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Bonanni R, Cariati I, Marini M, Tarantino U, Tancredi V. Microgravity and Musculoskeletal Health: What Strategies Should Be Used for a Great Challenge? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1423. [PMID: 37511798 PMCID: PMC10381503 DOI: 10.3390/life13071423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Space colonization represents the most insidious challenge for mankind, as numerous obstacles affect the success of space missions. Specifically, the absence of gravitational forces leads to systemic physiological alterations, with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. Indeed, astronauts exposed to spaceflight are known to report a significant impairment of bone microarchitecture and muscle mass, conditions clinically defined as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. In this context, space medicine assumes a crucial position, as the development of strategies to prevent and/or counteract weightlessness-induced alterations appears to be necessary. Furthermore, the opportunity to study the biological effects induced by weightlessness could provide valuable information regarding adaptations to spaceflight and suggest potential treatments that can preserve musculoskeletal health under microgravity conditions. Noteworthy, improving knowledge about the latest scientific findings in this field of research is crucial, as is thoroughly investigating the mechanisms underlying biological adaptations to microgravity and searching for innovative solutions to counter spaceflight-induced damage. Therefore, this narrative study review, performed using the MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases, aims to summarize the most recent evidence regarding the effects of real and simulated microgravity on the musculoskeletal system and to discuss the effectiveness of the main defence strategies used in both real and experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Marini
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Bonanni R, Gino Grillo S, Cariati I, Tranquillo L, Iundusi R, Gasbarra E, Tancredi V, Tarantino U. Osteosarcopenia and Pain: Do We Have a Way Out? Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051285. [PMID: 37238956 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcopenia (OSP) is a geriatric syndrome characterized by the coexistence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia and associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures, disability, and mortality. For patients with this syndrome, musculoskeletal pain represents the most significant challenge since, in addition to limiting the individual's functionality and promoting disability, it has a huge psychological burden involving anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and persistence of pain in OSP have not yet been fully elucidated, although immune cells are known to play a key role in these processes. Indeed, they release several molecules that promote persistent inflammation and nociceptive stimulation, resulting in the gating of ion channels responsible for the generation and propagation of the noxious stimulus. The adoption of countermeasures to counteract the OSP progression and reduce the algic component appears to be necessary, providing patients with a better quality of life and greater adherence to treatment. In addition, the development of multimodal therapies, based on an interdisciplinary approach, appears to be crucial, combining the use of anti-osteoporotic drugs with an educational programme, regular physical activity, and proper nutrition to eliminate risk factors. Based on this evidence, we conducted a narrative review using the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines to summarize the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in the pain development in OSP and the potential countermeasures to be taken. The lack of studies addressing this topic highlights the need to conduct new research into the resolution of an ever-expanding social problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Gino Grillo
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Tranquillo
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Iundusi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gasbarra
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Cariati I, Bonanni R, Rinaldi AM, Marini M, Iundusi R, Gasbarra E, Tancredi V, Tarantino U. Recombinant irisin prevents cell death and mineralization defects induced by random positioning machine exposure in primary cultures of human osteoblasts: A promising strategy for the osteoporosis treatment. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1107933. [PMID: 37008023 PMCID: PMC10052411 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1107933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight exposure, like prolonged skeletal unloading, is known to result in significant bone loss, but the molecular mechanisms responsible are still partly unknown. This impairment, characterizing both conditions, suggests the possibility of identifying common signalling pathways and developing innovative treatment strategies to counteract the bone loss typical of astronauts and osteoporotic patients. In this context, primary cell cultures of human osteoblasts derived from healthy subjects and osteoporotic patients were exposed to random positioning machine (RPM) to reproduce the absence of gravity and to exacerbate the pathological condition, respectively. The duration of exposure to RPM was 3 or 6 days, with the aim of determining whether a single administration of recombinant irisin (r-irisin) could prevent cell death and mineralizing capacity loss. In detail, cellular responses were assessed both in terms of death/survival, by MTS assay, analysis of oxidative stress and caspase activity, as well as the expression of survival and cell death proteins, and in terms of mineralizing capacity, by investigating the pentraxin 3 (PTX3) expression. Our results suggest that the effects of a single dose of r-irisin are maintained for a limited time, as demonstrated by complete protection after 3 days of RPM exposure and only partial protection when RPM exposure was for a longer time. Therefore, the use of r-irisin could be a valid strategy to counteract the bone mass loss induced by weightlessness and osteoporosis. Further studies are needed to determine an optimal treatment strategy based on the use of r-irisin that is fully protective even over very long periods of exposure and/or to identify further approaches to be used in a complementary manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Cariati
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Bonanni,
| | - Anna Maria Rinaldi
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Marini
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Iundusi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “Policlinico Tor Vergata” Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gasbarra
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “Policlinico Tor Vergata” Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “Policlinico Tor Vergata” Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Tarantino U, Greggi C, Visconti VV, Cariati I, Bonanni R, Gasperini B, Nardone I, Gasbarra E, Iundusi R. Sarcopenia and bone health: new acquisitions for a firm liaison. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221138354. [PMID: 36465879 PMCID: PMC9716454 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221138354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcopenia (OS) is a newly defined condition represented by the simultaneous presence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia, the main age-related diseases. The simultaneous coexistence of the two phenotypes derives from the close connection of the main target tissues involved in their pathogenesis: bone and muscle. These two actors constitute the bone-muscle unit, which communicates through a biochemical and mechanical crosstalk which involves multiple factors. Altered pattern of molecular pathways leads to an impairment of both the functionality of the tissue itself and the communication with the complementary tissue, composing the OS pathogenesis. Recent advances in the genetics field have provided the opportunity to delve deeper into the complex biological and molecular mechanisms underlying OS. Unfortunately, there are still many gaps in our understanding of these pathways, but it has proven essential to apply strategies such as exercise and nutritional intervention to counteract OS. New therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target bone and muscle tissue are limited, but recently new targets for the development of dual-action drug therapies have been identified. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the latest scientific evidence associated with OS, a complex disorder that will pave the way for future research aimed at understanding the bone-muscle-associated pathogenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and
Translational Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, PTV
Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Greggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and
Translational Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Veronica Visconti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and
Translational Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via Montpellier 1,
00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention,
University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention,
University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Gasperini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention,
University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
| | - Italo Nardone
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, PTV
Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gasbarra
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, PTV
Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Iundusi
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology,
PTV Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Bonanni R, Cariati I, Romagnoli C, D’Arcangelo G, Annino G, Tancredi V. Whole Body Vibration: A Valid Alternative Strategy to Exercise? J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:jfmk7040099. [PMID: 36412761 PMCID: PMC9680512 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7040099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies agree that mechanical vibration can induce physiological changes at different levels, improving neuromuscular function through postural control strategies, muscle tuning mechanisms and tonic vibration reflexes. Whole-body vibration has also been reported to increase bone mineral density and muscle mass and strength, as well as to relieve pain and modulate proprioceptive function in patients with osteoarthritis or lower back pain. Furthermore, vibratory training was found to be an effective strategy for improving the physical performance of healthy athletes in terms of muscle strength, agility, flexibility, and vertical jump height. Notably, several benefits have also been observed at the brain level, proving to be an important factor in protecting and/or preventing the development of age-related cognitive disorders. Although research in this field is still debated, certain molecular mechanisms responsible for the response to whole-body vibration also appear to be involved in physiological adaptations to exercise, suggesting the possibility of using it as an alternative or reinforcing strategy to canonical training. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development of whole body vibration protocols appropriately designed based on individual needs to optimize these effects. Therefore, we performed a narrative review of the literature, consulting the bibliographic databases MEDLINE and Google Scholar, to i) summarize the most recent scientific evidence on the effects of whole-body vibration and the molecular mechanisms proposed so far to provide a useful state of the art and ii) assess the potential of whole-body vibration as a form of passive training in place of or in association with exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristian Romagnoli
- Sport Engineering Lab, Department of Industrial Engineering, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna D’Arcangelo
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Annino
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Tarantino U, Visconti VV, Bonanni R, Gatti A, Marcozzi M, Calabrò D, Cariati I. Osteosarcopenia and Long-COVID: a dangerous combination. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221130485. [PMID: 36317068 PMCID: PMC9614591 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221130485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic and an unprecedented public health crisis, infecting more than 580 million people worldwide. Moreover, recent evidence has suggested the emergence of a new syndrome known as Long-COVID, a term used to describe a diverse set of physical and mental symptoms that persist after a diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Epidemiological data have identified myalgias, muscle and joint dysfunction, and bone fragility as common sequelae in patients with moderate and severe forms of this disease. Significant musculoskeletal dysfunction has also been detected in some healed patients, although knowledge about pathophysiological mechanisms of Long-COVID is still rather scarce. In this context, SARS-CoV-2 infection has been suggested to amplify the effects of aging on the musculoskeletal system by aggravating the osteosarcopenic state. Based on this evidence, our review focused on the muscle and bone tissue alterations induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection and Long-COVID, summarizing the current knowledge on the underlying biological mechanisms and highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to predict the musculoskeletal targets and long-term consequences of COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy,Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, ‘Policlinico Tor Vergata’ Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia V. Visconti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gatti
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, ‘Policlinico Tor Vergata’ Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Marcozzi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, ‘Policlinico Tor Vergata’ Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Calabrò
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, ‘Policlinico Tor Vergata’ Foundation, Rome, Italy
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