CURRENT RESEARCH
Aberrant repair and fibrosis development in skeletal muscle
The repair process of damaged tissue involves the coordinated activities of several cell types in response to local and systemic signals. Following acute tissue injury, infiltrating inflammatory cells and resident stem cells orchestrate their activities to restore tissue homeostasis. However, during chronic tissue damage, such as in muscular dystrophies, the inflammatory-cell infiltration and fibroblast activation persists, while the reparative capacity of stem cells (satellite cells) is attenuated. Abnormal dystrophic muscle repair and its end stage, fibrosis, represent the final common pathway of virtually all chronic neurodegenerative muscular diseases. As our understanding of the pathogenesis of muscle fibrosis has progressed, it has become evident that the muscle provides a useful model for the regulation of tissue repair by the local microenvironment, showing interplay among muscle-specific stem cells, inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and extracellular matrix components of the mammalian wound-healing response. This article reviews the emerging findings of the mechanisms that underlie normal versus aberrant muscle-tissue repair.
Another article we will be discussing at the Logan Symposium tomorrow, it is rather detailed and heavy on basic science (especially the cytokine pathways) but is is a great illustration of how muscle repair is initiated by an immune response.
Skin, Fascia & Scars: Symptoms and Systemic Effects
Another great article we will be discussing at tomorrow at the Logan Symposium. Offers a wonderful insight of the skin as the largest sensory organ and its influence of the autonomic nervous system. Since all fascial techniques are delivered through or pass through the skin interface this is important information on how what we do effects our patients on a sensory level.
The Role of Satellite Cells in the Regeneration of Muscle Fibers
Great article as a review of the function of satellite cells in regenerating muscle fibers as well a current theories on the sarcopenia associated with aging. As practitioners who deal extensively with the myofascial system these concepts may someday translate into our clinical protocols.
Great article on the role of satellite cells in muscle fiber regeneration as well as current hypothesis on the sarcopenia associated with aging. As practitioners that deal extensively with the myofascial system it is critical to understand this type of emerging science to hopefully translate these early findings into clinical protocols.