tone and normal operation. Consequently, denervated myofibers manifest atrophy, which is preceded by an increase in sarcolemma permeability. Recently, de novo expression of hemichannels (HCs) formed by connexins (Cxs) and other none selective channels, including P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs), and transient receptor potential, sub-family V, member 2 (TRPV2) channels was demonstrated in denervated fast skeletal muscles. The denervation-induced atrophy was drastically reduced in denervated muscles deficient in Cxs 43 and 45. Nonetheless, the transduction mechanism by which the nerve represses the expression of the above mentioned non-selective channels remains unknown. The paracrine action of extracellular signaling molecules including ATP, neurotrophic factors (i.e., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)), agrin/LDL receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4)/muscle-specific receptor kinase (MuSK) and acetylcholine (Ach) are among the possible signals for repression for connexin expression. This review discusses the possible role of relevant factors in maintaining the normal functioning of fast skeletal muscles and suppression of connexin hemichannel expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno A. Cisterna
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Christopher Cardozo
- Center of Excellence for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical CenterBronx, NY, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew York, NY, USA
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de ValparaísoValparaíso, Chile
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21
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Gargiulo P, Helgason T, Ramon C, jr HJ, Carraro U. CT and MRI Assessment and Characterization Using Segmentation and 3D Modeling Techniques: Applications to Muscle, Bone and Brain. Eur J Transl Myol 2014; 24:3298. [PMID: 26913129 PMCID: PMC4749005 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2014.3298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the novel use of CT and MRI data and image processing tools to segment and reconstruct tissue images in 3D to determine characteristics of muscle, bone and brain. This to study and simulate the structural changes occurring in healthy and pathological conditions as well as in response to clinical treatments. Here we report the application of this methodology to evaluate and quantify: 1. progression of atrophy in human muscle subsequent to permanent lower motor neuron (LMN) denervation, 2. muscle recovery as induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES), 3. bone quality in patients undergoing total hip replacement and 4. to model the electrical activity of the brain. Study 1: CT data and segmentation techniques were used to quantify changes in muscle density and composition by associating the Hounsfield unit values of muscle, adipose and fibrous connective tissue with different colors. This method was employed to monitor patients who have permanent muscle LMN denervation in the lower extremities under two different conditions: permanent LMN denervated not electrically stimulated and stimulated. Study 2: CT data and segmentation techniques were employed, however, in this work we assessed bone and muscle conditions in the pre-operative CT scans of patients scheduled to undergo total hip replacement. In this work, the overall anatomical structure, the bone mineral density (BMD) and compactness of quadriceps muscles and proximal femoral was computed to provide a more complete view for surgeons when deciding which implant technology to use. Further, a Finite element analysis provided a map of the strains around the proximal femur socket when solicited by typical stresses caused by an implant press fitting. Study 3 describes a method to model the electrical behavior of human brain using segmented MR images. The aim of the work is to use these models to predict the electrical activity of the human brain under normal and pathological conditions by developing detailed 3D representations of major tissue surfaces within the head, with over 12 different tissues segmented. In addition, computational tools in Matlab were developed for calculating normal vectors on the brain surface and for associating this information with the equivalent electrical dipole sources as an input into the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Gargiulo
- Department of Science- Vísindadeild Landspitali (LSH). Biomedical engineering centre Reykjavik University & LSH. Menntavegi 1, 101 Reykjavik. 5431533, 8245384.
| | | | | | | | - Ugo Carraro
- CIR-Myo, Translational Myology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
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22
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Pond A, Marcante A, Zanato R, Martino L, Stramare R, Vindigni V, Zampieri S, Hofer C, Kern H, Masiero S, Piccione F. History, Mechanisms and Clinical Value of Fibrillation Analyses in Muscle Denervation and Reinnervation by Single Fiber Electromyography and Dynamic Echomyography. Eur J Transl Myol 2014; 24:3297. [PMID: 26913128 PMCID: PMC4749004 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2014.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This work reviews history, current clinical relevance and future of fibrillation, a functional marker of skeletal muscle denervated fibers. Fibrillations, i.e., spontaneous contraction, in denervated muscle were first described during the nineteenth century. It is known that alterations in membrane potential are responsible for the phenomenon and that they are related to changes in electrophysiological factors, cellular metabolism, cell turnover and gene expression. They are known to inhibit muscle atrophy to some degree and are used to diagnose neural injury and reinnervation that are occurring in patients. Electromyography (EMG) is useful in determining progress, prognosis and efficacy of therapeutic interventions and their eventual change. For patients with peripheral nerve injury, and thus without the option of volitional contractions, electrical muscle stimulation may be helpful in preserving the contractility and extensibility of denervated muscle tissue and in retarding/counteracting muscle atrophy. It is obvious from the paucity of recent literature that research in this area has declined over the years. This is likely a consequence of the decrease in funding available for research and the fact that the fibrillations do not appear to cause serious health issues. Nonetheless, further exploration of them as diagnostic tools in long-term denervation is merited, in particular if Single Fiber EMG (SFEMG) is combined with Dynamic Echomyography (DyEM), an Ultra Sound muscle approach we recently designed and developed to explore denervated and reinnervating muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Pond
- Anatomy Department, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL USA
| | - Andrea Marcante
- CIR-Myo, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zanato
- CIR-Myo, Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Leonora Martino
- CIR-Myo, Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Stramare
- CIR-Myo, Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vindigni
- CIR-Myo, Plastic Surgery, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Christian Hofer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Stefano Masiero
- CIR-Myo, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Piccione
- Clinical Neurophysiology, San Camillo Hospital I.R.C.C.S., Venezia-Lido, Italy
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23
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Kern H, Carraro U. Home-Based Functional Electrical Stimulation for Long-Term Denervated Human Muscle: History, Basics, Results and Perspectives of the Vienna Rehabilitation Strategy. Eur J Transl Myol 2014; 24:3296. [PMID: 26913127 PMCID: PMC4749003 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2014.3296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We will here discuss the following points related to Home-based Functional Electrical Stimulation (h-b FES) as treatment for patients with permanently denervated muscles in their legs: 1. Upper (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) damage to the lower spinal cord; 2. Muscle atrophy/hypertrophy versus processes of degeneration, regeneration, and recovery; 3. Recovery of twitch- and tetanic-contractility by h-b FES; 4. Clinical effects of h-b FES using the protocol of the "Vienna School"; 5. Limitations and perspectives. Arguments in favor of using the Vienna protocol include: 1. Increased muscle size in both legs; 2. Improved tetanic force production after 3-5 months of percutaneous stimulation using long stimulus pulses (> 100 msec) of high amplitude (> 80 mAmp), tolerated only in patients with no pain sensibility; 3. Histological and electron microscopic evidence that two years of h-b FES return muscle fibers to a state typical of two weeks denervated muscles with respect to atrophy, disrupted myofibrillar structure, and disorganized Excitation-Contraction Coupling (E-CC) structures; 4. The excitability never recovers to that typical of normal or reinnervated muscles where pulses less than 1 msec in duration and 25 mAmp in intensity excite axons and thereby muscle fibres. It is important to motivate these patients for chronic stimulation throughout life, preferably standing up against the load of the body weight rather than sitting. Only younger and low weight patients can expect to be able to stand-up and do some steps more or less independently. Some patients like to maintain the h-b FES training for decades. Limitations of the procedure are obvious, in part related to the use of multiple, large surface electrodes and the amount of time patients are willing to use for such muscle training.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ugo Carraro
- CIR-Myo Translational Myology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
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24
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Abstract
This review concentrates on the biology of long-term denervated muscle, especially as it relates to newer techniques for restoring functional mass. After denervation, muscle passes through three stages: 1) immediate loss of voluntary function and rapid loss of mass, 2) increasing atrophy and loss of sarcomeric organization, and 3) muscle fiber degeneration and replacement of muscle by fibrous connective tissue and fat. Parallel to the overall program of atrophy and degeneration is the proliferation and activation of satellite cells, and the appearance of neomyogenesis within the denervated muscle. Techniques such as functional electrical stimulation take advantage of this capability to restore functional mass to a denervated muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce M Carlson
- Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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25
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Sassoli C, Formigli L, Bini F, Tani A, Squecco R, Battistini C, Zecchi-Orlandini S, Francini F, Meacci E. Effects of S1P on skeletal muscle repair/regeneration during eccentric contraction. J Cell Mol Med 2012; 15:2498-511. [PMID: 21199328 PMCID: PMC3822960 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2010.01250.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle regeneration is severely compromised in the case of extended damage. The current challenge is to find factors capable of limiting muscle degeneration and/or potentiating the inherent regenerative program mediated by a specific type of myoblastic cells, the satellite cells. Recent studies from our groups and others have shown that the bioactive lipid, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), promotes myoblast differentiation and exerts a trophic action on denervated skeletal muscle fibres. In the present study, we examined the effects of S1P on eccentric contraction (EC)-injured extensor digitorum longus muscle fibres and resident satellite cells. After EC, skeletal muscle showed evidence of structural and biochemical damage along with significant electrophysiological changes, i.e. reduced plasma membrane resistance and resting membrane potential and altered Na(+) and Ca(2+) current amplitude and kinetics. Treatment with exogenous S1P attenuated the EC-induced tissue damage, protecting skeletal muscle fibre from apoptosis, preserving satellite cell viability and affecting extracellular matrix remodelling, through the up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression. S1P also promoted satellite cell renewal and differentiation in the damaged muscle. Notably, EC was associated with the activation of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and with increased endogenous S1P synthesis, further stressing the relevance of S1P in skeletal muscle protection and repair/regeneration. In line with this, the treatment with a selective SphK1 inhibitor during EC, caused an exacerbation of the muscle damage and attenuated MMP-9 expression. Together, these findings are in favour for a role of S1P in skeletal muscle healing and offer new clues for the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to counteract skeletal muscle damage and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sassoli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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26
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Kuffler DP, Reyes O, Sosa IJ, Santiago-Figueroa J. Neurological recovery across a 12-cm-long ulnar nerve gap repaired 3.25 years post trauma: case report. Neurosurgery 2012; 69:E1321-6. [PMID: 21712738 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0b013e31822a9fd2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE The standard clinical technique for repairing peripheral nerve gaps is the use of autologous sensory nerve grafts. The present study tested whether a collagen tube filled with autologous platelet-rich fibrin could induce sensory and motor recovery across a 12-cm nerve gap repaired 3.25 years post trauma, and reduce or eliminate neuropathic pain. CLINICAL PRESENTATION Two years postrepair, good ring and small finger motor function had developed that could generate 1 kg of force, and topographically correct 2-point discrimination and sensitivity to vibration in the small and ring finger and proximal but not distal wrist had developed. The patient's excruciating neuropathic pain was reduced to tolerable, and he avoided the indicated extremity amputation. The 12-cm-long nerve gap was bridged with a collagen tube filled with autologous platelet-rich fibrin. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that a conduit filled with platelet-rich fibrin can induce limited, but appropriate, sensory and motor recovery across a 12-cm nerve gap repaired 3.25 years post trauma, without sacrificing a sensory nerve, can reduce existing excruciating neuropathic pain to tolerable, and allow avoidance of an indicated upper-extremity amputation. We believe the technique can be improved to induce more extensive and reliable neurological recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien P Kuffler
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901, USA.
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27
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Mancinelli R, Kern H, Fulle S, Carraro U, Zampieri S, La Rovere R, Fanò G, Pietrangelo T. Transcriptional profile of denervated vastus lateralis muscle derived from a patient 8 months after spinal cord injury: a case-report. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2011; 24:749-59. [PMID: 21978686 DOI: 10.1177/039463201102400321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A lack of motor neurons abolishes both neurotrophic factor secretion and contractile activity in muscle, which impairs mass, contractile properties, and fibre-type characteristics of the muscle. However, the molecular pathways that can be stimulated or repressed in the scenario of spinal cord injury remain unknown. We investigated for the first time the transcriptional profile of a young male patient 8 months after spinal cord injury. Adaptive metabolic changes of complete denervated skeletal muscle were revealed. In particular, the main molecular pathways involved include metabolic and proteolitic pathways, mitochondrial and synaptic function, calcium homeostasis, sarcomere and anchorage structures. Our data depict the molecular signalling still present in complete denervated skeletal muscle fibres a few months after spinal cord injury. These data could be of interest also to design a specific therapeutic approach aimed at the electrical-stimulation of severe atrophied skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mancinelli
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, and Interuniversity Institute of Myology, Italy
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28
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Alfred T, Ben-Shlomo Y, Cooper R, Hardy R, Cooper C, Deary IJ, Gunnell D, Harris SE, Kumari M, Martin RM, Moran CN, Pitsiladis YP, Ring SM, Sayer AA, Smith GD, Starr JM, Kuh D, Day INM. ACTN3 genotype, athletic status, and life course physical capability: meta-analysis of the published literature and findings from nine studies. Hum Mutat 2011; 32:1008-18. [PMID: 21542061 PMCID: PMC3174315 DOI: 10.1002/humu.21526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) genotype has been associated with
athletic status and muscle phenotypes, although not consistently. Our objective
was to conduct a meta-analysis of the published literature on athletic status
and investigate its associations with physical capability in several new
population-based studies. Relevant data were extracted from studies in the
literature, comparing genotype frequencies between controls and sprint/power and
endurance athletes. For life course physical capability, data were used from two
studies of adolescents and seven studies in the Healthy Ageing across the Life
Course (HALCyon) collaborative research program, involving individuals aged
between 53 and 90+ years. We found evidence from the published literature
to support the hypothesis that in Europeans the RR genotype is more common among
sprint/power athletes compared with their controls. There is currently no
evidence that the X allele is advantageous to endurance athleticism. We found no
association between R577X and grip strength (P = 0.09,
n = 7,672 in males; P =
0.90, n = 7,839 in females), standing balance, timed get
up and go, or chair rises in our studies of physical capability. The
ACTN3 R577X genotype is associated with sprint/power
athletic status in Europeans, but does not appear to be associated with
objective measures of physical capability in the general population. Hum Mutat
32:1–11, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamuno Alfred
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
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29
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Abruzzo PM, di Tullio S, Marchionni C, Belia S, Fanó G, Zampieri S, Carraro U, Kern H, Sgarbi G, Lenaz G, Marini M. Oxidative stress in the denervated muscle. Free Radic Res 2010; 44:563-76. [PMID: 20298122 DOI: 10.3109/10715761003692487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Following experimental hind limb denervation in rats, this study demonstrates that oxidative stress occurs and advances an hypothesis about its origin. In fact: (i) ROS are formed; (ii) membrane lipids are oxidized; (iii) oxidized ion channels and pumps may lead to increased [Ca(2+)](i); all the above mentioned events increase with denervation time. In the denervated muscle, (iv) mRNA abundance of cytoprotective and anti-oxidant proteins (Hsp70, Hsp27, Sod1, Catalase, Gpx1, Gpx4, Gstm1), as well as (v) SOD1 enzymatic activity and HSP70i protein increase; (vi) an unbalance in mitochondrial OXPHOS enzymes occurs, presumably leading to excess mitochondrial ROS production; (vii) increased cPLA2alpha expression (mRNA) and activation (increased [Ca(2+)](i)) may lead to increased hydroperoxides release. Since anti-oxidant defences appear inadequate to counterbalance increased ROS production with increased denervation time, an anti-oxidant therapeutic strategy seems to be advisable in the many medical conditions where the nerve-muscle connection is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Provvidenza M Abruzzo
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Applied Biology, University of Bologna, Italy
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30
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Kern H, Carraro U, Adami N, Biral D, Hofer C, Forstner C, Mödlin M, Vogelauer M, Pond A, Boncompagni S, Paolini C, Mayr W, Protasi F, Zampieri S. Home-based functional electrical stimulation rescues permanently denervated muscles in paraplegic patients with complete lower motor neuron lesion. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2010; 24:709-21. [PMID: 20460493 DOI: 10.1177/1545968310366129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury causes muscle wasting and loss of function, which are especially severe after complete and permanent damage to lower motor neurons. In a previous cross-sectional study, long-standing denervated muscles were rescued by home-based functional electrical stimulation (h-bFES) training. OBJECTIVE To confirm results by a 2-year longitudinal prospective study of 25 patients with complete conus/cauda equina lesions. METHODS Denervated leg muscles were stimulated by h-bFES using a custom-designed stimulator and large surface electrodes. Muscle mass, force, and structure were determined before and after 2 years of h-bFES using computed tomography, measurements of knee torque during stimulation, and muscle biopsies analyzed by histology and electron microscopy. RESULTS Twenty of 25 patients completed the 2-year h-bFES program, which resulted in (a) a 35% cross-sectional increase in area of the quadriceps muscle from 28.2 ± 8.1 to 38.1 ± 12.7 cm(2) (P < .001), a 75% increase in mean diameter of muscle fibers from 16.6 ± 14.3 to 29.1 ± 23.3 μm (P < .001), and improvements of the ultrastructural organization of contractile material; and (b) a 1187% increase in force output during electrical stimulation from 0.8 ± 1.3 to 10.3 ± 8.1 N m (P < .001). The recovery of quadriceps force was sufficient to allow 25% of the subjects to perform FES-assisted stand-up exercises. CONCLUSIONS Home-based FES of denervated muscle is an effective home therapy that results in rescue of muscle mass and tetanic contractility. Important immediate benefits for the patients are the improved cosmetic appearance of lower extremities and the enhanced cushioning effect for seating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Kern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrostimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
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31
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The term oxidative stress is often used to indicate a condition in which the accumulation of reactive oxygen species is considered just damaging. We will discuss both the physiological and pathological role of oxidative stress on skeletal muscle homeostasis and function, and how oxidative stress can activates opposite signaling molecule to regulate gene and protein expression to guarantee muscle adaptation and to trigger a pathological condition. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidences have assigned a critical role to oxidative stress in muscle homeostasis and in the physiopathology of skeletal muscle, suggesting that reactive oxygen species are not merely damaging agent inflicting random destruction to the cell structure and function, but useful signaling molecules to regulate growth, proliferation, differentiation, and adaptation, at least within physiological concentration. SUMMARY The role of oxidative stress on muscle homeostasis is quite complex. It is clear that transiently increased levels of oxidative stress might reflect a potentially health promoting process, whereas an uncontrolled accumulation of oxidative stress might have pathological implication. Additional work is, therefore, necessary to understand and define precisely whether the manipulation of the redox balance represents a useful approach in the design of therapeutic strategies for muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Musarò
- Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, Institute Pasteur Cenci-Bolognetti, IIM, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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