Vascular photobiomodulation increases muscle fiber diameter and improves the gait during compensatory hypertrophy of plantar muscle in rats.

The local photobiomodulation (LPBM) has demonstrated positive effects during compensatory hypertrophy (CH) in skeletal muscle as a response to an overload. The aim was to compare the effects of the transcutaneous vascular photobiomodulation (VPBM) and the LPBM on muscle fiber size, gait functionality, and on mechanical sensitivity during the CH model in rats. VPBM was administered over the rat's main tail vein and LPBM was applied over the plantar muscle region. VPBM induced an increase in muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional area (CSA) after 7 days. At 14 days, an increase in the fiber diameter was found in both irradiated groups. The VPBM and LPBM promoted the reestablishment of normal gait evaluated by the sciatic functional index after 14 days. No changes were found in the mechanical (nociceptive) sensitivity in VPBM and LPBM groups in comparison to the CH group but there was an increase in the nociceptive sensitivity in the CH groups in comparison to the control after 7 and 14 days. In conclusion, both PBM, vascular and local, were able to improve the muscle size and gait during the CH process with more pronounced effects when irradiation was performed systemically (VPBM).

Photobiomodulation alters the viability of HUVECs cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of low-level red (660 nm) and infrared (780 nm) laser with four different radiance exposures on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. HUVECs (1.5 × 104) were incubated in 96-well culture plates. The cells were maintained in M199 medium supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum, 1% antibiotic (penicillin), 1% anti-mycotic (Fungizone), and 1% endothelial cell growth supplement. After centrifugation, irradiations (660/780 nm, 40 mW, 1, 5, 10, and 20 J/cm2, 1 s, 5 s, 10 s, and 20 s, respectively, total energy 0.4 J, 2 J, 4 J, and 8 J, and beam spot size at target 0.04 cm2) were performed at the bottom of Falcon tubes such that the laser beam directly reached the cell without passing through the culture medium. The cells were divided into groups based on radiant exposures. Cell viability and protein concentration were verified after 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, and 10 days. Red laser increased the cell viability and protein concentration in all groups (three-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) beginning on the second day. The greatest peak compared with the control was found when the radiant exposure was 5 J/cm2 and 10 J/cm2. Infrared laser inhibited cell viability and modulated the protein concentration in the cells, with the highest peak protein concentration found on the second day in the group with radiant exposure of 1 J/cm2 and 10 J/cm2 (three-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). Red laser increased the viability and concentration of total proteins in HUVECs, whereas infrared laser had an inhibitory effect on cell viability, while maintaining the total protein concentration similar to that found in the control group.

Infrared Laser Improves Collagen Organization in Muscle and Tendon Tissue During the Process of Compensatory Overload.

BACKGROUND: The photobiomodulation using the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) exerts a positive modulating effect on the synthesis of collagen in skeletal muscles and tendons. However, few studies have addressed this effect during the compensatory overload. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of infrared laser on the deposition and organization of collagen fibers in muscle and tendon tissue during compensatory overload of the plantar muscle in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were submitted to bilateral ablation of the synergist muscles of the hind paws and divided in groups: Control, Hypertrophy, and Hypertrophy (H)+LLLT (780 nm, 40 mW, 9.6 J/cm2 and 10 s/point, 8 points, total energy 3.2 J, daily), evaluated at 7 and 14 days. Muscle cuts were stained with Picrosirius-Red and hematoxylin-eosin and tendon cuts were submitted to birefringence for determination of collagen distribution and organization. RESULTS: After 7 days an increase was observed in the area between beam muscles in H+LLLT (25.45% ± 2.56) in comparison to H (20.3% ± 3.31), in mature fibers and fibrilis in H+LLLT (29346.88 µm2 ± 2182.56; 47602.8 µm2 ± 2201.86 respectively) in comparison to H (26656.5 µm2 ± 1880.46; 45630.34 µm2 ± 2805.82 respectively) and in the collagen area in H+LLLT (2.25% ± 0.19) in comparison to H (2.0% ± 0.15). However, after 14 days a reduction was observed in the area between beam muscles in H+LLLT (13.88% ± 2.54) in comparison to H (19.1% ± 2.61), in fibrils and mature fibers in H+LLLT (17174.1 µm2 ± 2563.82; 32634.04 µm2 ± 1689.38 respectively) in comparison to H (55249.86 µm2 ± 1992.65; 44318.36 µm2 ± 1759.57) and in the collagen area in H+LLLT (1.76% ± 0.16) in comparison to H (2.09 ± 0.27). A greater organization of collagen fibers in the tendon was observed after 7 and 14 days in H+LLLT groups. CONCLUSIONS: Infrared laser irradiation induces an improvement in collagen organization in tendons and a reduction in the total area of collagen in muscles during compensatory atrophy following the ablation of synergist muscles.

Systematic review of the synergist muscle ablation model for compensatory hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE:: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental synergists muscle ablation model to promote muscle hypertrophy, determine the period of greatest hypertrophy and its influence on muscle fiber types and determine differences in bilateral and unilateral removal to reduce the number of animals used in this model. METHOD:: Following the application of the eligibility criteria for the mechanical overload of the plantar muscle in rats, nineteen papers were included in the review. RESULTS:: The results reveal a greatest hypertrophy occurring between days 12 and 15, and based on the findings, synergist muscle ablation is an efficient model for achieving rapid hypertrophy and the contralateral limb can be used as there was no difference between unilateral and bilateral surgery, which reduces the number of animals used in this model. CONCLUSION:: This model differs from other overload models (exercise and training) regarding the characteristics involved in the hypertrophy process (acute) and result in a chronic muscle adaptation with selective regulation and modification of fast-twitch fibers in skeletal muscle. This is an efficient and rapid model for compensatory hypertrophy.

Systematic review of the synergist muscle ablation model for compensatory hypertrophy / Revisão sistemática do modelo de ablação dos músculos sinérgicos na hipertrofia compensatória

Summary Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental synergists muscle ablation model to promote muscle hypertrophy, determine the period of greatest hypertrophy and its influence on muscle fiber types and determine differences in bilateral and unilateral removal to reduce the number of animals used in this model. Method: Following the application of the eligibility criteria for the mechanical overload of the plantar muscle in rats, nineteen papers were included in the review. Results: The results reveal a greatest hypertrophy occurring between days 12 and 15, and based on the findings, synergist muscle ablation is an efficient model for achieving rapid hypertrophy and the contralateral limb can be used as there was no difference between unilateral and bilateral surgery, which reduces the number of animals used in this model. Conclusion: This model differs from other overload models (exercise and training) regarding the characteristics involved in the hypertrophy process (acute) and result in a chronic muscle adaptation with selective regulation and modification of fast-twitch fibers in skeletal muscle. This is an efficient and rapid model for compensatory hypertrophy.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do modelo experimental de ablação dos sinergistas para promover a hipertrofia muscular, determinar o período de maior hipertrofia, sua influência sobre os tipos de fibras musculares e determinar diferenças na remoção unilateral ou bilateral para reduzir o número de animais utilizados nesse modelo. Método: Após a aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade para sobrecarga mecânica do músculo plantar em ratos, 19 artigos foram incluídos na revisão. Resultados: Ocorre maior hipertrofia entre os dias 12 e 15, o que torna o modelo eficiente para alcançar a hipertrofia rapidamente. O membro contralateral também pode ser usado, pois não houve diferença entre a cirurgia unilateral e bilateral, o que reduz o número de animais usados no experimento. Conclusão: O modelo difere de outros modelos de sobrecarga (exercício e treinamento) em razão das características envolvidas no processo de sobrecarga imposta (aguda), resultando em uma adaptação crônica muscular com modificação de fibras de contração rápida do músculo esquelético. É um modelo rápido e eficiente para se estudar hipertrofia compensatória.

Light-emitting diode therapy increases collagen deposition during the repair process of skeletal muscle.

This study analyzed the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy on the morphology of muscle tissue as well as collagen remodeling and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity in the skeletal muscle of rats following acute injury. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) sham, (3) untreated cryoinjury, and (4) cryoinjury treated with LED. Cryoinjury was induced by two applications of a metal probe cooled in liquid nitrogen directly onto the belly of the tibialis anterior muscle. For treatment, the LED equipment (wavelength 850 nm, output power 30 mW, and total energy 3.2 J) was used daily. The study periods were 1, 3, and 7 days after cryoinjury. Morphological aspects were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin staining. The amount of collagen fibers was evaluated using Picro Sirius Red staining under polarized light. The gelatinase activity of MMP-2 was evaluated using zymography. The results showed significant reductions in inflammatory infiltrate after 3 days and an increased number of immature muscle fibers after 7 days. Furthermore, treatment induced a reduction in the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 after 1, 3, and 7 days in comparison to the untreated injury groups and increased the collagen deposition after 3 and 7 days in the treated groups. LED therapy at 850 nm induced a significant reduction in inflammation, decreased MMP-2 activity, and increased the amount of immature muscle and collagen fibers during the muscle repair process following acute injury.

Comparação das estratégias musculares entre dois grupos etários diferentes no movimento de passar de sentado para em pé / Comparison of muscle strategies between two different age groups in the sitting-to-standing movement

Investigar a ordem de ativação dos músculos tibial anterior (TA), reto femoral (RF), gastrocnêmio medial (GM), bíceps femoral (BF) e paravertebral lombar (PL) no movimento de passar de sentado para em pé comparando dois grupos etários diferentes. Sujeitos: Grupo A: vinte sujeitos com idade entre 25 à 35 anos, saudáveis, e o Grupo B: vinte sujeitos com idade entre 60 à 65 anos, sem patologias neurológicas associadas e sem histórico de quedas nos últimos 6 meses. Intervenções: Ambos os grupos foram solicitados a levantar de uma cadeira, sem apoio de braços ou apoio lombar. O movimento foi realizado em duas situações: com os olhos abertos e com os olhos fechados na maior velocidade que conseguissem. O Teste de Berg, um eletrogoniômetro bidimensional flexível foi usado para marcar o início do movimento articular, no quadril e joelho do mesmo lado. A eletromiografia de superfície foi utilizada para detectar a atividade elétrica dos músculos envolvidos, e o tempo do movimento foi cronometrado. O tempo total do movimento no grupo A foi menor de olhos abertos do que de olhos fechados. O grupo B em relação às duas condições não houve diferença estatística no tempo total da execução da tarefa (p< 0,05). A análise de variância de 1 fator foi usada para comparar a ordem de ativação muscular, e os resultados demonstraram que a ordem de ativação foi diferente no grupo A e no grupo B de olhos abertos e semelhante na condição de olhos fechados. O tibial anterior foi o primeiro músculo a ser ativado nos dois grupos e nas duas condições e os demais músculos tiveram ordem de ativação diferente; o tempo total de movimento foi menor no grupo A; a ausência momentânea da visão influenciou mais o grupo A do que o grupo B.

To investigate the activation sequence of the tibialis anterior muscle (AT), the rectus femoris muscle (RF), the medial gastrocnemius muscle (MG), the biceps femoris muscle, and the paravertebral lumbar muscle (PL) in the movement from sitting to standing position as compared between two different age groups. Subjects: Group A: twenty healthy subjects between 25 and 35 years of age, and Group B: twenty subjects between 60 and 65 years of age with no associated neurological pathologies and no history of falls for the preceding six months. Interventions: Both groups were asked to get up from a chair without arm or lumbar support. The movement was made in two situations: with eyes open and with eyes closed, and at the greatest speed they could manage. The Berg Balance Test, which uses a flexible, biaxial electrogoniometer, was used to mark the starting position of the hip and knee joints on one side. Surface electromyography was used to detect electrical activity of the muscles involved, and the time of the movement was clocked. In group A the total time of movement was less with eyes open than with eyes closed. For group B, the difference in the total task execution time was not statistically significant for the two conditions (p < 0.05). The one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the muscle activation sequences, and the results demonstrate that this sequence was different between group A and group B with eyes open and similar with eyes closed. The tibialis anterior was the first muscle to be activated in both groups in both conditions, but the other muscles had a different activation sequence; the total time of movement was less in group A; the momentary absence of vision influenced group A more than group B.