1
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Lopez C, Batra A, Moslemi Z, Rennick A, Guice K, Zeng H, Walter GA, Forbes SC. Effects of muscle damage on 31 phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy indices of energetic status and sarcolemma integrity in young mdx mice. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 35:e4659. [PMID: 34841594 PMCID: PMC9804208 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
31 Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31 P-MRS) has been shown to detect altered energetic status (e.g. the ratio of inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine: Pi/PCr), intracellular acid-base status, and free intracellular magnesium ([Mg2+ ]) in dystrophic muscle compared with unaffected muscle; however, the causes of these differences are not well understood. The purposes of this study were to examine 31 P-MRS indices of energetic status and sarcolemma integrity in young mdx mice compared with wild-type and to evaluate the effects of downhill running to induce muscle damage on 31 P-MRS indices in dystrophic muscle. In vivo 31 P-MRS spectra were acquired from the posterior hindlimb muscles in young (4-10 weeks of age) mdx (C57BL/10ScSn-DMDmdx) and wild-type (C57BL/10ScSnJ) mice using an 11.1-T MR system. The flux of phosphate from PCr to ATP was estimated by 31 P-MRS saturation transfer experiments. Relative concentrations of high-energy phosphates were measured, and intracellular pH and [Mg2+ ] were calculated. 1 H2 O-T2 was measured using single-voxel 1 H-MRS from the gastrocnemius and soleus using a 4.7-T MR system. Downhill treadmill running was performed in a subset of mice. Young mdx mice were characterized by elevated 1 H2 O-T2 (p < 0.01), Pi/PCr (p = 0.02), PCr to ATP flux (p = 0.04) and histological inflammatory markers (p < 0.05) and reduced (p < 0.01) [Mg2+ ] compared with wild-type. Furthermore, 24 h after downhill running, an increase (p = 0.02) in Pi/PCr was observed in mdx and wild-type mice compared with baseline, and a decrease (p < 0.001) in [Mg2+ ] and a lower (p = 0.048) intracellular [H+ ] in damaged muscle regions of mdx mice were observed, consistent with impaired sarcolemma integrity. Overall, our findings demonstrate that 31 P-MRS markers of energetic status and sarcolemma integrity are altered in young mdx compared with wild-type mice, and these indices are exacerbated following downhill running.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lopez
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Abhinandan Batra
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Zahra Moslemi
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew Rennick
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kimberly Guice
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Huadong Zeng
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Facility, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Glenn A. Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sean C. Forbes
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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2
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Akinci D'Antonoli T, Santini F, Deligianni X, Garcia Alzamora M, Rutz E, Bieri O, Brunner R, Weidensteiner C. Combination of Quantitative MRI Fat Fraction and Texture Analysis to Evaluate Spastic Muscles of Children With Cerebral Palsy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:633808. [PMID: 33828520 PMCID: PMC8019698 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.633808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood. Muscle pathologies occur due to spasticity and contractures; therefore, diagnostic imaging to detect pathologies is often required. Imaging has been used to assess torsion or estimate muscle volume, but additional methods for characterizing muscle composition have not thoroughly been investigated. MRI fat fraction (FF) measurement can quantify muscle fat and is often a part of standard imaging in neuromuscular dystrophies. To date, FF has been used to quantify muscle fat and assess function in CP. In this study, we aimed to utilize a radiomics and FF analysis along with the combination of both methods to differentiate affected muscles from healthy ones. Materials and Methods: A total of 9 patients (age range 8–15 years) with CP and 12 healthy controls (age range 9–16 years) were prospectively enrolled (2018–2020) after ethics committee approval. Multi-echo Dixon acquisition of the calf muscles was used for FF calculation. The images of the second echo (TE = 2.87 ms) were used for feature extraction from the soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, and gastrocnemius lateralis muscles. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed for feature selection. RM, FF model (FFM), and combined model (CM) were built for each calf muscle. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and their respective area under the curve (AUC) values were used to evaluate model performance. Results: In total, the affected legs of 9 CP patients and the dominant legs of 12 healthy controls were analyzed. The performance of RM for soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, and gastrocnemius lateralis (AUC 0.92, 0.92, 0.82, respectively) was better than the FFM (AUC 0.88, 0.85, 0.69, respectively). The combination of both models always had a better performance than RM or FFM (AUC 0.95, 0.93, 0.83). FF was higher in the patient group (FFS 9.1%, FFGM 8.5%, and FFGL 10.2%) than control group (FFS 3.3%, FFGM 4.1%, FFGL 6.6%). Conclusion: The combination of MRI quantitative fat fraction analysis and texture analysis of muscles is a promising tool to evaluate muscle pathologies due to CP in a non-invasive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Akinci D'Antonoli
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Santini
- Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xeni Deligianni
- Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Meritxell Garcia Alzamora
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erich Rutz
- Pediatric Orthopedic Department, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, MCRI the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Bieri
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Reinald Brunner
- University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Weidensteiner
- Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Muscle Diversity, Heterogeneity, and Gradients: Learning from Sarcoglycanopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052502. [PMID: 33801487 PMCID: PMC7958856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle, the most abundant tissue in the body, is heterogeneous. This heterogeneity forms the basis of muscle diversity, which is reflected in the specialized functions of muscles in different parts of the body. However, these different parts are not always clearly delimitated, and this often gives rise to gradients within the same muscle and even across the body. During the last decade, several studies on muscular disorders both in mice and in humans have observed particular distribution patterns of muscle weakness during disease, indicating that the same mutation can affect muscles differently. Moreover, these phenotypical differences reveal gradients of severity, existing alongside other architectural gradients. These two factors are especially prominent in sarcoglycanopathies. Nevertheless, very little is known about the mechanism(s) driving the phenotypic diversity of the muscles affected by these diseases. Here, we will review the available literature on sarcoglycanopathies, focusing on phenotypic differences among affected muscles and gradients, characterization techniques, molecular signatures, and cell population heterogeneity, highlighting the possibilities opened up by new technologies. This review aims to revive research interest in the diverse disease phenotype affecting different muscles, in order to pave the way for new therapeutic interventions.
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4
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Reid AL, Wang Y, Samani A, Hightower RM, Lopez MA, Gilbert SR, Ianov L, Crossman DK, Dell’Italia LJ, Millay DP, van Groen T, Halade GV, Alexander MS. DOCK3 is a dosage-sensitive regulator of skeletal muscle and Duchenne muscular dystrophy-associated pathologies. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:2855-2871. [PMID: 32766788 PMCID: PMC7566544 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DOCK3 is a member of the DOCK family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors that regulate cell migration, fusion and viability. Previously, we identified a dysregulated miR-486/DOCK3 signaling cascade in dystrophin-deficient muscle, which resulted in the overexpression of DOCK3; however, little is known about the role of DOCK3 in muscle. Here, we characterize the functional role of DOCK3 in normal and dystrophic skeletal muscle. Utilizing Dock3 global knockout (Dock3 KO) mice, we found that the haploinsufficiency of Dock3 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice improved dystrophic muscle pathologies; however, complete loss of Dock3 worsened muscle function. Adult Dock3 KO mice have impaired muscle function and Dock3 KO myoblasts are defective for myogenic differentiation. Transcriptomic analyses of Dock3 KO muscles reveal a decrease in myogenic factors and pathways involved in muscle differentiation. These studies identify DOCK3 as a novel modulator of muscle health and may yield therapeutic targets for treating dystrophic muscle symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Reid
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Yimin Wang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Adrienne Samani
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rylie M Hightower
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michael A Lopez
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Shawn R Gilbert
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Lara Ianov
- Civitan International Research Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Louis J Dell’Italia
- Birmingham Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Douglas P Millay
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Thomas van Groen
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ganesh V Halade
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Matthew S Alexander
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Civitan International Research Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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5
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Porcari P, Hall MG, Clark CA, Greally E, Straub V, Blamire AM. Time-dependent diffusion MRI as a probe of microstructural changes in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 33:e4276. [PMID: 32101354 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophic muscles show a high variability of fibre sizes and altered sarcolemmal integrity, which are typically assessed by histology. Time-dependent diffusion MRI is sensitive to tissue microstructure and its investigation through age-related changes in dystrophic and healthy muscles may help the understanding of the onset and progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We investigated the capability of time-dependent diffusion MRI to quantify age and disease-related changes in hind-limb muscle microstructure between dystrophic (mdx) and wild-type (WT) mice of three age groups (7.5, 22 and 44 weeks). Diffusion time-dependent apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles were determined versus age and diffusion-gradient orientation at six diffusion times (Δ; range: 25-350 ms). Mean muscle ADCs were compared between groups and ages, and correlated with T2 , using Student's t test, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation, respectively. Muscle fibre sizes and sarcolemmal integrity were evaluated by histology and compared with diffusion measurements. Hind-limb muscle ADC showed characteristic restricted diffusion behaviour in both mdx and WT animals with decreasing ADC values at longer Δ. Significant differences in ADC were observed at long Δ values (≥ 250 ms; p < 0.05, comparison between groups; p < 0.01, comparison between ages) with ADC increased by 5-15% in dystrophic muscles, indicative of reduced diffusion restriction. No significant correlation was found between T2 and ADC. Additionally, muscle fibre size distributions showed higher variability and lower mean fibre size in mdx than WT animals (p < 0.001). The extensive Evans Blue Dye uptake shown in dystrophic muscles revealed substantial sarcolemmal damage, suggesting diffusion measurements as more consistent with altered permeability rather than changes in muscle fibre sizes. This study shows the potential of diffusion MRI to non-invasively discriminate between dystrophic and healthy muscles with enhanced sensitivity when using long Δ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Porcari
- Institute of Genetic Medicine and Centre for In Vivo Imaging, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matt G Hall
- Developmental Imaging and Biophysics Section, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Chris A Clark
- Developmental Imaging and Biophysics Section, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Greally
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Volker Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew M Blamire
- Institute of Cellular Medicine and Centre for In Vivo Imaging, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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6
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Park JS, Vohra R, Klussmann T, Bengtsson NE, Chamberlain JS, Lee D. Non-invasive tracking of disease progression in young dystrophic muscles using multi-parametric MRI at 14T. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206323. [PMID: 30365532 PMCID: PMC6203357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted to monitor skeletal muscle changes in dystrophic (mdx4cv) and age-matched control (C57BL/6J) mice starting at 3 weeks of age. The objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize changes in muscle tissue characteristics of hind limbs in young, dystrophic mice using MRI. Mdx4cv (n = 25) and age-matched C57BL/6J (n = 5) were imaged at 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 weeks of age. Multiple MR measurements were taken from the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles. There were significant differences between dystrophic and control groups for all three muscle types when comparing transverse relaxation times (T2) in lower hind limb muscles. Additionally, fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and eigenvalue analysis of diffusion tensor imaging also demonstrated significant differences between groups. Longitudinal relaxation times (T1) displayed no significant differences between groups. The earliest time points in the magnetization transfer ratio measurements displayed a significant difference. Histological analysis revealed significant differences in the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles between groups with the mdx mice displaying greater variability in muscle fiber size in later time points. The multi-parametric MRI approach offers a promising alternative for future development of a noninvasive avenue for tracking both disease progression and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S. Park
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Ravneet Vohra
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Thomas Klussmann
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Niclas E. Bengtsson
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Donghoon Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Xu P, Werner JU, Milerski S, Hamp CM, Kuzenko T, Jähnert M, Gottmann P, de Roy L, Warnecke D, Abaei A, Palmer A, Huber-Lang M, Dürselen L, Rasche V, Schürmann A, Wabitsch M, Knippschild U. Diet-Induced Obesity Affects Muscle Regeneration After Murine Blunt Muscle Trauma-A Broad Spectrum Analysis. Front Physiol 2018; 9:674. [PMID: 29922174 PMCID: PMC5996306 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury to skeletal muscle affects millions of people worldwide. The underlying regenerative process however, is a very complex mechanism, time-wise highly coordinated, and subdivided in an initial inflammatory, a regenerative and a remodeling phase. Muscle regeneration can be impaired by several factors, among them diet-induced obesity (DIO). In order to evaluate if obesity negatively affects healing processes after trauma, we utilized a blunt injury approach to damage the extensor iliotibialis anticus muscle on the left hind limb of obese and normal weight C57BL/6J without showing any significant differences in force input between normal weight and obese mice. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the injury and regeneration process revealed edema formation and hemorrhage exudate in muscle tissue of normal weight and obese mice. In addition, morphological analysis of physiological changes revealed tissue necrosis, immune cell infiltration, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and fibrosis formation in the damaged muscle tissue. Regeneration was delayed in muscles of obese mice, with a higher incidence of fibrosis formation due to hampered expression levels of genes involved in ECM organization. Furthermore, a detailed molecular fingerprint in different stages of muscle regeneration underlined a delay or even lack of a regenerative response to injury in obese mice. A time-lapse heatmap determined 81 differentially expressed genes (DEG) with at least three hits in our model at all-time points, suggesting key candidates with a high impact on muscle regeneration. Pathway analysis of the DEG revealed five pathways with a high confidence level: myeloid leukocyte migration, regulation of tumor necrosis factor production, CD4-positive, alpha-beta T cell differentiation, ECM organization, and toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Moreover, changes in complement-, Wnt-, and satellite cell-related genes were found to be impaired in obese animals after trauma. Furthermore, histological satellite cell evaluation showed lower satellite cell numbers in the obese model upon injury. Ankrd1, C3ar1, Ccl8, Mpeg1, and Myog expression levels were also verified by qPCR. In summary, increased fibrosis formation, the reduction of Pax7+ satellite cells as well as specific changes in gene expression and signaling pathways could explain the delay of tissue regeneration in obese mice post trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Xu
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens-Uwe Werner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sebastian Milerski
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Carmen M Hamp
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tatjana Kuzenko
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Jähnert
- Department of Experimental Diabetology, German Institute of Human Nutrition, Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Pascal Gottmann
- Department of Experimental Diabetology, German Institute of Human Nutrition, Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Luisa de Roy
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniela Warnecke
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alireza Abaei
- Core facility "Small Animal Imaging", Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Annette Palmer
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lutz Dürselen
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Core facility "Small Animal Imaging", Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Annette Schürmann
- Department of Experimental Diabetology, German Institute of Human Nutrition, Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Martin Wabitsch
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Ulm University Hospital for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm, Germany
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
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8
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Carlier PG, Marty B, Scheidegger O, Loureiro de Sousa P, Baudin PY, Snezhko E, Vlodavets D. Skeletal Muscle Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy as an Outcome Measure for Clinical Trials. J Neuromuscul Dis 2018; 3:1-28. [PMID: 27854210 PMCID: PMC5271435 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-160145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen tremendous progress towards therapy of many previously incurable neuromuscular diseases. This new context has acted as a driving force for the development of novel non-invasive outcome measures. These can be organized in three main categories: functional tools, fluid biomarkers and imagery. In the latest category, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) offers a considerable range of possibilities for the characterization of skeletal muscle composition, function and metabolism. Nowadays, three NMR outcome measures are frequently integrated in clinical research protocols. They are: 1/ the muscle cross sectional area or volume, 2/ the percentage of intramuscular fat and 3/ the muscle water T2, which quantity muscle trophicity, chronic fatty degenerative changes and oedema (or more broadly, “disease activity”), respectively. A fourth biomarker, the contractile tissue volume is easily derived from the first two ones. The fat fraction maps most often acquired with Dixon sequences have proven their capability to detect small changes in muscle composition and have repeatedly shown superior sensitivity over standard functional evaluation. This outcome measure will more than likely be the first of the series to be validated as an endpoint by regulatory agencies. The versatility of contrast generated by NMR has opened many additional possibilities for characterization of the skeletal muscle and will result in the proposal of more NMR biomarkers. Ultra-short TE (UTE) sequences, late gadolinium enhancement and NMR elastography are being investigated as candidates to evaluate skeletal muscle interstitial fibrosis. Many options exist to measure muscle perfusion and oxygenation by NMR. Diffusion NMR as well as texture analysis algorithms could generate complementary information on muscle organization at microscopic and mesoscopic scales, respectively. 31P NMR spectroscopy is the reference technique to assess muscle energetics non-invasively during and after exercise. In dystrophic muscle, 31P NMR spectrum at rest is profoundly perturbed, and several resonances inform on cell membrane integrity. Considerable efforts are being directed towards acceleration of image acquisitions using a variety of approaches, from the extraction of fat content and water T2 maps from one single acquisition to partial matrices acquisition schemes. Spectacular decreases in examination time are expected in the near future. They will reinforce the attractiveness of NMR outcome measures and will further facilitate their integration in clinical research trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre G Carlier
- Institute of Myology, Pitie-Salpetriere University Hospital, Paris, France.,CEA, DSV, I2BM, MIRCen, NMR Laboratory, Paris, France.,National Academy of Sciences, United Institute for Informatics Problems, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Benjamin Marty
- Institute of Myology, Pitie-Salpetriere University Hospital, Paris, France.,CEA, DSV, I2BM, MIRCen, NMR Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Scheidegger
- Institute of Myology, Pitie-Salpetriere University Hospital, Paris, France.,Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Eduard Snezhko
- National Academy of Sciences, United Institute for Informatics Problems, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Dmitry Vlodavets
- N.I. Prirogov Russian National Medical Research University, Clinical Research Institute of Pediatrics, Moscow, Russian Federation
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9
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Valencia AP, Iyer SR, Spangenburg EE, Gilotra MN, Lovering RM. Impaired contractile function of the supraspinatus in the acute period following a rotator cuff tear. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:436. [PMID: 29121906 PMCID: PMC5679320 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1789-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rotator cuff (RTC) tears are a common clinical problem resulting in adverse changes to the muscle, but there is limited information comparing histopathology to contractile function. This study assessed supraspinatus force and susceptibility to injury in the rat model of RTC tear, and compared these functional changes to histopathology of the muscle. Methods Unilateral RTC tears were induced in male rats via tenotomy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. Maximal tetanic force and susceptibility to injury of the supraspinatus muscle were measured in vivo at day 2 and day 15 after tenotomy. Supraspinatus muscles were weighed and harvested for histologic analysis of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), intramuscular lipid, and collagen. Results Tenotomy resulted in eventual atrophy and weakness. Despite no loss in muscle mass at day 2 there was a 30% reduction in contractile force, and a decrease in NMJ continuity and size. Reduced force persisted at day 15, a time point when muscle atrophy was evident but NMJ morphology was restored. At day 15, torn muscles had decreased collagen-packing density and were also more susceptible to contraction-induced injury. Conclusion Muscle size and histopathology are not direct indicators of overall RTC contractile health. Changes in NMJ morphology and collagen organization were associated with changes in contractile function and thus may play a role in response to injury. Although our findings are limited to the acute phase after a RTC tear, the most salient finding is that RTC tenotomy results in increased susceptibility to injury of the supraspinatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Valencia
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, AHB, Rm 540, 100 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, USA
| | - Shama R Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, AHB, Rm 540, 100 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Espen E Spangenburg
- Department of Physiology, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA
| | - Mohit N Gilotra
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, AHB, Rm 540, 100 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, AHB, Rm 540, 100 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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10
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Sanchez B, Iyer SR, Li J, Kapur K, Xu S, Rutkove SB, Lovering RM. Non-invasive assessment of muscle injury in healthy and dystrophic animals with electrical impedance myography. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:E85-E94. [PMID: 28056487 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dystrophic muscle is particularly susceptible to eccentric contraction-induced injury. We tested the hypothesis that electrical impedance myography (EIM) can detect injury induced by maximal-force lengthening contractions. METHODS We induced injury in the quadriceps of wild-type (WT) and dystrophic (mdx) mice with eccentric contractions using an established model. RESULTS mdx quadriceps had significantly greater losses in peak twitch and tetany compared with losses in WT quadriceps. Injured muscle showed a significant increase in EIM characteristic frequency in both WT (177 ± 7.7%) and mdx (167 ± 7.8%) quadriceps. EIM also revealed decreased extracellular resistance for both WT and mdx quadriceps after injury. DISCUSSION Our results show overall agreement between muscle function and EIM measurements of injured muscle, indicating that EIM is a viable tool to assess injury in dystrophic muscle. Muscle Nerve 56: E85-E94, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sanchez
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shama R Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, AHB, Room 540, 100 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kush Kapur
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, AHB, Room 540, 100 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
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11
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Vohra R, Accorsi A, Kumar A, Walter G, Girgenrath M. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Sensitive to Pathological Amelioration in a Model for Laminin-Deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (MDC1A). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138254. [PMID: 26379183 PMCID: PMC4575026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To elucidate the reliability of MRI as a non-invasive tool for assessing in vivo muscle health and pathological amelioration in response to Losartan (Angiotensin II Type 1 receptor blocker) in DyW mice (mouse model for Laminin-deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Type 1A). Methods Multiparametric MR quantifications along with histological/biochemical analyses were utilized to measure muscle volume and composition in untreated and Losartan-treated 7-week old DyW mice. Results MRI shows that DyW mice have significantly less hind limb muscle volume and areas of hyperintensity that are absent in WT muscle. DyW mice also have significantly elevated muscle levels (suggestive of inflammation and edema). Muscle T2 returned to WT levels in response to Losartan treatment. When considering only muscle pixels without T2 elevation, DyW T2 levels are significantly lower than WT (suggestive of fibrosis) whereas Losartan-treated animals do not demonstrate this decrease in muscle T2. MRI measurements suggestive of elevated inflammation and fibrosis corroborate with increased Mac-1 positive cells as well as increased Picrosirius red staining/COL1a gene expression that is returned to WT levels in response to Losartan. Conclusions MRI is sensitive to and tightly corresponds with pathological changes in DyW mice and thus is a viable and effective non-invasive tool for assessing pathological changes.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers/pharmacology
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fibrosis/drug therapy
- Fibrosis/metabolism
- Fibrosis/pathology
- Laminin/metabolism
- Losartan/pharmacology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
- Mice
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophies/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophies/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophies/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophies, Limb-Girdle/diet therapy
- Muscular Dystrophies, Limb-Girdle/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophies, Limb-Girdle/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Reproducibility of Results
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravneet Vohra
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Anthony Accorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Glenn Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Mahasweta Girgenrath
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Vohra RS, Mathur S, Bryant ND, Forbes SC, Vandenborne K, Walter GA. Age-related T2 changes in hindlimb muscles of mdx mice. Muscle Nerve 2015; 53:84-90. [PMID: 25846867 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor changes in the transverse relaxation time constant (T2) in lower hindlimb muscles of mdx mice at different ages. METHODS Young (5 weeks), adult (44 weeks), and old mdx (96 weeks), and age-matched control mice were studied. Young mdx mice were imaged longitudinally, whereas adult and old mdx mice were imaged at a single time-point. RESULTS Mean muscle T2 and percent of pixels with elevated T2 were significantly different between mdx and control mice at all ages. In young mdx mice, mean muscle T2 peaked at 7-8 weeks and declined at 9-11 weeks. In old mdx mice, mean muscle T2 was decreased compared with young and adult mice, which could be attributed to fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS MRI captured longitudinal changes in skeletal muscle integrity of mdx mice. This information will be valuable for pre-clinical testing of potential therapeutic interventions for muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravneet S Vohra
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sunita Mathur
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan D Bryant
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Box 100274, Gainesville, Florida, 32610-0274, USA
| | - Sean C Forbes
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Krista Vandenborne
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Glenn A Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Box 100274, Gainesville, Florida, 32610-0274, USA
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13
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Lee J, Jung SC, Joo J, Choi YR, Moon HW, Kwak G, Yeo HK, Lee JS, Ahn HJ, Jung N, Hwang S, Rheey J, Woo SY, Kim JY, Hong YB, Choi BO. Overexpression of mutant HSP27 causes axonal neuropathy in mice. J Biomed Sci 2015; 22:43. [PMID: 26141737 PMCID: PMC4490621 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in heat shock 27 kDa protein 1 (HSP27 or HSPB1) cause distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 F (CMT2F) according to unknown factors. Mutant HSP27 proteins affect axonal transport by reducing acetylated tubulin. Results We generated a transgenic mouse model overexpressing HSP27-S135F mutant protein driven by Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter. The mouse phenotype was similar to dHMN patients in that they exhibit motor neuropathy. To determine the phenotypic aberration of transgenic mice, behavior test, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrophysiological study, and pathology were performed. Rotarod test showed that founder mice exhibited lowered motor performance. MRI also revealed marked fatty infiltration in the anterior and posterior compartments at calf level. Electrophysiologically, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) but not motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was reduced in the transgenic mice. Toluidine staining with semi-thin section of sciatic nerve showed the ratio of large myelinated axon fiber was reduced, which might cause reduced locomotion in the transgenic mice. Electron microscopy also revealed abundant aberrant myelination. Immunohistochemically, neuronal dysfunctions included elevated level of phosphorylated neurofilament and reduced level of acetylated tubulin in the sural nerve of transgenic mice. There was no additional phenotype besides motor neuronal defects. Conclusions Overexpression of HSP27-S135F protein causes peripheral neuropathy. The mouse model can be applied to future development of therapeutic strategies for dHMN or CMT2F. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12929-015-0154-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinho Lee
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea
| | - Sung-Chul Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaesoon Joo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea
| | - Yu-Ri Choi
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Won Moon
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea
| | - Geon Kwak
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea
| | - Ha Kyung Yeo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea
| | - Ji-Su Lee
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea
| | - Hye-Jee Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea
| | - Namhee Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunhee Hwang
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea
| | - Jingeun Rheey
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, Seoul, Korea
| | - So-Youn Woo
- Microbiology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Yon Kim
- Microbiology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Bin Hong
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center, Samsung Medical Center, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea.
| | - Byung-Ok Choi
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Korea. .,Neuroscience center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
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14
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Wu JS, Li J, Greenman RL, Bennett D, Geisbush T, Rutkove SB. Assessment of aged mdx mice by electrical impedance myography and magnetic resonance imaging. Muscle Nerve 2015; 52:598-604. [PMID: 25597760 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrical impedance myography (EIM) is dependent on the presence and location of water in muscle to assess neuromuscular diseases. We compared the 2 technologies in mdx mice to better understand their relationship. METHODS EIM and MRI, using T2 relaxation and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), were performed on the gastrocnemius of 10 mdx and 10 wild-type mice. Muscle function and tissue composition measurements were compared with the EIM and MRI data. RESULTS EIM reactance and T2 relaxation mapping can discriminate healthy from diseased mice (P < .001 for both), but DWI could not. Both T2 relaxation and EIM reactance also correlated closely with muscle function/composition and with each other. CONCLUSION Given the low cost of EIM and the simplicity of application, it may be a valuable alternative to muscle MRI in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where simple cumulative indices of muscle health are being sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim S Wu
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert L Greenman
- Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Bennett
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
| | - Tom Geisbush
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Park J, Wicki J, Knoblaugh SE, Chamberlain JS, Lee D. Multi-parametric MRI at 14T for muscular dystrophy mice treated with AAV vector-mediated gene therapy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124914. [PMID: 25856443 PMCID: PMC4391935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive tool for the monitoring of gene therapy for muscular dystrophy. The clinical investigations for this family of diseases often involve surgical biopsy which limits the amount of information that can be obtained due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Thus, other non-invasive tools may provide more opportunities for disease assessment and treatment responses. In order to explore this, dystrophic mdx4cv mice were systemically treated with a recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector containing a codon-optimized micro-dystrophin gene. Multi-parametric MRI of T2, magnetization transfer, and diffusion effects alongside 3-D volume measurements were then utilized to monitor disease/treatment progression. Mice were imaged at 10 weeks of age for pre-treatment, then again post-treatment at 8, 16, and 24 week time points. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by physiological assays for improvements in function and quantification of expression. Tissues from the hindlimbs were collected for histological analysis after the final time point for comparison with MRI results. We found that introduction of the micro-dystrophin gene restored some aspects of normal muscle histology and pathology such as decreased necrosis and resistance to contraction-induced injury. T2 relaxation values showed percentage decreases across all muscle types measured (tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus) when treated groups were compared to untreated groups. Additionally, the differences between groups were statistically significant for the tibialis anterior as well. The diffusion measurements showed a wider range of percentage changes and less statistical significance while the magnetization transfer effect measurements showed minimal change. MR images displayed hyper-intense regions of muscle that correlated with muscle pathology in histological sections. T2 relaxation, alongside diffusion and magnetization transfer effects provides useful data towards the goal of non-invasively monitoring the treatment of muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Park
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline Wicki
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sue E. Knoblaugh
- Comparative Medicine Shared Resources, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Donghoon Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Quantitative T2 combined with texture analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance images identify different degrees of muscle involvement in three mouse models of muscle dystrophy: mdx, Largemyd and mdx/Largemyd. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117835. [PMID: 25710816 PMCID: PMC4339395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered a promising non-invasive tool for monitoring therapeutic essays in small size mouse models of muscular dystrophies. Here, we combined MRI (anatomical images and transverse relaxation time constant—T2—measurements) to texture analyses in the study of four mouse strains covering a wide range of dystrophic phenotypes. Two still unexplored mouse models of muscular dystrophies were analyzed: The severely affected Largemyd mouse and the recently generated and worst double mutant mdx/Largemyd mouse, as compared to the mildly affected mdx and normal mice. The results were compared to histopathological findings. MRI showed increased intermuscular fat and higher muscle T2 in the three dystrophic mouse models when compared to the wild-type mice (T2: mdx/Largemyd: 37.6±2.8 ms; mdx: 35.2±4.5 ms; Largemyd: 36.6±4.0 ms; wild-type: 29.1±1.8 ms, p<0.05), in addition to higher muscle T2 in the mdx/Largemyd mice when compared to mdx (p<0.05). The areas with increased muscle T2 in the MRI correlated spatially with the identified histopathological alterations such as necrosis, inflammation, degeneration and regeneration foci. Nevertheless, muscle T2 values were not correlated with the severity of the phenotype in the 3 dystrophic mouse strains, since the severely affected Largemyd showed similar values than both the mild mdx and worst mdx/Largemyd lineages. On the other hand, all studied mouse strains could be unambiguously identified with texture analysis, which reflected the observed differences in the distribution of signals in muscle MRI. Thus, combined T2 intensity maps and texture analysis is a powerful approach for the characterization and differentiation of dystrophic muscles with diverse genotypes and phenotypes. These new findings provide important noninvasive tools in the evaluation of the efficacy of new therapies, and most importantly, can be directly applied in human translational research.
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17
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Heier CR, Guerron AD, Korotcov A, Lin S, Gordish-Dressman H, Fricke S, Sze RW, Hoffman EP, Wang P, Nagaraju K. Non-invasive MRI and spectroscopy of mdx mice reveal temporal changes in dystrophic muscle imaging and in energy deficits. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112477. [PMID: 25390038 PMCID: PMC4229202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disruption of dystrophin protein expression results in repeated muscle injury and chronic inflammation. Magnetic resonance imaging shows promise as a surrogate outcome measure in both DMD and rehabilitation medicine that is capable of predicting clinical benefit years in advance of functional outcome measures. The mdx mouse reproduces the dystrophin deficiency that causes DMD and is routinely used for preclinical drug testing. There is a need to develop sensitive, non-invasive outcome measures in the mdx model that can be readily translatable to human clinical trials. Here we report the use of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy techniques for the non-invasive monitoring of muscle damage in mdx mice. Using these techniques, we studied dystrophic mdx muscle in mice from 6 to 12 weeks of age, examining both the peak disease phase and natural recovery phase of the mdx disease course. T2 and fat-suppressed imaging revealed significant levels of tissue with elevated signal intensity in mdx hindlimb muscles at all ages; spectroscopy revealed a significant deficiency of energy metabolites in 6-week-old mdx mice. As the mdx mice progressed from the peak disease stage to the recovery stage of disease, each of these phenotypes was either eliminated or reduced, and the cross-sectional area of the mdx muscle was significantly increased when compared to that of wild-type mice. Histology indicates that hyper-intense MRI foci correspond to areas of dystrophic lesions containing inflammation as well as regenerating, degenerating and hypertrophied myofibers. Statistical sample size calculations provide several robust measures with the ability to detect intervention effects using small numbers of animals. These data establish a framework for further imaging or preclinical studies, and they support the development of MRI as a sensitive, non-invasive outcome measure for muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Heier
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Alfredo D. Guerron
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Alexandru Korotcov
- Department of Radiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Stephen Lin
- Department of Radiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Heather Gordish-Dressman
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Stanley Fricke
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Raymond W. Sze
- Department of Radiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Eric P. Hoffman
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Paul Wang
- Department of Radiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kanneboyina Nagaraju
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Pratt SJP, Lovering RM. A stepwise procedure to test contractility and susceptibility to injury for the rodent quadriceps muscle. J Biol Methods 2014; 1. [PMID: 25530979 DOI: 10.14440/jbm.2014.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with muscle injury or muscle disease, assessment of muscle damage is typically limited to clinical signs, such as tenderness, strength, range of motion, and more recently, imaging studies. Biological markers can also be used in measuring muscle injury, such as increased creatine kinase levels in the blood, but these are not always correlated with loss in muscle function (i.e. loss of force production). This is even true of histological findings from animals, which provide a "direct measure" of damage, but do not account for loss of function. The most comprehensive measure of the overall health of the muscle is contractile force. To date, animal models testing contractile force have been limited to the muscle groups moving the ankle. Here we describe an in vivo animal model for the quadriceps, with abilities to measure torque, produce a reliable muscle injury, and follow muscle recovery within the same animal over time. We also describe a second model used for direct measurement of force from an isolated quadriceps muscle in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J P Pratt
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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19
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7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging precisely and noninvasively reflects inflammation and remodeling of the skeletal muscle in a mouse model of antisynthetase syndrome. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:879703. [PMID: 24895622 PMCID: PMC4026959 DOI: 10.1155/2014/879703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory myopathies comprise heterogeneous disorders. Their etiopathogenesis is poorly understood, because of the paucity of informative experimental models and of approaches for the noninvasive study of inflamed tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides information about the state of the skeletal muscle that reflects various facets of inflammation and remodeling. This technique has been scarcely used in experimental models of inflammatory myopathies. We characterized the performance of MRI in a well-established mouse model of myositis and the antisynthetase syndrome, based on the immunization of wild-type mice with the amino-terminal fragment of histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS). Over an eight-week period following myositis induction, MRI enabled precise identification of pathological events taking place in muscle tissue. Areas of edema and of active inflammation identified by histopathology paralleled muscle modifications detected noninvasively by MRI. Muscles changes were chronologically associated with the establishment of autoimmunity, as reflected by the development of anti-HisRS antibodies in the blood of immunized mice. MR imaging easily appreciated muscle damage and remodeling even if actual disruption of myofiber integrity (as assessed by serum concentrations of creatinine phosphokinase) was limited. Thus, MR imaging represents an informative and noninvasive analytical tool for studying in vivo immune-mediated muscle involvement.
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