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Luo S, Zhang C, Xiong W, Song Y, Wang Q, Zhang H, Guo S, Yang S, Liu H. Advances in electroactive biomaterials: Through the lens of electrical stimulation promoting bone regeneration strategy. J Orthop Translat 2024; 47:191-206. [PMID: 39040489 PMCID: PMC11261049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2024.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The regenerative capacity of bone is indispensable for growth, given that accidental injury is almost inevitable. Bone regenerative capacity is relevant for the aging population globally and for the repair of large bone defects after osteotomy (e.g., following removal of malignant bone tumours). Among the many therapeutic modalities proposed to bone regeneration, electrical stimulation has attracted significant attention owing to its economic convenience and exceptional curative effects, and various electroactive biomaterials have emerged. This review summarizes the current knowledge and progress regarding electrical stimulation strategies for improving bone repair. Such strategies range from traditional methods of delivering electrical stimulation via electroconductive materials using external power sources to self-powered biomaterials, such as piezoelectric materials and nanogenerators. Electrical stimulation and osteogenesis are related via bone piezoelectricity. This review examines cell behaviour and the potential mechanisms of electrostimulation via electroactive biomaterials in bone healing, aiming to provide new insights regarding the mechanisms of bone regeneration using electroactive biomaterials. The translational potential of this article This review examines the roles of electroactive biomaterials in rehabilitating the electrical microenvironment to facilitate bone regeneration, addressing current progress in electrical biomaterials and the mechanisms whereby electrical cues mediate bone regeneration. Interactions between osteogenesis-related cells and electroactive biomaterials are summarized, leading to proposals regarding the use of electrical stimulation-based therapies to accelerate bone healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyang Luo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Chengshuo Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Hospital of Shihezi Medical University, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Yiping Song
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Hangzhou Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang Sports Medicine Clinical Medical Research Center, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Shu Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Shude Yang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Huanye Liu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
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Yan Y, Zhang Y, Li K, Li Y, Qian W, Zhang W, Wang Y, Ma W, Li L. Synergistic effects of graphene microgrooves and electrical stimulation on M2 macrophage polarization. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 711:149911. [PMID: 38603832 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149911] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages play a crucial role in host response and wound healing, with M2 polarization contributing to the reduction of foreign-body reactions induced by the implantation of biomaterials and promoting tissue regeneration. Electrical stimulation (ES) and micropatterned substrates have a significant impact on the macrophage polarization. However, there is currently a lack of well-established cell culture platforms for studying the synergistic effects of these two factors. In this study, we prepared a graphene free-standing substrate with 20 μm microgrooves using capillary forces induced by water evaporation. Subsequently, we established an ES cell culture platform for macrophage cultivation by integrating a self-designed multi-well chamber cell culture device. We observed that graphene microgrooves, in combination with ES, significantly reduce cell spreading area and circularity. Results from immunofluorescence, ELISA, and flow cytometry demonstrate that the synergistic effect of graphene microgrooves and ES effectively promotes macrophage M2 phenotypic polarization. Finally, RNA sequencing results reveal that the synergistic effects of ES and graphene microgrooves inhibit the macrophage actin polymerization and the downstream PI3K signaling pathway, thereby influencing the phenotypic transition. Our results demonstrate the potential of graphene-based microgrooves and ES to synergistically modulate macrophage polarization, offering promising applications in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300041, PR China
| | - Yilin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Kexin Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Yudong Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Wei Qian
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Yue Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300041, PR China
| | - Wensheng Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300041, PR China.
| | - Linhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
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Ren D, Zhang Y, Du B, Wang L, Gong M, Zhu W. An Antibacterial, Conductive Nanocomposite Hydrogel Coupled with Electrical Stimulation for Accelerated Wound Healing. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4495-4513. [PMID: 38799696 PMCID: PMC11123069 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s460700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Electrical stimulation (ES) can effectively promote skin wound healing; however, single-electrode-based ES strategies are difficult to cover the entire wound area, and the effectiveness of ES is often limited by the inconsistent mechanical properties of the electrode and wound tissue. The above factors may lead to ES treatment is not ideal. Methods A multifunctional conductive hydrogel dressing containing methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), Ti3C2 and collagen binding antimicrobial peptides (V-Os) was developed to improve wound management. Ti3C2 was selected as the electrode component due to its excellent electrical conductivity, the modified antimicrobial peptide V-Os could replace traditional antibiotics to suppress bacterial infections, and GelMA hydrogel was used due to its clinical applicability in wound healing. Results The results showed that this new hydrogel dressing (GelMA@Ti3C2/V-Os) not only has excellent electrical conductivity and biocompatibility but also has a durable and efficient bactericidal effect. The modified antimicrobial peptides V-Os used were able to bind more closely to GelMA hydrogel to exert long-lasting antibacterial effects. The results of cell experiment showed that the GelMA@Ti3C2/V-Os hydrogel dressing could enhance the effect of current stimulation and significantly improve the migration, proliferation and tissue repair related genes expression of fibroblasts. In vitro experiments results showed that under ES, GelMA@Ti3C2/V-Os hydrogel dressing could promote re-epithelialization, enhance angiogenesis, mediate immune response and prevent wound infection. Conclusion This multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel could provide new strategies for promoting infectious wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Du
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Pediatric Respiration, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meiheng Gong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
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Monaghan MG, Borah R, Thomsen C, Browne S. Thou shall not heal: Overcoming the non-healing behaviour of diabetic foot ulcers by engineering the inflammatory microenvironment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115120. [PMID: 37884128 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a devastating complication for diabetic patients that have debilitating effects and can ultimately lead to limb amputation. Healthy wounds progress through the phases of healing leading to tissue regeneration and restoration of the barrier function of the skin. In contrast, in diabetic patients dysregulation of these phases leads to chronic, non-healing wounds. In particular, unresolved inflammation in the DFU microenvironment has been identified as a key facet of chronic wounds in hyperglyceamic patients, as DFUs fail to progress beyond the inflammatory phase and towards resolution. Thus, control over and modulation of the inflammatory response is a promising therapeutic avenue for DFU treatment. This review discusses the current state-of-the art regarding control of the inflammatory response in the DFU microenvironment, with a specific focus on the development of biomaterials-based delivery strategies and their cargos to direct tissue regeneration in the DFU microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Monaghan
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Centre at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland; CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Rajiv Borah
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Centre at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Charlotte Thomsen
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shane Browne
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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Zhang Z, Qi Z, Kong W, Zhang R, Yao C. Applications of MXene and its modified materials in skin wound repair. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1154301. [PMID: 36994359 PMCID: PMC10042448 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1154301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid healing and repair of skin wounds has been receiving much clinical attention. Covering the wound with wound dressing to promote wound healing is currently the main treatment for skin wound repair. However, the performance of wound dressing prepared by a single material is limited and cannot meet the requirements of complex conditions for wound healing. MXene is a new two-dimensional material with electrical conductivity, antibacterial and photothermal properties and other physical and biological properties, which has a wide range of applications in the field of biomedicine. Based on the pathophysiological process of wound healing and the properties of ideal wound dressing, this review will introduce the preparation and modification methods of MXene, systematically summarize and review the application status and mechanism of MXene in skin wound healing, and provide guidance for subsequent researchers to further apply MXene in the design of skin wound dressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhiping Qi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weijian Kong
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Renfeng Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunli Yao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Chunli Yao,
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Lu C, Prahm C, Chen Y, Ehnert S, Rinderknecht H, McCaig CD, Nussler AK, Kolbenschlag J. Microcurrent Reverses Cigarette Smoke-Induced Angiogenesis Impairment in Human Keratinocytes In Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:445. [PMID: 36134990 PMCID: PMC9495747 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9090445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking (CS) leads to several adverse health effects, including diseases, disabilities, and even death. Post-operative and trauma patients who smoke have an increased risk for complications, such as delayed bone or wound healing. In clinical trials, microcurrent (MC) has been shown to be a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to accelerate wound healing. Our study aimed to investigate if MC with the strength of 100 μA may be beneficial in treating CS-related healing impairment, especially in regard to angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) on angiogenesis after 72 h of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure in the presence or absence of 100 μA MC. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated by resazurin conversion, Sulforhodamine B, and Calcein-AM/Hoechst 33342 staining; the pro-angiogenic potential of HaCaT cells was evaluated by tube formation assay and angiogenesis array assay; signaling pathway alterations were investigated using Western blot. Constant exposure for 72 h to a 100 μA MC enhanced the angiogenic ability of HaCaT cells, which was mediated through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, the current data indicate that 100 μA MC may support wound healing in smoking patients by enhancing angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lu
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Yangmengfan Chen
- Siegfried-Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Kinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ehnert
- Siegfried-Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Kinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Helen Rinderknecht
- Siegfried-Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Kinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Colin D. McCaig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Andreas K. Nussler
- Siegfried-Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Kinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Luo R, Dai J, Zhang J, Li Z. Accelerated Skin Wound Healing by Electrical Stimulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100557. [PMID: 33945225 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
When the integrity of the skin got damaged, an endogenous electric field will be generated in the wound and a series of physiological reactions will be initiated to close the wound. The existence of the endogenous electric field of the wound has a promoting effect on all stages of wound healing. For wounds that cannot heal on their own, the exogenous electric field can assist the treatment. In this review, the effects of exogenous electrical stimulation on wound healing, such as the inflammation phase, blood flow, cell proliferation and migration, and the wound scarring is overviewed. This article also reviews the new electrical stimulation methods that have emerged in recent years, such as small power supplies, nanogenerators (NGs), and other physical, chemical or biological strategies. These new electrical stimulation methods and devices are safe, low-cost, stable, and small in size. The challenge and perspective are discussed for the future trends of the electrical stimulation treatment in accelerating skin wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizeng Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Center of Nanoenergy Research Guangxi University Nanning 530004 China
| | - Jieyu Dai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Center of Nanoenergy Research Guangxi University Nanning 530004 China
| | - Jiaping Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury Southwest Hospital Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038 China
| | - Zhou Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Center of Nanoenergy Research Guangxi University Nanning 530004 China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience Beijing Key Laboratory of Micro–Nano Energy and Sensor Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100083 China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
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Franklin BM, Voss SR, Osborn JL. Ion channel signaling influences cellular proliferation and phagocyte activity during axolotl tail regeneration. Mech Dev 2017; 146:42-54. [PMID: 28603004 PMCID: PMC6386162 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the potential for ion channels to regulate cellular behaviors during tissue regeneration. Here, we utilized an amphibian tail regeneration assay coupled with a chemical genetic screen to identify ion channel antagonists that altered critical cellular processes during regeneration. Inhibition of multiple ion channels either partially (anoctamin1/Tmem16a, anoctamin2/Tmem16b, KV2.1, KV2.2, L-type CaV channels and H/K ATPases) or completely (GlyR, GABAAR, KV1.5 and SERCA pumps) inhibited tail regeneration. Partial inhibition of tail regeneration by blocking the calcium activated chloride channels, anoctamin1&2, was associated with a reduction of cellular proliferation in tail muscle and mesenchymal regions. Inhibition of anoctamin 1/2 also altered the post-amputation transcriptional response of p44/42 MAPK signaling pathway genes, including decreased expression of erk1/erk2. We also found that complete inhibition via voltage gated K+ channel blockade was associated with diminished phagocyte recruitment to the amputation site. The identification of H+ pumps as required for axolotl tail regeneration supports findings in Xenopus and Planaria models, and more generally, the conservation of ion channels as regulators of tissue regeneration. This study provides a preliminary framework for an in-depth investigation of the mechanistic role of ion channels and their potential involvement in regulating cellular proliferation and other processes essential to wound healing, appendage regeneration, and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Franklin
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, United States
| | - S Randal Voss
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Osborn
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, United States.
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Franklin BM, Maroudas E, Osborn JL. Sine-wave electrical stimulation initiates a voltage-gated potassium channel-dependent soft tissue response characterized by induction of hemocyte recruitment and collagen deposition. Physiol Rep 2016; 4:4/12/e12832. [PMID: 27335435 PMCID: PMC4923233 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue repair is a complex process that requires specific communication between multiple cell types to orchestrate effective restoration of physiological functions. Macrophages play a critical role in this wound healing process beginning at the onset of tissue injury. Understanding the signaling mechanisms involved in macrophage recruitment to the wound site is an essential step for developing more effective clinical therapies. Macrophages are known to respond to electrical fields, but the underlying cellular mechanisms mediating this response is unknown. This study demonstrated that low‐amplitude sine‐wave electrical stimulation (ES) initiates a soft tissue response in the absence of injury in Procambarus clarkii. This cellular response was characterized by recruitment of macrophage‐like hemocytes to the stimulation site indicated by increased hemocyte density at the site. ES also increased tissue collagen deposition compared to sham treatment (P < 0.05). Voltage‐gated potassium (KV) channel inhibition with either 4‐aminopyridine or astemizole decreased both hemocyte recruitment and collagen deposition compared to saline infusion (P < 0.05), whereas inhibition of calcium‐permeable channels with ruthenium red did not affect either response to ES. Thus, macrophage‐like hemocytes in P. clarkii elicit a wound‐like response to exogenous ES and this is accompanied by collagen deposition. This response is mediated by KV channels but independent of Ca2+ channels. We propose a significant role for KV channels that extends beyond facilitating Ca2+ transport via regulation of cellular membrane potentials during ES of soft tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleni Maroudas
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jeffrey L Osborn
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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