{"title":"Molecular Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Significance of SPARC Gene Expression.","authors":"Jiancong Zeng, Song Yan, Wei Dong, Jinsong Wei","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore the role of the SPARC gene in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) using bioinformatics analysis combined with <i>in vitro</i> experiments.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Single-cell sequencing data from the GEO and CNGBdb databases were analyzed to identify differential SPARC expression across degeneration grades. <i>In vitro</i>, nucleus pulposus cells were treated with LPS and SPARC, followed by RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to assess gene and protein expression changes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SPARC expression was significantly upregulated in degenerated nucleus pulposus cells and correlated with altered COL2A1 and ACAN expression.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SPARC may play a key role in IDD pathogenesis, offering a potential therapeutic target for future interventions. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IDD and pave the way for targeted therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 2","pages":"239-247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alberto Tonon, Renzo Pozzo, Stefano Pollastri, Roberto Centemeri, Luis Mochizuki
{"title":"Analysis of Muscle Recruitment Patterns During Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises With and Without Elastic Resistance.","authors":"Alberto Tonon, Renzo Pozzo, Stefano Pollastri, Roberto Centemeri, Luis Mochizuki","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This investigation examined the muscle's activation patterns of shoulder girdle principal muscles during a set of rehabilitation exercises.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty healthy participants (21 males, 9 females) performed a randomized set (12 repetitions at 2 s/repetition) of 7 exercises under natural and elastic loading conditions. The activation of 8 muscles was measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) and quantified as percentage of their maximal activation (%MVC). A linear encoder allowed to recognise the concentric and eccentric phases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The execution time of 2 s was provided for most of exercises and conditions; however, females showed a higher variability especially in the elastic load condition. Considering a 20 %MVC as a sEMG threshold for low muscular activation, the ranking order of each muscle was determined for each exercise and loading conditions. By performing regression analysis with respect to the sEMG levels and ranking order, a neuromuscular cost can be evaluated and consequently the ability to perform the same work but with different efficiency.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Linear and non-linear regression curves can be calculated and suggested as reference models. Hence the data presented here can be used as guideline for a more individualised rehabilitation programs or for specific tasks in the resistance strength training.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 2","pages":"160-171"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tendinopathy Pain Mimicking Neuropathy on Nerve Conduction Study Resolved with Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injection Treatment: A Case Report.","authors":"Fred Yi-Shueh Chen, Dean Yin-Kai Huang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We describe the case of a 41-year-old Asian man who was initially given a diagnosis of peroneal neuropathy but who later received a diagnosis of tenosynovitis of extensor digitorum longus (EDL). The patient initially presented with left lateral ankle numbness, pain, and decreased range of dorsiflexion after an 8-km walk. Peroneal neuropathy was first diagnosed on the basis of reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP). Conversely, ankle ultrasound revealed normal peroneal nerve but considerable EDL tenosynovitis. Ultrasound-guided injection of triamcinolone and lidocaine into the tendon sheath was performed for pain relief. At 1-month follow-up, CMAP amplitude was restored, and ultrasound imaging revealed normal EDL structure without signs of tenosynovitis. This case serves as a reminder that clinicians must pay attention to multiple factors affecting CMAP, including tendinopathy and pain, to avoid misinterpretation.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 2","pages":"248-251"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mahmoud R Elsharkawy, Abd Elaziz A Sherif, Engi E Sarhan, Osama A El-Agamy, Sara Y Elsebahy
{"title":"Effect of Universal Exercise Unit Versus Functional Electrical Stimulation on Genu Recurvatum in Diplegic Cerebral Palsy Children.","authors":"Mahmoud R Elsharkawy, Abd Elaziz A Sherif, Engi E Sarhan, Osama A El-Agamy, Sara Y Elsebahy","doi":"10.22540/JMNI-25-109","DOIUrl":"10.22540/JMNI-25-109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study evaluated the effects of the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) versus Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on genu recurvatum in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Thirty children (8 males, 22 females) aged 4-8 years with diplegic CP and genu recurvatum were randomly assigned to two groups (n=15 each). Study group I received UEU therapy and an exercise program for three weeks for 12 weeks. Study group II received FES applied to the hamstring and tibialis anterior muscles during walking, with the same exercise program and frequency. Genu recurvatum and muscle strength were assessed pre- and post-treatment using a digital goniometer and Lafayette muscle tester.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups improved significantly in all variables post-treatment, with Study Group I (UEU) showing greater improvements in reducing genu recurvatum and increasing muscle strength (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>UEU and FES were effective in treating genu recurvatum in children with diplegic CP, but UEU provided superior results.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrials: </strong>gov ID: NCT06332729.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 1","pages":"109-118"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11880854/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"ITGB5 as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Osteoarthritis.","authors":"Shouchao Hu, Jianxin Huang, Wenzhi Wang","doi":"10.22540/JMNI-25-086","DOIUrl":"10.22540/JMNI-25-086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, especially occur in the elderly. This study aimed to uncover a novel biomarker for early diagnosis and treatment of OA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>WGCNA, differential expression analysis and PPI network were used for screening hub genes-related to OA, utilizing the GSE55235 and GSE57218 datasets from GEO database.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Based on the data in the GEO datasets, compared to normal tissues, ITGB5 was obviously elevated in OA cartilage and synovial samples. Additionally, ROC curve results validated the diagnostic value of ITGB5 in OA. Mechanistically, transcription factors KLF4 and KLF11 could modulate ITGB5 gene transcription via binding to its promoter region, thereby affecting ITGB5 gene expression in OA tissues. GSEA results showed that ITGB5 gene was closely related to p53, wnt, TNF and T cell receptor signaling pathways, suggesting that ITGB5 may play potential roles in affecting cell apoptosis and inflammation in OA. Moreover, ITGB5 levels in OA samples was positively correlated to T helper type 1 cells, natural killer T cells, macrophages, memory CD8 T cells, activated dendritic cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this study, we found that ITGB5 was obviously elevated in OA samples. Moreover, ITGB5 may function as a diagnostic biomarker in OA.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 1","pages":"86-100"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11880847/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kensuke Oba, Michito Murayama, Sanae Kaga, Mina Samukawa
{"title":"Investigation of Varying Durations of Dynamic Stretches on Muscle Stiffness of the Ankle Plantar Flexors Using Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastography.","authors":"Kensuke Oba, Michito Murayama, Sanae Kaga, Mina Samukawa","doi":"10.22540/JMNI-25-068","DOIUrl":"10.22540/JMNI-25-068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study investigated the acute effects of dynamic stretch (DS) duration on the muscle stiffness of the ankle plantar flexor using shear wave ultrasound elastography.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighteen healthy young participants were enrolled in this study. DS with one set (DS1) or four sets (DS4) of 30 s each was performed randomly. Shear wave velocity in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) was measured before and after DS to assess muscle stiffness of the MG.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (condition × time) showed a significant interaction with the shear wave velocity (p = 0.02). Shear wave velocity significantly decreased after the DS4 than before (before:3.09 ± 0.59 m/s; after: 2.86 ± 0.43 m/s). However, no significant differences were observed in shear wave velocity between before and after DS1 (before: 2.96 ± 0.56 m/s; after: 3.19 ± 0.56 m/s). There were no significant differences in shear wave velocity at baseline condition. After the intervention, significantly lower shear wave velocity was observed in DS4 than in DS1.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results of this study demonstrate that DS with four sets of 30 s effectively decreased the muscle stiffness of the MG.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 1","pages":"68-73"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11880845/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhimin Pan, Zheng Wang, Yuanguo Zhou, Xinran Ji, Lei Yu, Xin Yin, Kai Song, Ning Yu, Yoon Ha, Nan Li, Xing Zhu, Yangbin Wang, Jiang Huang
{"title":"Preliminary Exploration of the Osteogenic Differentiation Mechanism of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulated by SYVN1.","authors":"Zhimin Pan, Zheng Wang, Yuanguo Zhou, Xinran Ji, Lei Yu, Xin Yin, Kai Song, Ning Yu, Yoon Ha, Nan Li, Xing Zhu, Yangbin Wang, Jiang Huang","doi":"10.22540/JMNI-25-150","DOIUrl":"10.22540/JMNI-25-150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The osteogenic differentiation ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is an important aspect of studying osteoporosis (OP). This study aims to explore the role of SYVN1 in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and to suggest its potential as a treatment for OP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>BMSCs were differentiated using osteogenic induction. The expression of SYVN1 at different osteogenic induction time points was analyzed by Western blot (WB). The expression levels of osteogenic markers, including RUNX2, ALP, and OCN, were measured by RT-qPCR. EdU staining and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate the impact of SYVN1 on the proliferative ability of BMSCs. The effect of SYVN1 on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was assessed by alizarin red staining. The association of SYVN1 with the AMPK/mTOR pathway was confirmed through WB analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The expression of SYVN1 decreased as BMSCs differentiation progressed. Overexpression of SYVN1 inhibited the osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of BMSCs, whereas silencing SYVN1 had the opposite effect. Furthermore, SYVN1 overexpression reduced the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio and increased the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio, effects that were reversed by the AMPK activator A-769662.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SYVN1 overexpression inhibits the osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of BMSCs, potentially through modulation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 1","pages":"150-159"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11880844/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohamed Salah El-Sayed, Ayman Kilany, Samah Attia El Shemy
{"title":"Efficacy of Task-Oriented Circuit Training on Gait Kinematics, Pelvic Symmetry and Trunk Endurance in Children with Hemiplegia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Mohamed Salah El-Sayed, Ayman Kilany, Samah Attia El Shemy","doi":"10.22540/JMNI-25-036","DOIUrl":"10.22540/JMNI-25-036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Children with hemiplegia often experience motor problems that primarily affect one side of their body. They frequently struggle with asymmetrical gait patterns, pelvic imbalance affecting stability, and reduced trunk muscle endurance, all of which impact their overall mobility and coordination. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of task-oriented circuit training program in improving kinematic gait parameters, pelvic symmetry, and trunk endurance in children with hemiplegia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of forty children diagnosed with hemiplegia between the ages of 7 and 10 years were randomized into both control and study groups. The control group was given a specially designed physiotherapy program, while the study group was given the identical program applied to the control group, combined with a 12-week task-oriented circuit training intervention. Gait kinematics were assessed using two-dimensional motion analysis, pelvic symmetry was evaluated through a palpation meter inclinometer, and trunk endurance was measured using four validated tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant improvement was observed in both groups in all outcome measures post-treatment when compared to the baseline mean values in favor to the study group (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Task-oriented circuit training in conjunction with a designed physiotherapy program is more effective in improving gait kinematics, pelvic symmetry, and endurance of trunk muscles among children with hemiplegia.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrials: </strong>gov ID: NCT04761263.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 1","pages":"36-46"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11880859/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuya Niki, Pleiades T Inaoka, Etsuko Nishi, Sho Horie, Naoki Mugii, Tetsutaro Yahata, J Luis Espinoza
{"title":"Rehabilitation Perspectives in Spinal Cord Ischemia After Major Vascular Surgery: A Case Series.","authors":"Yuya Niki, Pleiades T Inaoka, Etsuko Nishi, Sho Horie, Naoki Mugii, Tetsutaro Yahata, J Luis Espinoza","doi":"10.22540/JMNI-25-056","DOIUrl":"10.22540/JMNI-25-056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This observational study aims to summarize the disability profile, rehabilitation strategies, and six-month outcomes in patients with Spinal Cord Ischemia (SC-ischemia) following Major Vascular Surgeries (MVS) at our institution.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective data were collected from seven patients who underwent MVS between April 2016 and March 2020.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All patients were male, with a mean age of 68.7 years. SC-ischemia affected predominantly Th10 (six patients) and Th12 (one patient), resulting in severe motor paralysis in six patients and moderate paralysis in one. The average intensive care unit stay was 19.6 days, with delayed mobility observed (9.6 days to sit upright, 14.9 days to sit in a wheelchair). Patients had a prolonged hospital stay (average 70.6 days) and showed minimal improvement in activities of daily living (median Barthel Index of 10). At six months, two patients regained walking ability, while five showed little improvement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Recovery post-MVS-associated SC-ischemia is inconsistent and often limited. Future research should focus on optimizing rehabilitation strategies for these patients suffering from this catastrophic complication.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 1","pages":"56-60"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11880856/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of Neural Respiratory Drive Using Surface Electromyography Parameters of Parasternal Muscles in Three Different Body Positions Among Healthy Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Santosh Wakode, Pooja Salkar, Avinash Thakare, Sandip Hulke, Varun Malhotra, Rekha Jiwne","doi":"10.22540/JMNI-25-074","DOIUrl":"10.22540/JMNI-25-074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The neural respiratory drive (NRD) is a critical determinant of breathlessness, influenced by the balance between ventilatory load and respiratory muscle capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of body positions on NRD in young healthy adults (18-50 years) and to identify the optimal position for assessing NRD among the healthy subjects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Surface electromyography (sEMG) data from the 2nd intercostal space parasternal muscle was collected in supine, sitting, and standing positions among young healthy adults. NRD parameters, including EMG Para max% and Neural Respiratory Drive Index (NRDI), were analysed and compared among positions using ANOVA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences in NRD values were observed across body positions, with standing vs. supine vs. sitting yielding higher values in both sexes respectively (Males: 5.113±0.437, 4.404±0.576, 4.913±0.623; P<0.001 and Females: 7.444±0.416, 6.435±0.266, 6.748±0.390; P<0.001). Post hoc analysis reveals significant difference in standing vs supine vs sitting position. These findings highlight the influence of body position on NRD measurements.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study emphasizes the importance of considering body position when evaluating NRD in healthy individuals. These factors should also be taken into account in clinical assessments to ensure accurate interpretation of NRD and related respiratory functions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"25 1","pages":"74-85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11880853/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}