A comparison of the effects of connective tissue massage and classical massage on chronic mechanical low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the effects of connective tissue massage (CTM) and classical massage (CM) in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain on pain and autonomic responses and to determine the most effective manual therapy method. METHODS: Seventy individuals with chronic mechanical low back pain were randomly divided into CTM (n = 35) and CM (n = 35) groups. The participants were given a 4-week treatment protocol consisting of a hot pack, exercise, and CTM or CM for 20 sessions. A visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity. Heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature were measured for the evaluation of autonomic responses. In addition, disability (Oswestry disability index), quality of life (short form 36), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index) were evaluated. Participants were assessed before and after the 4-week treatment period as well as at the end of the 6-week follow-up period. In addition, visual analog index measurements were repeated at the end of each treatment week. RESULTS: Pain intensity was decreased in both groups (P < .05). However, CM was more effective than CTM at the end of the 2nd week (P < .05). In autonomic responses results, there were increases in peripheral skin temperatures in both groups (P < .05). Disability, quality of life, and sleep quality improved in both groups (P < .05). There were no differences between the groups relating to autonomic responses, disability, quality of life, and sleep quality (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that massages were similar effect. The fact that CM is a frequently used technique in pain management and is as effective as CTM in autonomic responses will make it more preferred in the clinic.

An investigation of the effects of connective tissue massage in women with migraine: A controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effects of connective tissue massage (CTM) on pain characteristics, accompanying symptoms, medication usage, disability, sleep quality, psychological status, and quality of life in women with migraine. METHOD: The study was designed as a prospective controlled clinical trial. Women were allocated into the CTM (CTM + education (Ed) program, n = 8) and control groups (only Ed program, n = 8). One session of Ed and 12 sessions of CTM were performed for 4 weeks. They filled out a headache diary, including pain characteristics, accompanying symptoms, and medication usage, for the pre-, during-, and after-treatment periods. Disability, sleep quality, psychological status, quality of life, and disability were evaluated with the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Headache Impact Test-6, respectively. RESULTS: The CTM group showed a significant change in pain, accompanying symptoms (except vomiting), medication usage, Headache Impact Test-6, and Disability with Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Only the CTM group showed a significant change over time in all parameters of the headache diary except vomiting (p < 0.05). Only Headache Impact Test-6 and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores improved in the CTM group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSIONS: CTM was superior for reducing pain characteristics, accompanying symptoms, medication usage, disability, and improving quality of life. CONCLUSION: CTM may be considered as a non-pharmacological and complementary therapy for migraine.

Evaluation of low-level laser therapy and platelet-rich fibrin on donor site healing after vascularized interpositional periosteal connective tissue flap: a randomized clinical study.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on donor site healing after vascularized interpositional periosteal connective tissue (VIP-CT) flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the present clinical study, the selected patients requiring VIP-CT flap were randomly assigned into either of the two treatment groups (VIP-CT/PRF and VIP-CT/LLLT). For VIP-CT/PRF, palatal donor site treated with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF, n = 15) after harvesting VIP-CT flap; and for VIP-CT/LLLT, palatal donor site treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT, n = 16) after harvesting VIP-CT flap. RESULTS: The mean thickness of palatal mucosa at surgical site was increased from 2.91 ± 0.65 to 2.93 ± 0.55 mm after 1 week and to 3.02 ± 0.55 mm after 12 weeks while in PRF-treated site, while in LLLT-treated sites, palatal mucosal thickness decreased after 1 week from 3.35 ± 0.56 mm to 1.83 ± 0.48 mm and then increase to 3.35 ± 0.55 mm after 12 weeks, and the mean difference was significantly higher for PRF-treated group compared to LLLT-treated group. In regard to contour, absence of hypertrophic tissue was observed in VIP-CT/LLLT compared with VIP-CT/PRF group (40% of patients, p = 0.003) at 4 weeks. "Absence" of pain and burning sensation were observed as early as at 1 week in LLLT-treated palatal donor sites compared to PRF-treated palatal donor site after VIP-CT. Improvement in post-surgical complications like ecchymosis, tissue necrosis, swelling, and infection were observed almost 100% at 4 weeks in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Favourable clinical outcomes in terms of tissue thickness, consistency, color, contour, scar, pain, and burning sensation and patient comfort were obtained in both LLLT- and PRF-treated donor palatal sites at 12 weeks. Non-significant increase in tissue thickness was observed compared to baseline in PRF-treated donor sites at 12 weeks compared to LLLT-treated donor sites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using 940 nm wavelength and autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can be utilized to enhance early wound healing and reduce the palatal donor site morbidity.

Age-Dependent Effects of Copper Toxicity on Connective Tissue Structural Stability in Wistar Rats Skin.

Over the last three decades, there has been increasing global concern over the public health impacts attributed to direct and indirect environmental pollution, in particular, the global burden of disease. The World Health Organization estimates that, about a quarter of the diseases facing mankind today occur due to prolonged exposure to environmental pollution; the health of 200 million people in lower-income countries is at risk from toxins such as lead and copper or mercury, more than from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined and that, nearly a quarter of deaths in developing countries including Nigeria and Ghana, are linked to pollution. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the ingestion of large dose of copper on the structural stability of collagen molecules, as well as reveal age-dependent differences in the phenomena.  The content of de novo synthesized collagen was determined by hydroxyproline concentration using Stegmann-Staeder's method as modified by Utevskaya and Persky; the nature of intra- and inter-molecular covalent cross-links in collagen matrix was estimated by electrophoretic separation of products of partial thermal denaturation of collagen in polyacrylamide gel. There was intensification of synthesis over degradation in young rats, and that administration of copper led to a decrease in collagen solubility. Effects of copper on the structural stability of collagen appeared mostly in young rats.

Short-Term Effects of Connective Tissue Massage After Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of connective tissue massage (CTM) on postoperative pain severity, first passage of flatus and the first defecation, and functionality in patients after total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) or total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). METHODS: A total of 60 patients who underwent TLH or TAH were included in the study. Patients who underwent TLH were randomly grouped as TLH-CTM (n = 15) and TLH control (n = 16), and those who underwent TAH were randomly grouped as TAH-CTM (n = 14) and TAH control (n = 15). CTM was applied twice postoperatively at the third hour and after 24 hours. The pain severity scores and functional activity limitation levels of the patients were evaluated with the visual analog scale. The number of analgesics use and first passage of flatus and the first defecation were recorded. RESULTS: The first passage of flatus and the first defecation after surgery were shorter in the TLH-CTM and TAH-CTM groups compared with the TLH and TAH control groups (P < 0.001). The first passage of flatus and the first defecation, pain intensity, and analgesics use of the TLH-CTM group were the lowest among all groups (P < 0.05). The improvement in functionality level in the TLH-CTM group was higher than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that CTM reduced postoperative pain severity, use of analgesics, first passage of flatus, and first defecation after TAH or TLH.

Physiotherapy Management of Migraine Pain: Facial Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique Versus Connective Tissue Massage.

OBJECTIVE: Physical therapy modalities are often used by patients with migraine pain. The effectiveness of the methods in the treatment of migraine has not been clarified yet. This prospective study was planned to investigate whether facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is superior to connective tissue massage in the treatment of migraine pain. METHODS: The study was conducted on 40 female patients with a neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of chronic migraine with non-aura, and who were aged between 18 and 65. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques were applied to the patients in the study group (Group 1), and connective tissue massage was applied to the patients in the control group (Group 2). The interventions were performed 3 times a week for approximately 20 minutes. Pain and pressure pain threshold scores were recorded on the first day of treatment before starting the session and were reassessed immediately after the end of the 18 treatment (6 weeks) sessions. RESULTS: Pretreatment and posttreatment results were similar in both groups in terms of pain scores and pressure pain threshold values ( P > 0.05). Both groups improved in pain-related outcomes ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was no more effective than connective tissue massage for treating migraine for the sample size used in the present study. Both methods can be used in the treatment of migraine pain.

Toxicity study in a pig model of intraperitoneal collagenase as an "enzymatic scalpel" directed to break stroma in order to generate a new perspective for peritoneal carcinomatosis approach: an experimental research.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to measure the toxicity resulting from collagenase administration to the peritoneal cavity in a pig model as a preliminary step to break down the stroma surrounding tumors. METHODS: Eight pigs were treated with 2 different collagenase concentrations previously tested in rats by our group. Time and temperature were controlled using a peritoneal lavage system (PRS System, Combat Medical Ltd.) identical to that used in human surgeries through hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC); 2 additional pigs were treated with peritoneal lavage only. Samples of blood and peritoneal fluid were collected pre-treatment, immediately after treatment, and 24 h postoperatively. In addition, histological studies and blood collagenase levels were measured. RESULTS: No complications were observed during the surgeries. Intraoperative images evidenced the release of peritoneal tissue during collagenase treatment. After surgery, the animals showed no signs of pain. Diet and mobility were normal at 4 h postoperatively, and there were no significant differences in hematologic or biochemical parameters. Quantification of MMP1 and MMP2 in all samples as measured by absorbance showed no differences in blood collagenase levels between pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 24 h postoperatively. None of the animals treated with collagenase showed peritoneal adhesions during the second surgery. Histologically, peritoneal organs and serous structures did not show any microscopic alterations associated with collagenase treatment in any group. CONCLUSION: Lavage of the peritoneal cavity with doses of up to 100,000 collagen digestion units/animal for 30 min is safe and removes connective tissue from the peritoneal cavity.

Laterally closed tunnel technique with and without adjunctive photobiomodulation therapy for the management of isolated gingival recession-a randomized controlled assessor-blinded clinical trial.

The objective of this prospective randomized controlled single-center clinical trial was to prove the efficacy of adjunctive photobiomodulation in improving selected outcomes following the use of laterally closed tunnel technique for the management of isolated gingival recession. Nineteen participants (with isolated gingival recession) each treated by laterally closed tunnel technique were randomized to either add on treatment with control (sham laser application) or test group (photobiomodulation with 660 nm diode, 3.5 J/cm2 per point of application). The primary outcome variable was change in recession depth and secondary variables included recession width, width of keratinized gingiva, periodontal biotype, and VAS score for pain assessment and EHS index for early wound healing assessment. Analysis was performed using a linear mixed effects model. There were no significant differences in the gingival recession depth (p = 0.8324) and recession width (p-0.969) at 3-month follow-up. The VAS scores were significantly lower for the test (laterally closed tunnel technique + photobiomodulation) group as compared to control (laterally closed tunnel technique + sham laser) over time (p = < 0.0001) as well as per site (p = 0.0006) The Early Wound Healing Index scores were significantly higher in the test (laterally closed tunnel technique + photobiomodulation) group as compared to control (laterally closed tunnel technique + sham laser) group (p < 0.0001). The adjunctive use of photobiomodulation did not show a better outcome concerning recession depth but appears to provide faster healing of the surgical wounds and better patient comfort. The result needs further evaluation in particular with respect to long-term effect and due to limitation in sample size. Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2019/11/022012.

Effect of 24% EDTA root conditioning on the outcome of modified coronally advanced tunnel technique with subepithelial connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects of root conditioning with 24% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the 12-month outcomes after treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR) with modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with 142 GR were treated (72 test sites: SCTG + EDTA and 70 control sites: SCTG). Average and complete root coverage (ARC, CRC), gain in keratinized tissue width (KTW), gain in gingival thickness (GT), root esthetic coverage score (RES), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated at 12 months post-operatively. RESULTS: Differences between pre- and post-operative values were statistically significant only within but not between treatment modalities. At 12 months, ARC was 86.0% for SCTG + EDTA-treated and 84.6 for SCTG-treated defects (p = 0.6636). CRC was observed in 90.2% (tests) and 91.4% (controls) of all cases (p = 0.9903). Professional assessment of esthetic outcomes using RES showed highly positive results reaching the value of 8.9 in case of test sites and 8.7 for control sites (p = 0.3358). Severity of pain and swelling did not differ between sites, regardless of whether EDTA was used. CONCLUSIONS: Test and control sites presented similarly positive outcomes related to root coverage, periodontal and esthetic parameters, and patient satisfaction and self-reported morbidity with no statistical differences between them 12 months after surgery. No significant differences in evaluated variables were observed between sites treated with and without 24% EDTA. Clinical relevance Considering the limitations of the present study, the use of 24% EDTA for root conditioning did not improve 12-month outcomes after treatment of multiple RT1 and RT2 gingival recessions with MCAT and SCTG. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03354104.

Mechanosensitivity of Cells and Its Role in the Regulation of Physiological Functions and the Implementation of Physiotherapeutic Effects (Review).

Regulatory signals in the body are not limited to chemical and electrical ones. There is another type of important signals for cells: those are mechanical signals (coming from the environment or arising from within the body), which have been less known in the literature. The review summarizes new information on the mechanosensitivity of various cells of connective tissue and nervous system. Participation of mechanical stimuli in the regulation of growth, development, differentiation, and functioning of tissues is described. The data focus on bone remodeling, wound healing, neurite growth, and the formation of neural networks. Mechanotransduction, cellular organelles, and mechanosensitive molecules involved in these processes are discussed as well as the role of the extracellular matrix. The importance of mechanical characteristics of cells in the pathogenesis of diseases is highlighted. Finally, the possible role of mechanosensitivity in mediating the physiotherapeutic effects is addressed.

Comparison of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training With Connective Tissue Massage to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Alone in Women With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-week program of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) plus connective tissue massage (CTM) to PFMT alone in women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms on those symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength, and quality of life. METHODS: Thirty-four participants were randomly divided into PFMT+CTM (n = 17) and PFMT (n = 17) groups. PFMT was applied every day and CTM was applied 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Before treatment, at week 3, and after treatment (week 6), we assessed pelvic floor muscle strength (with a perineometer), bladder symptoms (with a urine diary), OAB symptom severity (with the 8-item Overactive Bladder Questionnaire [OAB-V8]), urgency (with the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale [PPIUS]), and quality of life (with King's Health Questionnaire [KHQ]). The Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, Friedman test, and Dunn multiple comparison test were used for analysis. RESULTS: In both groups, pelvic floor muscle strength increased, whereas OAB symptoms and PPIUS and KHQ scores decreased after treatment (P < .05). Although the OAB-V8, PPIUS, and KHQ scores decreased at week 3, frequency, OAB-V8, and PPIUS scores, in addition to some parameters of the KHQ, decreased after treatment in the PFMT+CTM group compared to the PFMT group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Compared to PFMT alone, PFMT+CTM achieved superior outcomes in reducing OAB symptoms in the early and late periods.

Profiling and targeting connective tissue remodeling in autoimmunity - A novel paradigm for diagnosing and treating chronic diseases.

Connective tissue (ConT) remodeling is an essential process in tissue regeneration, where a balanced replacement of old tissue by new tissue occurs. This balance is disturbed in chronic diseases, often autoimmune diseases, usually resulting in the buld up of fibrosis and a gradual loss of organ function. During progression of liver, lung, skin, heart, joint, skeletal and kidney diseasesboth ConT formation and degradation are elevated, which is tightly linked to immune cell activation and a loss of specific cell types and extracellular matrix (ECM) structures that are required for normal organ function. Here, we address the balance of key general and organ specific components of the ECM during homeostasis and in disease, with a focus on collagens, which are emerging as both structural and signaling molecules harbouring neoepitopes and autoantigens that are released during ConT remodeling. Specific collagen molecular signatures of ConT remodeling are linked to disease activity and stage, and to prognosis across different organs. These signatures accompany and further drive disease progression, and often become detectable before clinical disease manifestation (illness). Recent advances allow to quantify and define the nature of ConT remodeling via blood-based assays that measure the levels of well-defined collagen fragments, reflecting different facets of ConT formation and degradation, and associated immunological processes. These novel serum assays are becoming important tools of precision medicine, to detect various chronic and autoimmune diseases before their clinical manifestation, and to non-invasively monitor the efficacy of a broad range of pharmacological interventions.

Quantitative analysis of gliding between subcutaneous tissue and the vastus lateralis - Influence of the dense connective tissue of the myofascia.

INTRODUCTION: The thickness of connective tissue has been shown to be associated with pain (Stecco et al., 2014). However, the relationship between fascial thickness and gliding remains unclear. In addition, the influence between gliding and the motion rhythm and limb position isn't clear. METHOD: A therapist moved patient's lower leg at one of two constant rhythms (40 or 60bpm). Gliding of both the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and subcutaneous (SC) tissue were recorded during knee motion using ultrasonography. Particle image velocimetry analysis software was adapted to create the flow velocity from echo imaging. Gliding was calculated using a coefficient of correlation from each flow velocity. Myofascial thickness and SC were measured using Image-J. The ratios of the loose connective tissue (LCT) and dense connective tissue (DCT) thickness to the total myofascial thickness were calculated. Repeated-measures two-way ANOVA was used to compare the two motion rhythms and three positions, with stepwise multiple regression analysis to analyze the predictors that influenced the gliding coefficient at each rhythm. RESULTS: Repeated-measures two-way ANOVA showed that the effect of rhythm was statistically significant, but the effect of position was not. At a 40 bpm rhythm, stepwise multiple regression analysis selected SC thickness and DCT thickness as significant factors, while at a 60 bpm rhythm, SC thickness and DCT ratio were selected. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that increased thickness of DCT of the myofascia and SC resulted in decreased gliding between the VL and SC, demonstrating that gliding is related to fascial thickness. Motion rhythm influences gliding between tissues.

Low-Level Laser Therapy in Different Wavelengths on the Tibialis Anterior Muscle of Wistar Rats After Nerve Compression Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic injuries are common and may promote disruption of neuromuscular communication, triggering phenomena that lead to nerve degeneration and affect muscle function. A laser accelerates tissue recovery; however, the parameters used are varied, making it difficult to compare studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy, at 660- and 830-nm wavelengths, on the tibialis anterior muscle of Wistar rats after sciatic nerve compression. METHODS: Twenty animals were separated into 4 groups: control, sciatic nerve injury, lesion + 660-nm laser, and lesion + 830-nm laser. In the lesion groups, the right sciatic nerve was surgically exposed and compressed with hemostatic forceps for 30 seconds. After the third postoperative day, the groups with laser therapy were submitted to treatment for 2 weeks totaling 10 applications, performed directly on the surgical scar of the nerve injury. Grip strength was analyzed before and after the nerve injury and during the treatment period. The tibialis anterior muscle was processed for light microscopy, area measurement, smaller diameter, number of fibers, nuclei, and connective tissue. RESULTS: The animals submitted to the injury experienced muscular atrophy and morphological changes in the number of muscle fibers and nuclei. In the connective tissue morphometry, there was a decrease in the treated groups compared with the untreated groups. CONCLUSION: The laser treatment at different wavelengths showed no improvement in the tibialis anterior muscle of Wistar rats within the morphological and functional aspects evaluated.

Comparison of Connective Tissue Manipulation and Abdominal Massage Combined With Usual Care vs Usual Care Alone for Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the effects of connective tissue manipulation (CTM) and abdominal massage when combined with usual care on the symptoms of constipation and quality of life (QoL) immediately following a 4-week treatment in patients suffering from chronic constipation. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with chronic constipation were randomly assigned to CTM, abdominal massage, or control groups. Connective tissue manipulation and abdominal massage were conducted at 5 sessions a week for 4 weeks. Each session was approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The severity of constipation by the Constipation Severity Instrument, symptoms of constipation by a bowel diary and Bristol Stool Scale, and QoL by patient assessment of QoL questionnaire were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the changes in constipation severity (P < .001), symptoms of constipation (P ≤ .001), and QoL (P < .001) among the 3 groups. However, based on pair-wise analysis, there were no significant differences in the changes of the severity and symptoms of constipation and QoL between the CTM and abdominal massage groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study revealed that compared to usual care alone, the combination of usual care and CTM or abdominal massage may be more beneficial for chronic constipation. However, the superiority of CTM or abdominal massage was not observed. Further high-quality studies with long-term follow-up are needed to investigate the optimal massage therapy program in patients with chronic constipation.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on expressions of Lyn and Syk in mast cells of subcutaneous loose connective tissue in rats with urticarial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning on the expressions of tyrosine kinase Lyn and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) in mast cells of subcutaneous loose connective tissue in the rats with urticaria and explore the potential biological mechanism of EA in the intervention of urticaria. METHODS: A total of 32 SD rats were randomized into a blank group, a model group, an EA group and a positive medication group, 8 rats in each one. Except of the blank group, the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) was adopted to prepare the model of urticaria in the rats of the rest three groups. In the EA group, EA was applied to bilateral "Quchi" (LI 11), "Xuehai" (SP 10) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency and 1 mA in current intensity, once daily, for 20 min each time, consecutively for 7 days. In the positive medication group, loratadine (1 mg•kg-1•d-1) was for intragastric administration, once daily, consecutively for 7 days. The samples were collected for index detection 30 min after PCA antigen challenge in the rats of each group. Spectrophotometer was adopted to determine the effusion quantity of Evans blue in the allergized site of skin. HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the allergized site of skin. Toluidine blue staining was provided to observe mast cell degranulation in subcutaneous loose connective tissue in the allergized site of skin. Immunohistochemistry was applied to determine the protein expressions of Lyn and Syk during degranulation of mast cells. RESULTS: In the rats of the odel group, the eipdermis of allergized site was thickening, cells were disorganized in hierarchy and inflammatory cells were infiltrated largely in the dermis. In the positive medication group and the EA group, the epidermis was getting thin, cell arrangement was clear and the inflammatory cell infiltration was obviously alleviated as compared with the model group. Compared with the blank group, the OD value of skin dye effusion quantity, the degranulation rate of mast cells and the positive expressions of Lyn and Syk were all increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the OD value of skin dye effusion quantity, the degranulation rate of mast cells and the positive expressions of Lyn and Syk were all reduced in the EA group and the positive medication group (P<0.01). Compared with the positive medication group, the degranulation rate of mast cells was increased significantly in the EA group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at "Quchi" (LI 11), "Xuehai" (SP 10) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) reduces vascular permeability and gives play to the role of anti-allergy by the way of regulating and controlling the degranulation of mast cells in the rats with urticaria and the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture may be related to the inhibition of protein expressions of Lyn and Syk in mast cells.

Loss and rescue of osteocalcin and osteopontin modulate osteogenic and angiogenic features of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells.

Noncollagenous proteins in the bone extracellular matrix, such as osteocalcin (OC) and osteopontin (OPN), inherent to evolution of bone as a skeletal tissue, are known to regulate bone formation and mineralization. However, the fundamental basis of this regulatory role remains unknown. Here, for the first time, we use mouse mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) lacking both OC and OPN to investigate the mechanistic roles of OC and OPN on the proliferation capacity and differentiation ability of MSC. We found that the loss of OC and OPN reduces stem cells self-renewal potential and multipotency, affects their differentiation into an osteogenic lineage, and impairs their angiogenic potential while maintaining chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages. Moreover, loss of OC and OPN compromises the extracellular matrix integrity and maturation, observed by an unexpected enhancement of glycosaminoglycans content that are associated with a more primitive skeletal connective tissue, and by a delay on the maturation of mineral species produced. Interestingly, exogenously supplemented OC and OPN were able to rescue MSC proliferative and osteogenic potential along with matrix integrity and mineral quality. Taken together, these results highlight the key contributions of OC and OPN in enhancing osteogenesis and angiogenesis over primitive connective tissue, and support a potential therapeutic approach based on their exogenous supplementation.

Mechanosensitive Aspects of Cell Biology in Manual Scar Therapy for Deep Dermal Defects.

Deep dermal defects can result from burns, necrotizing fasciitis and severe soft tissue trauma. Physiological scar restriction during wound healing becomes increasingly relevant in proportion to the affected area. This massively restricts the general mobility of patients. External mechanical influences (activity or immobilization in everyday life) can lead to the formation of marked scar strands and adhesions. Overloading results in a renewed inflammatory reaction and thus in further restriction. Appropriate mechanical stimuli can have a positive influence on the scar tissue. "Use determines function," and even minimal external forces are sufficient to cause functional alignment (mechanotransduction). The first and second remarkable increases in connective tissue resistance (R1 and R2) seem to be relevant clinical indications of adequate dosage in the proliferation and remodulation phase, making it possible to counteract potential overdosage in deep dermal defects. The current state of research does not allow a direct transfer to the clinical treatment of large scars. However, the continuous clinical implementation of study results with regard to the mechanosensitivity of isolated fibroblasts, and the constant adaptation of manual techniques, has nevertheless created an evidence-base for manual scar therapy. The manual dosages are adapted to tissue physiology and to respective wound healing phases. Clinical observations show improved mobility of the affected regions and fewer relapses into the inflammatory phase due to mechanical overload.

Is the Newly Described Interstitial Network the Anatomical Basis of Acupuncture Meridians? A Commentary.

A network passing through interstitial tissues of the human body has been recently described. Despite its functional importance is yet unknown, we try to briefly summarize the known data and to interpret it from the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese medicine. We consider the peculiarities of the interstitium to be the morphological basis of at least some of the known phenomena along acupuncture meridians.

Applicability of eucalyptus wood waste extracts for the histological staining of connective tissue.

Biological staining of tissue is a crucial procedure in histotechnology. Rudimentary methods for section preparation have often used stains from natural products, although use of synthetic dyes has become the contemporary standard. Artificial dyes increase the operating costs of a laboratory as well as increase the environmental and personnel risks during manufacturing and usage. These considerations have stimulated research to find alternative natural stains from the wide diversity of plant species. The present study investigated the effect of Eucalyptus sp. (Myrtaceae) wood waste extract on histological staining of animal tissues, using a series of pigment concentrations, pH conditions, and temperatures. Eucalyptus wooden slivers were dried, milled, and 1 g, 2 g, and 4 g of the fine powder was subjected to 50% ethanol extraction for 2 days. Staining tests were then performed on formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sections. Increasing acetic acid concentrations (1%, 2% and 4%) were added to the extracts and compared to an acid-free extract. Staining was performed at both ambient room temperature (RT) and 60°C. Connective tissue acidophilic components were well-contrasted and a hematoxylin counterstain demonstrated distinct structural differences between matrix and cell nuclei. Therefore, the present findings demonstrate the potential utility of the eucalyptus wood extracts application as a natural stain alternative for routine histology.