Dataset Information

Assessment of the effects of ischaemia/ hypoxia on angiogenesis in rat myofascial trigger points using colour Doppler flow imaging

ABSTRACT:

Background & Aims

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common non-articular disorder of the musculoskeletal system that is characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Despite the high prevalence of MPS, its pathogenesis, which induces the onset and maintenance of MTrPs, is still not completely understood. To date, no studies have investigated the changes in the biochemical milieu caused by ischaemia/hypoxia in the MTrP regions of muscle that are proposed in the integrated hypothesis. Therefore, this study investigated whether ischaemic/hypoxic conditions participate in the formation of active MTrPs and affect angiogenesis using colour Doppler flow imaging (CDFI).

Methods

Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a model group and a normal control group. A model of active MTrPs was established by a blunt strike combined with eccentric exercise. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were employed to detect the levels of HIF-1? and VEGF. Microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. CDFI was applied to observe the blood flow signals in the MTrPs, which were classified into four grades based on their strengths.

Results

Compared with the control group, the active MTrP group exhibited significantly higher HIF-1? and VEGF levels and MVD values. These differences were accompanied by increased blood flow signals. In the active MTrP group, the blood flow signal grade was positively correlated with the MVD (P < 0.05) and independently correlated with the VEGF level (P < 0.05) but was not correlated with the expression of HIF-1? (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Ischaemic/hypoxic conditions may be involved in the formation of MTrPs. CDFI is useful for detection of the features of angiogenesis in or surrounding MTrPs via assessment of blood flow signals.

SUBMITTER: Jiang F

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7733329 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the effects of single and multiple massage treatments on pressure-pain threshold (PPT) at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in people with myofascial pain syndrome expressed as tension-type headache.DesignIndividuals (n = 62) with episodic or chronic tension-type headache were randomized to receive 12 twice-weekly 45-min massage or sham ultrasound sessions or wait-list control. Massage focused on trigger point release (ischemic compression) of MTrPs in the bilateral upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles. PPT was measured at MTrPs with a pressure algometer pre and post the first and final (12th) treatments.ResultsPPT increased across the study timeframe in all four muscle sites tested for massage, but not sham ultrasound or wait-list groups (P < 0.0001 for suboccipital; P < 0.004 for upper trapezius). Post hoc analysis within the massage group showed (1) an initial, immediate increase in PPT (all P values < 0.05), (2) a cumulative and sustained increase in PPT over baseline (all P values < 0.05), and (3) an additional immediate increase in PPT at the final (12th) massage treatment (all P values < 0.05, except upper trapezius left, P = 0.17).ConclusionsSingle and multiple massage applications increase PPT at MTrPs. The pain threshold of MTrPs have a great capacity to increase; even after multiple massage treatments additional gain in PPT was observed.To claim cme creditsComplete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Understand the contribution of myofascial trigger points to myofascial pain; (2) Describe an effective treatment for decreasing tenderness of a myofascial trigger point; and (3) Discuss the relative values of single vs. multiple massage sessions on increasing pressure-pain thresholds at myofascial trigger points.LevelAdvanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.