1
|
Jacho D, Yildirim-Ayan E. Mechanome-Guided Strategies in Regenerative Rehabilitation. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2024; 29:100516. [PMID: 38586151 PMCID: PMC10993906 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2023.100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Regenerative Rehabilitation represents a multifaceted approach that merges mechanobiology with therapeutic intervention to harness the body's intrinsic tissue repair and regeneration capacity. This review delves into the intricate interplay between mechanical loading and cellular responses in the context of musculoskeletal tissue healing. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the phases involved in translating mechanical forces into biochemical responses at the cellular level. The review paper also covers the mechanosensitivity of macrophages, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells, which play a crucial role during regenerative rehabilitation since these cells exhibit unique mechanoresponsiveness during different stages of the tissue healing process. Understanding how mechanical loading amplitude and frequency applied during regenerative rehabilitation influences macrophage polarization, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation is crucial for developing effective therapies for musculoskeletal tissues. In conclusion, this review underscores the significance of mechanome-guided strategies in regenerative rehabilitation. By exploring the mechanosensitivity of different cell types and their responses to mechanical loading, this field offers promising avenues for accelerating tissue healing and functional recovery, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Jacho
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Eda Yildirim-Ayan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Raya JG, Duarte A, Wang N, Mazzoli V, Jaramillo D, Blamire AM, Dietrich O. Applications of Diffusion-Weighted MRI to the Musculoskeletal System. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:376-396. [PMID: 37477576 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an established MRI technique that can investigate tissue microstructure at the scale of a few micrometers. Musculoskeletal tissues typically have a highly ordered structure to fulfill their functions and therefore represent an optimal application of DWI. Even more since disruption of tissue organization affects its biomechanical properties and may indicate irreversible damage. The application of DWI to the musculoskeletal system faces application-specific challenges on data acquisition including susceptibility effects, the low T2 relaxation time of most musculoskeletal tissues (2-70 msec) and the need for sub-millimetric resolution. Thus, musculoskeletal applications have been an area of development of new DWI methods. In this review, we provide an overview of the technical aspects of DWI acquisition including diffusion-weighting, MRI pulse sequences and different diffusion regimes to study tissue microstructure. For each tissue type (growth plate, articular cartilage, muscle, bone marrow, intervertebral discs, ligaments, tendons, menisci, and synovium), the rationale for the use of DWI and clinical studies in support of its use as a biomarker are presented. The review describes studies showing that DTI of the growth plate has predictive value for child growth and that DTI of articular cartilage has potential to predict the radiographic progression of joint damage in early stages of osteoarthritis. DTI has been used extensively in skeletal muscle where it has shown potential to detect microstructural and functional changes in a wide range of muscle pathologies. DWI of bone marrow showed to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of benign and malignant acute vertebral fractures and bone metastases. DTI and diffusion kurtosis have been investigated as markers of early intervertebral disc degeneration and lower back pain. Finally, promising new applications of DTI to anterior cruciate ligament grafts and synovium are presented. The review ends with an overview of the use of DWI in clinical routine. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José G Raya
- Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alejandra Duarte
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Valentina Mazzoli
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Diego Jaramillo
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew M Blamire
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Olaf Dietrich
- Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sauer AK, Vigouroux M, Dougherty PM, Cata JP, Ingelmo PM. Pain Experience and Sensory Changes in Astronauts During and After Short-Lasting Commercial Spaceflight: A Proof-of-Concept Study. J Pain Res 2023; 16:4253-4266. [PMID: 38107368 PMCID: PMC10723599 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s440630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Space travel has been associated with musculoskeletal pain, yet little is known about the nociceptive changes and pain experience during spaceflight. This preliminary study aims to investigate the pain experience and sensory alterations in astronauts following a 17-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Axiom Space's AX-1 commercial space flight. Two participants were enrolled, and data were collected pre-flight, in-flight, post-flight, and three-month post-flight. Validated pain questionnaires assessed anxiety, catastrophizing, impact on physical and mental health, disability, and overall pain experience. Qualitative interviews were conducted post-landing and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) were performed. Both astronauts reported musculoskeletal pain during and after the flight, which was managed with anti-inflammatories and stretching techniques. Pain levels returned to baseline after three months. Pain questionnaires revealed heightened pain experiences in-flight and immediately post-flight, although their adequacy in assessing pain in space is uncertain. Qualitative interviews allowed astronauts to describe their pain experiences during the flight. Sensory changes included increased mechanical touch detection thresholds, temporal pain summation, heat pain thresholds, and differences in conditioned pain modulation post-flight. This preliminary study suggested that spaceflight may affect various aspects of sensory perception and regulation in astronauts, albeit in a variable manner. More data are needed to gain insight of on gain and loss of sensory functions during space missions. Further investigation into the multifactorial stressors affecting the somatosensory system during space travel could contribute to advancements in space and pain medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Sauer
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marie Vigouroux
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Edwards Family Interdisciplinary Center for Complex Pain, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick M Dougherty
- Department of Pain Medicine, The University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Juan Pablo Cata
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Anesthesiology and Surgical Oncology Research Group, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pablo M Ingelmo
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Edwards Family Interdisciplinary Center for Complex Pain, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pastushkova LK, Goncharova AG, Kashirina DN, Larina IM. Changes in the body fluids proteome as a reflection of the physiological effects of dry immersion. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1178077. [PMID: 37168223 PMCID: PMC10164983 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1178077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - D. N. Kashirina
- Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Plehuna A, Green DA, Amirova LE, Tomilovskaya ES, Rukavishnikov IV, Kozlovskaya IB. Dry immersion induced acute low back pain and its relationship with trunk myofascial viscoelastic changes. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1039924. [PMID: 36311233 PMCID: PMC9606241 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1039924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity induces spinal elongation and Low Back Pain (LBP) but the pathophysiology is unknown. Changes in paraspinal muscle viscoelastic properties may play a role. Dry Immersion (DI) is a ground-based microgravity analogue that induces changes in m. erector spinae superficial myofascial tissue tone within 2 h. This study sought to determine whether bilateral m. erector spinae tone, creep, and stiffness persist beyond 2 h; and if such changes correlate with DI-induced spinal elongation and/or LBP. Ten healthy males lay in the DI bath at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (Moscow, Russia) for 6 h. Bilateral lumbar (L1, L4) and thoracic (T11, T9) trunk myofascial tone, stiffness and creep (MyotonPRO), and subjective LBP (0-10 NRS) were recorded before DI, after 1h, 6 h of DI, and 30min post. The non-standing spinal length was evaluated on the bath lifting platform using a bespoke stadiometer before and following DI. DI significantly modulated m. erector spinae viscoelastic properties at L4, L1, T11, and T9 with no effect of laterality. Bilateral tissue tone was significantly reduced after 1 and 6 h DI at L4, L1, T11, and T9 to a similar extent. Stiffness was also reduced by DI at 1 h but partially recovered at 6 h for L4, L1, and T11. Creep was increased by DI at 1 h, with partial recovery at 6 h, although only T11 was significant. All properties returned to baseline 30 min following DI. Significant spinal elongation (1.17 ± 0.20 cm) with mild (at 1 h) to moderate (at 6 h) LBP was induced, mainly in the upper lumbar and lower thoracic regions. Spinal length increases positively correlated (Rho = 0.847, p = 0.024) with middle thoracic (T9) tone reduction, but with no other stiffness or creep changes. Spinal length positively correlated (Rho = 0.557, p = 0.039) with Max LBP; LBP failed to correlate with any m. erector spinae measured parameters. The DI-induced bilateral m. erector spinae tone, creep, and stiffness changes persist beyond 2 h. Evidence of spinal elongation and LBP allows suggesting that the trunk myofascial tissue changes could play a role in LBP pathogenesis observed in real and simulated microgravity. Further study is warranted with longer duration DI, assessment of IVD geometry, and vertebral column stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasija Plehuna
- King’s College London, Centre of Human & Applied Physiological Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Gravitational Physiology of the Sensorimotor System, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - David Andrew Green
- King’s College London, Centre of Human & Applied Physiological Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Space Medicine Team, HRE-OM, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany
- KBRwyle Laboratories GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - Liubov E. Amirova
- Laboratory of Gravitational Physiology of the Sensorimotor System, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S. Tomilovskaya
- Laboratory of Gravitational Physiology of the Sensorimotor System, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya V. Rukavishnikov
- Laboratory of Gravitational Physiology of the Sensorimotor System, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Inessa B. Kozlovskaya
- Laboratory of Gravitational Physiology of the Sensorimotor System, Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang X, Zhang S, Wang T. How the mechanical microenvironment of stem cell growth affects their differentiation: a review. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:415. [PMID: 35964140 PMCID: PMC9375355 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell differentiation is of great interest in medical research; however, specifically and effectively regulating stem cell differentiation is still a challenge. In addition to chemical factors, physical signals are an important component of the stem cell ecotone. The mechanical microenvironment of stem cells has a huge role in stem cell differentiation. Herein, we describe the knowledge accumulated to date on the mechanical environment in which stem cells exist, which consists of various factors, including the extracellular matrix and topology, substrate stiffness, shear stress, hydrostatic pressure, tension, and microgravity. We then detail the currently known signalling pathways that stem cells use to perceive the mechanical environment, including those involving nuclear factor-kB, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, the piezoelectric mechanosensitive ion channel, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. Using this information in clinical settings to treat diseases is the goal of this research, and we describe the progress that has been made. In this review, we examined the effects of mechanical factors in the stem cell growth microenvironment on stem cell differentiation, how mechanical signals are transmitted to and function within the cell, and the influence of mechanical factors on the use of stem cells in clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Sibo Zhang
- China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianlu Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Robin A, Navasiolava N, Gauquelin-Koch G, Gharib C, Custaud MA, Treffel L. Spinal changes after 5-day dry immersion as shown by magnetic resonance imaging (DI-5-CUFFS). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R310-R318. [PMID: 35700204 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00055.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Astronauts frequently report microgravity-induced back pain, which is generally more pronounced in the beginning of a spaceflight. The dry immersion (DI) model reproduces the early effects of microgravity in terms of global support unloading and fluidshift, both of which are involved in back pain pathogenesis. Here, we assessed spinal changes induced by exposure to 5 days of strict DI in 18 healthy men (25-43 years old) with (n = 9) or without (n = 9) thigh cuffs countermeasure. Intervertebral disc (IVD) height, spinal cord position, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC; reflecting global water motion) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging before and after DI. After DI, IVD height increased in thoracic (+3.3 ± 0.8 mm; C7-T12) and lumbar (+4.5 ± 0.4 mm; T12-L5) regions but not in the cervical region (C2-C7) of the spine. An increase in ADC after DI was observed at the L1 (~6% increase, from 3.2 to 3.4 × 10-3 mm2/s; p < 0.001) and L2 (~3% increase, from 3.4 to 3.5 × 10-3 mm2/s; p = 0.005) levels. There was no effect of thigh cuffs on spinal parameters. This change in IVD after DI follows the same "gradient" pattern of height increase from the cervical to the lumbar region as observed after bedrest and spaceflight. The increase in ADC at L1 level positively correlated with reported back pain. These findings emphasize the utility of the DI model for studying early spinal changes observed in microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Robin
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, CRC, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Nastassia Navasiolava
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, CRC, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | | | - Claude Gharib
- PGNM (Pathologie et Génétique du Neurone et du Muscle) Université Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Marc-Antoine Custaud
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, CRC, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Loïc Treffel
- PGNM (Pathologie et Génétique du Neurone et du Muscle) Université Lyon1, Lyon, France.,Institut Toulousain d'Ostéopathie, IRF'O, Labège-Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bersenev EY, Ukraintseva YV, Kovrov GV, Yakhya YD, Vassilieva GY, Tomilovskaya ES, Rukavishnikov IV, Posokhov SI, Orlov AV, Osetsky NY, Orlov OI. Sleep in 21-Day Dry Immersion. Are Cardiovascular Adjustments Rapid Eye Movement Sleep-Dependent? Front Physiol 2021; 12:749773. [PMID: 34764883 PMCID: PMC8576394 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.749773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A decrease in sleep quality and duration during space missions has repeatedly been reported. However, the exact causes that underlie this effect remain unclear. In space, sleep might be impacted by weightlessness and its influence on cardiovascular function. In this study, we aimed at exploring the changes of night sleep architecture during prolonged, 21-day Dry Immersion (DI) as one of the ground-based models for microgravity studies and comparing them with adaptive changes in the cardiovascular system. Methods: Ten healthy young men were exposed to DI for 21 days. The day before (baseline, B-1), on the 3rd (DI3), 10th (DI10), and 19th (DI19) day of DI, as well as in the recovery period, 1 day after the end of DI (R + 1), they were subjected to overnight polysomnography (PSG) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results: On DI3, when the most severe back pain occurred due to the effects of DI on the spine and back muscles, the PSG data showed dramatically disorganized sleep architecture. Sleep latency, the number of awakenings, and the duration of wake after sleep onset (WASO) were significantly increased compared with the B-1. Furthermore, the sleep efficiency, duration of rapid eye movement sleep (REM), and duration of non-rapid eye movement stage 2 decreased. On DI10, subjective pain ratings declined to 0 and sleep architecture returned to the baseline values. On DI19, the REM duration increased and continued to rise on R + 1. An increase in REM was accompanied by rising in a nighttime heart rate (HR), which also shows the most significant changes after the end of DI. On DI19 and R + 1, the REM duration showed opposite correlations with the BP parameters: on DI19 it was negatively associated with the systolic BP (SBP), and on R + 1 it was positively correlated with the diastolic BP (DBP). Conclusion: An increase in REM at the end of DI and in recovery might be associated with regulatory changes in the cardiovascular system, in particular, with the reorganization of the peripheral and central blood flow in response to environmental changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Yu Bersenev
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RF IBMP RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia V Ukraintseva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IHNA&NPh RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennadiy V Kovrov
- Biomedical Science & Technology Park of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yusef D Yakhya
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RF IBMP RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Galina Yu Vassilieva
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RF IBMP RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S Tomilovskaya
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RF IBMP RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya V Rukavishnikov
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RF IBMP RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey I Posokhov
- Biomedical Science & Technology Park of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Artemiy V Orlov
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RF IBMP RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay Yu Osetsky
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RF IBMP RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg I Orlov
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SSC RF IBMP RAS), Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
A dry immersion model of microgravity modulates platelet phenotype, miRNA signature, and circulating plasma protein biomarker profile. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21906. [PMID: 34753989 PMCID: PMC8578674 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01335-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ground based research modalities of microgravity have been proposed as innovative methods to investigate the aetiology of chronic age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Dry Immersion (DI), has been effectively used to interrogate the sequelae of physical inactivity (PI) and microgravity on multiple physiological systems. Herein we look at the causa et effectus of 3-day DI on platelet phenotype, and correlate with both miRomic and circulating biomarker expression. The miRomic profile of platelets is reflective of phenotype, which itself is sensitive and malleable to the exposome, undergoing responsive transitions in order to fulfil platelets role in thrombosis and haemostasis. Heterogeneous platelet subpopulations circulate at any given time, with varying degrees of sensitivity to activation. Employing a DI model, we investigate the effect of acute PI on platelet function in 12 healthy males. 3-day DI resulted in a significant increase in platelet count, plateletcrit, platelet adhesion, aggregation, and a modest elevation of platelet reactivity index (PRI). We identified 15 protein biomarkers and 22 miRNA whose expression levels were altered after DI. A 3-day DI model of microgravity/physical inactivity induced a prothrombotic platelet phenotype with an unique platelet miRNA signature, increased platelet count and plateletcrit. This correlated with a unique circulating protein biomarker signature. Taken together, these findings highlight platelets as sensitive adaptive sentinels and functional biomarkers of epigenetic drift within the cardiovascular compartment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Early Deconditioning of Human Skeletal Muscles and the Effects of a Thigh Cuff Countermeasure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112064. [PMID: 34769492 PMCID: PMC8584355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle deconditioning is a major consequence of a wide range of conditions from spaceflight to a sedentary lifestyle, and occurs as a result of muscle inactivity, leading to a rapid decrease in muscle strength, mass, and oxidative capacity. The early changes that appear in the first days of inactivity must be studied to determine effective methods for the prevention of muscle deconditioning. To evaluate the mechanisms of muscle early changes and the vascular effect of a thigh cuff, a five-day dry immersion (DI) experiment was conducted by the French Space Agency at the MEDES Space Clinic (Rangueil, Toulouse). Eighteen healthy males were recruited and divided into a control group and a thigh cuff group, who wore a thigh cuff at 30 mmHg. All participants underwent five days of DI. Prior to and at the end of the DI, the lower limb maximal strength was measured and muscle biopsies were collected from the vastus lateralis muscle. Five days of DI resulted in muscle deconditioning in both groups. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction of knee extension decreased significantly. The muscle fiber cross-sectional area decreased significantly by 21.8%, and the protein balance seems to be impaired, as shown by the reduced activation of the mTOR pathway. Measurements of skinned muscle fibers supported these results and potential changes in oxidative capacity were highlighted by a decrease in PGC1-α levels. The use of the thigh cuff did not prevent muscle deconditioning or impact muscle function. These results suggest that the major effects of muscle deconditioning occur during the first few days of inactivity, and countermeasures against muscle deconditioning should target this time period. These results are also relevant for the understanding of muscle weakness induced by muscle diseases, aging, and patients in intensive care.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Space travel has grown during the past 2 decades, and is expected to surge in the future with the establishment of an American Space Force, businesses specializing in commercial space travel, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration's planned sustained presence on the moon. Accompanying this rise, treating physicians are bracing for a concomitant increase in space-related medical problems, including back pain. Back pain is highly prevalent in astronauts and space travelers, with most cases being transient and self-limiting (space adaptation back pain). Pathophysiologic changes that affect the spine occur during space travel and may be attributed to microgravity, rapid acceleration and deceleration, and increased radiation. These include a loss of spinal curvature, spinal muscle atrophy, a higher rate of disc herniation, decreased proteoglycan and collagen content in intervertebral discs, and a reduction in bone density that may predispose people to vertebral endplate fractures. In this article, the authors discuss epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention, treatment, and future research.
Collapse
|