Muscle Inhibition Research Articles

Sub Occipital Muscle Inhibition Technique Verses Cranial Cervical Flexion Exercise for Increasing Hamstring Flexibility in Physiotherapy Students

Background: Variation in flexibility can put an unusual amount of annoyance on the framework of the musculoskeletal system. The hamstring muscles are restricted when they are short, which can interfere with everyday activities and is usually a cause for concern. The flexibility of the hamstrings increases as the suboccipital muscles' tone deteriorates,, which are is single neuronal pathway that goes through the dura mater and connects them and which is called as the superficial back line (SBL). Hence as an intervention suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and cranial cervical technique is less time and energy consuming with efficient amount of results.
 Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique verses cranial cervical technique for increasing hamstring flexibility.
 Methods: Here we will evaluate hamstring tightness and impact of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique verses cranial cervical technique as an intervention with duration of 2 weeks. As an outcome measure Sit and reach test is given to desired population .This study will be conducted in Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha. The duration of study will be two week. The study design is pre and post interventional study.
 Results: The data will be analysed using Student paired t test.
 Conclusion: The expected outcome includes detection of hamstring tightness and improvement in hamstring tightness using sit and reach test. Data analysis will be done using students paired t test and conclusion of the study will be published after the results are analysed.

Runners with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy have greater Triceps surae intracortical inhibition than healthy controls

Background: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is an overload injury, affecting mostly runners. Persistent triceps surae muscle weakness has been reported in AT patients. Muscle force is influenced by inhibitory and excitatory circuits, and imbalances between these (e.g., increased short-interval intracortical inhibition - SICI) may negatively affect strength. Increased SICI has been observed with patella tendinopathy; however, it is unclear if this increased inhibition is present in chronic mid-portion AT patients. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the intracortical inhibitory mechanisms in runners with mid-portion AT. Methods: Runners with chronic mid-portion AT (n=11; 44.1±8.4 years) and healthy controls (n=13; 33.9±4.25 years), with a running routine of at least twice weekly for more than 4 months, were recruited. All completed the VISA-A questionnaire AT (AT= 70.7±7.0) and Control (100±0). The most symptomatic leg (8 unilateral AT and 3 bilateral AT) was compared with control group dominant legs. Plantar flexor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque was measured via isokinetic dynamometer (knee fully extended, ankle at 0°). Triceps surae endurance was measured with standing single leg heel raise to failure (SLHR) test. SICI was assessed using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to the motor cortex area associated with the leg, delivering 20 paired-pulses at 0.8x (first pulse) and 1.2x (second pulse) of active motor threshold (AMT) with 3ms interval and 20 single pulse stimulation at 1.2 AMT, all during a 10% plantar flexion contraction. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare SICI between muscles (Soleus, and Gastrocnemii) and groups. Independent t-test was used to compare SLHR and MVIC peak torque between groups. Results: SICI was higher in AT group (67.4±9.0) than controls (54.0±9.0); (p=0.039,) independent of the tested muscle (no muscle vs group interaction; p =0.828). AT group performed ~28% fewer SLHR repetitions than the controls (AT, 27.5.0±6.8 and control 38.5±5.3 repetitions, p=0.004). There was no difference in MVIC peak torque corrected for body mass (N.m/Kg), (AT=1.4±0.3; Control=1.6±0.4, p =0.093). Discussion: The AT group displayed greater intracortical inhibition of the triceps surae muscles and reduced SLHR endurance, without deficit in maximal isometric torque. SICI could be negatively influencing SLHR endurance in AT; thus, rehabilitation aiming to reduce intracortical inhibition should be considered for better outcomes. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest related to the present work.

Transient exposure to sublethal concentrations of a pesticide mixture (chlorpyrifos–difenoconazole) caused different responses in fish species from different trophic levels of the same community

The assessment of early effects caused in biota by sublethal exposure to pesticide mixtures should enhance the realism in the ecological risk assessment for agricultural landscapes. This study aimed to evaluate sub-individual responses in fish, which can be linked with outcomes at higher levels of biological organization and affect their trophic relationships. A multilevel biomarker approach was applied to assess the effects of a 48 h exposure of two freshwater mesoamerican fish species (Parachromis dovii and Poecilia gillii) to a mixture of sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos (5 μg/L) and difenoconazole (325 μg/L). Transcriptomic induction of cyp1A and the activities of 7-ethoxy-resorufin-O-distillase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were measured as biotransformation-related biomarkers; cholinesterase activity (ChE) was assessed as a neurotoxicity biomarker; resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured as a physiological biomarker; and the movement of fish in a dark–light environment as a behavior biomarker. The exposure to the mixture had evident effects on P. gillii, with significant induction of cyp1A transcription, increased EROD activity, ChE inhibition in muscle, and increased permanence in the light side of the dark–light environment. Meanwhile, P. dovii only showed significant induction of cyp1A, without evidence of neurotoxicity or changes in behavior. This study demonstrates that the severity of the effects caused by the exposure to a mixture of pesticides can differ among species from the same trophic chain. The potential impairment of predator-prey relationships is a relevant effect that pesticide pollution can cause and it should be considered for the risk assessment of such contaminants.

Phase response analyses support a relaxation oscillator model of locomotor rhythm generation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Neural circuits coordinate with muscles and sensory feedback to generate motor behaviors appropriate to an animal's environment. In C. elegans, the mechanisms by which the motor circuit generates undulations and modulates them based on the environment are largely unclear. We quantitatively analyzed C. elegans locomotion during free movement and during transient optogenetic muscle inhibition. Undulatory movements were highly asymmetrical with respect to the duration of bending and unbending during each cycle. Phase response curves induced by brief optogenetic inhibition of head muscles showed gradual increases and rapid decreases as a function of phase at which the perturbation was applied. A relaxation oscillator model based on proprioceptive thresholds that switch the active muscle moment was developed and is shown to quantitatively agree with data from free movement, phase responses, and previous results for gait adaptation to mechanical loadings. Our results suggest a neuromuscular mechanism underlying C. elegans motor pattern generation within a compact circuit.

Effectiveness of suboccipital muscle inhibition combined with interferential current in patients with chronic tension-type headache: a randomised controlled clinical trial

IntroductionManual therapy has been shown to reduce self-reported symptoms in patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). However, simultaneous application of suboccipital muscle inhibition and interferential current has not previously been investigated. This study evaluates the effectiveness of combined treatment with suboccipital muscle inhibition and interferential current compared to standard treatment for pain, disability, and headache impact in patients with CTTH. MethodsPatients were randomly allocated to receive either standard treatment (n = 13) or the experimental treatment (n = 12), consisting of 20 minutes of suboccipital muscle inhibition plus interferential current twice weekly for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was improvement in pain, and secondary outcomes included improvement in headache-related disability and reduction in headache impact, which were assessed at baseline and at 4 weeks by a blinded rater. ResultsStatistical analysis showed improvements in the experimental treatment group at 4 weeks for headache-related disability (Neck Disability Index: Hedges’ g = 1.01, P = .001; and Headache Disability Inventory: Hedges’ g = 0.48, P = .022) and headache impact (6-item Headache Impact Test: Hedges’ g = 0.15, P = .037) but not for self-reported pain (numerical rating scale: Hedges’ g = 1.13, P = .18). ConclusionsCombined treatment with suboccipital muscle inhibition and interferential current in patients with CTTH did not significantly improve self-reported pain but did reduce disability and the impact of headache on daily life at 4 weeks. These improvements exceed the minimum clinically important difference, demonstrating the clinical relevance of our findings.

Investigation of Effectiveness of Two Different Kinesiotaping Techniques in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: An Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial

Myofascial pain syndrome is a regional musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized by trigger points. Although there are widely accepted treatment modalities, there is no gold standard treatment. Kinesiotaping represents an interesting modality in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and attracts attention with studies emerging in the recent years, but in spite of the proposed benefits of kinesiotaping, its efficacy is still unclear, thus further studies evaluating the effectiveness of kinesiotaping are needed. We aimed to investigate, not only the effectiveness of kinesiotaping applied with the space correction and muscle inhibition techniques (compared to the home exercise program in reducing pain and improving functional status and quality of life in female patients with myofascial pain syndrome related to active trigger points in the upper trapezius), but also to evaluate the superiority of the 2 techniques over each other. An open-label randomized clinical trial with a parallel assignment intervention model. The physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics in Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. Seventy-one female patients with the complaint of pain in the upper trapezius region, diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome, and having at least one active trigger point in the upper trapezius fibers, were randomly assigned by a computer program to 1 of the 3 groups: kinesiotaping with the space correction technique (KSCT, n = 20), kinesiotaping with the muscle inhibition technique (KMIT, n = 24), and the home exercise program alone (control group [CG], n = 27). The patients were evaluated by the numerical rating scale for pain intensity, the neck disability index for functional status, and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey for quality of life in the beginning of the study and at the first, second, and sixth weeks (1-month follow-up). Kinesiotaping was associated with lower pain intensity levels (P = 0.019 at the first week and P = 0.026 at the second week) and better functional status (P = 0.011 at the second week) and it was effective in increasing quality of life by improving physical functions and general health (P = 0.033 and P = 0.003 at the second week, respectively) earlier than in the CG. Role limitations due to physical factors improved in the KMIT group earlier than in the other groups (P = 0.022 at the second week). Being performed in a limited number of female patients only, absence of a placebo group, and lack of blinded assessments. Both kinesiotaping methods were associated with lower pain intensity levels and better functional status and were effective in increasing quality of life by improving physical functions and general health earlier than the home exercise program. There was no significant difference between the kinesiotaping methods, except for role limitations due to the physical factors domain of SF-36 which was improved in the KMIT group earlier than in the KSCT group and CGs.

"In-vitro Effects of Chlorpyrifos and Monocrotophos on the Activity of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in Different Tissues of Apple Snail Pila globosa (Swainson, 1822)"

The impact of two organophosphorus insecticides [Chlorpyrifos (CPF) and Monocrotophos (MCP)] on non-target wild natural gastropod, Pila globosa (apple snail) from the paddy fields was studied. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was monitored on foot-muscle and hepatopancreas tissues of control and exposed snails. In the foot- muscle AChE inhibition progressed and reached 54.19% and 63.13% of the control, whereas, the AChE inhibition in the hepatopancreas reached 46.96% and 53.67% over control after 48 hours of exposure to 1.5 mL.L-1 and 2.5 mL.L-1 CPF respectively. After 48 hours of MCP exposure at 1.5 mL.L-1 and 2.5 mL.L-1 separately, the AChE inhibition of foot muscle was 49.07% and 57.59% respectively while in hepatopancreas it was 44.65% and 48.84% respectively. Our results show more inhibition of AChE activities on the foot-muscle than hepatopancreas in a concentration and time-dependent manner with greater severity by CPF in comparison to MCP. AChE inhibition increased with the increasing exposure time.

P2X3 receptors participate in purinergic inhibition of gastrointestinal smooth muscle.

The ATP analogue α,β-meATP is a potent relaxant of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, but its molecular target is uncertain inside the gut. α,β-meATP relaxed the carbachol-precontracted guinea-pig taenia coli in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50, 2.0±0.1μM). A luciferase-based assay confirmed that α,β-meATP solutions were minimally contaminated with ATP. α,β-meATP-evoked relaxations were inhibited by the competitive P2Y1 antagonist MRS2179 (pA2=5.36), but also by the competitive P2X3 antagonist, A-317491 (pA2=5.51). When MRS2179 and A-317491 were applied together, residual α,β-meATP responses converted from brief to prolonged relaxations. Sodium nitroprusside (a nitric oxide donor) also caused prolonged relaxations. Immunohistochemistry revealed that P2X3 receptors were present in myenteric ganglion cells and their varicose nerve terminals. The amplitude of α,β-meATP responses was not inhibited by TTX (NaV channel blocker) and ωCgTx (N-type CaV channel blocker). However, responses to α,β-meATP were inhibited by TEA (non-selective K+-channel blocker), indicating that relaxations involved opening K+-channels. The findings of this study are consistent with the conclusion that α,β-meATP stimulates Ca2+-permeable P2X3 receptors on varicose nerve terminals to release inhibitory nucleotides: 1) ATP and β-NAD release results in P2Y1-mediated brief relaxations; 2) another released transmitter (possibly NO) results in prolonged relaxations. Prejunctional P2X3 receptors represent a purinergic feed-forward mechanism to augment the action of inhibitory nerves on gut motility. This positive feed-forward mechanism may counter-balance the known negative feedback mechanism caused by adenosine and prejunctional A1 receptors on inhibitory motor nerves.

How effective is an evidence-based exercise intervention in individuals with patellofemoral pain?

ObjectivesGuidelines for a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for patellofemoral pain (PFP) have been developed by international experts. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of such a rehabilitative exercise programme on pain, function, kinesiophobia, running biomechanics, quadriceps strength and quadriceps muscle inhibition in individuals with PFP. DesignObservational study. SettingClinical environment. ParticipantsTwenty-seven participants with PFP. Main outcome measuresSymptoms [numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)and the pain subscale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)], function measured by using the KUJALA scale and KOOS, kinesiophobia measured by using the Tampa scale, three-dimensional biomechanical running data, quadriceps isometric, concentric and eccentric strength and arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) were acquired before and after the six-week exercise programme. ResultsAlthough pain did not significantly improve all patients were pain-free after the six-week exercise programme (NPRS: p = 0.074). Function, kinesiophobia and quadriceps AMI improved significantly after the six-week exercise programme (KUJALA: p = 0.001, KOOS: p = 0.0001, Tampa: p = 0.017, AMI: p = 0.018). Running biomechanics during stance phase did not change after the exercise intervention. Quadriceps strength was not different after the six-week exercise programme (isometric: p = 0.992, concentric: p = 0.075, eccentric: p = 0.351). ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate that the current exercise recommendations can improve function and kinesiophobia and reduce pain and AMI in individuals with PFP. There is a need for reconsideration of the current exercise guidelines in stronger individuals with PFP.

Effect of Deer Antler Extract on Muscle Differentiation and 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleoside (AICAR)-Induced Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Cells.

The effect of deer antler extract on muscle differentiation and muscle atrophy were evaluated to minimize muscle loss following aging. Various deer antler extracts (HWE, hot water extract of deer antler; FE, HWE of fermented deer antler; ET, enzyme-assisted extract of deer antler; UE, extract prepared by ultrasonication of deer antler) were evaluated for their effect on muscle differentiation and inhibition of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR)-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 cells. Morphological changes according to the effect of antler extracts on muscle differentiation were confirmed by Jenner-Giemsa staining. In addition, the expression levels of genes related to muscle differentiation and atrophy were confirmed through qRT-PCR. In the presence of antler extracts, the length and thickness of myotubes and myogenin differentiation 1 (MyoD1) and myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) gene expression were increased compared to those in the control group (CON). Gene expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), MyoD1, and myogenin, along with the muscle atrophy factors muscle RING finger-1 (MuRF-1) and forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) upon addition of deer antler extracts to muscle-atrophied C2C12 cells was determined by qRT-PCR after treatment with AICAR. The expression of MuRF-1 and FoxO3a decreased in the groups treated with antler extracts compared to that in the group treated with AICAR alone. In addition, gene expression of MyoD1 and myogenin in the muscle atrophy cell model was significantly increased compared that into the CON. Therefore, our findings indicate that antler extract can increase the expression of MyoD1, Myf5 and myogenin, inhibit muscle atrophy, and promote muscle differentiation.

Effect of Muscle Energy Technique in Patients with Non-traumatic Lumbo-pelvic Pain in the Age Group of 30-40 Years

Purpose: Pelvic girdle and low back pain have fallen under the diagnostic umbrella of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). It is true that low back pain can have it’s etiology in pelvic girdle mal-alignment, and similarly low back pain with neural irritation can lead to in co-ordination of muscles causing pelvic malalignment, it is important to understand that motor in co-ordination in the pelvic girdle can be the result of peripheral and/or central mechanisms. Peripheral mechanisms include reflexogenic muscle spasms whilst central mechanisms include cortical inhibition of muscles and/or delayed central transmission due to noxious input affecting intra-cortical synergistic control between various regions of the central nervous system (CNS). Muscle energy technique (MET) is a common conservative treatment for pathology around the spine, particularly lumbopelvic pain (LPP). MET is a gentle manual therapy for restricted motion of the spine and extremities and is an active technique where the patient, not the clinician, controls the corrective force. MET of the low back has decreased pain, increased range of motion, decreased muscle tension and spasm, and increased strength when used with supervised neuromuscular re-education and resistance exercise training. At present, the treatment effect and the outcome of one or two MET session is undefined. This study is designed to determine the effectiveness of brief MET sessions on posterior innominate/ Pelvic pain when used on subjects with non-traumatic pelvic pain. Materials and method: 20 male patients of convenient random sampling based on the inclusion criteria were included in the study and were given muscle energy technique- anterior rotation of Innominate bone for single session once a day for two days and the pre and post treatment outcome were recorded using VAS score and Pelvic inclinometer (PALM) measure. Results: The pre and post treatment effects using paired t-test and the correlation on VAS, shows a decrease of mean and SD from baseline (4.7 ± 1.03) to (1.95 ± 1.14) with (t=14.457, p =.001) indicating a very high level of significance. The pre and post treatment effects using paired t-test and the correlation on PALM, shows a decrease of mean and SD from baseline (10.5 ± 1.50) to (7.1 ± 1.07) with (t=12.803, p =.004) indicating a high level of significance. Conclusion: The results showed that Muscle Energy Technique is as effective as any other manual therapy techniques in the treatment of lumbo-pelvic pain or posterior innominate considered in this study, suggests that MET was highly effective in managing pain and neutralising the pelvic rotation angles with LPP. The treatment is evidenced, and provided as much benefit as any other manual therapy techniques for LPP. Some objective outcomes showed a trend which suggested that there might have been a great interaction if the sample size was larger. Thus the conclusion from this research is that there was a high statistical significance between the pre and post treatment with brief MET sessions in acute LPP.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Cryotherapy and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on Pain, Range of Motion and Gait Speed in Early Post-Operative Phase in Subjects with Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction: In acute phase after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), physiotherapy, aims at reducing pain, local edema and muscle weakness. Among treatment techniques, cryotherapy increases pain tolerance, helping in uninhibited motor recruitment of quadriceps. Intermittent muscle fiber contraction with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) improves blood flow, reduces pain and decreases quadriceps arthrogenic muscle inhibition. Exercise therapy causes muscle strengthening. Effects of perioperative cold therapy have conflicting evidences. Early NMES use, post TKA for pain and swelling reduction has shown paucity of literature. Hence, this study aims to compare the effectiveness of these techniques in improving function. Method: Interventional study was conducted with 30 subjects randomly allocated into two groups (Group A- cryotherapy and Group B- NMES). Both received standardized exercise therapy. On 2nd postoperative day- pain (using Visual Analog Scale), Range Of Motion (using universal goniometer) and gait speed (using 4 metre walk test) was measured. Treatment was given for 5 days according to allocated group. Post-treatment outcome measures were taken. Results: Out of 30 participants, both groups showed statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in all outcomes. Comparing effectiveness between the groups, NMES showed statistically significant improvement for knee flexion ROM. Other outcome measures showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Rehabilitation in acute phase is essential for improving patient’s strength in long term. Along with exercise therapy, both cryotherapy and NMES showed improved function. On comparison, NMES showed better results for improvement in knee flexion ROM. Keywords: Total Knee Arthroplasty, cryotherapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, exercise therapy, visual analog scale, range of motion, gait speed.

Effectiveness of Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstring Muscle Flexibility in College Going Students

Background: Hamstring is one of the commonest muscle which often gets tight. Suboccipital muscle inhibition technique is a method of relaxing tension in four muscles located between occiput and axis which regulates the upper cervical vertebra. When the tone of suboccipital muscles falls, it has been reported that the tone of knee flexors such as hamstrings also decreases due to relaxation of myofascia. This is because hamstrings and suboccipital muscles are connected by one neural system, which passes through the duramater called the superficial back line. Muscle energy technique is a procedure that involves voluntary contraction of a patient’s muscle in a precisely controlled direction, at varying levels of intensity and has been utilized in lengthening of tight muscles. Method: The study was done after obtaining approval from ethical committee. Subjects having hamstring tightness who fulfilled inclusion criteria were selected from the population. 52 subjects were included and divided into two groups. The study was carried out for 5 days. Subjects in the experimental group were treated with SMIT and Subjects in control group were treated with MET. Outcome measures used were Active Knee extension test and Back Saver Sit and Reach Test. Data was analysed post treatment (Immediate effects) and at the end of 5th session using non- parametric tests at 5% level of significance. Result: Within group analysis at post treatment and at the end of 5th session showed significant improvement in both the outcome measures in experimental and control group. Between group analysis showed no significant effect post treatment whereas after 5 days significant difference was found where more improvement was found in the control group i.e. Muscle energy technique group. Conclusion: Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique and Muscle Energy Technique both were effective in improving hamstring flexibility but Muscle energy technique was found to be more effective. Keywords: Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique, Muscle Energy Technique (MET), Flexibility, Active Knee Extension (AKE), Back Saver Sit and Reach Test (BSRT).

Female Mice Are Protected from Metabolic Decline Associated with Lack of Skeletal Muscle HuR.

Simple SummaryMetabolic flexibility describes the ability to adapt to utilization of metabolic fuels such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins as they become available. The RNA binding protein HuR controls this flexibility in mouse and human skeletal muscle, but the molecular mechanisms governing this process remain poorly characterized. Additionally, studies from mice indicate that HuR control of metabolic flexibility may be more essential for males than females. This is because males lacking HuR in skeletal muscle develop hallmarks of insulin sensitivity, while females have not been shown to do so. Here we examine this sexual dimorphism in mice lacking HuR in skeletal muscle. Our results reveal that lack of HuR in skeletal muscle drives increased adiposity regardless of sex, but that this increase in adiposity drives the development of insulin resistance in male animals only. Additionally, relative to male mice, the detrimental metabolic phenotype associated with HuR inhibition in skeletal muscle can be corrected by feeding of a diet heavily composed of either lipids or carbohydrates.Male mice lacking HuR in skeletal muscle (HuRm−/−) have been shown to have decreased gastrocnemius lipid oxidation and increased adiposity and insulin resistance. The same consequences have not been documented in female HuRm−/− mice. Here we examine this sexually dimorphic phenotype. HuRm−/− mice have an increased fat mass to lean mass ratio (FM/LM) relative to controls where food intake is similar. Increased body weight for male mice correlates with increased blood glucose during glucose tolerance tests (GTT), suggesting increased fat mass in male HuRm−/− mice as a driver of decreased glucose clearance. However, HuRm−/− female mice show decreased blood glucose levels during GTT relative to controls. HuRm−/− mice display decreased palmitate oxidation in skeletal muscle relative to controls. This difference is more robust for male HuRm−/− mice and more exaggerated for both sexes at high dietary fat. A high-fat diet stimulates expression of Pgc1α in HuRm−/− male skeletal muscle, but not in females. However, the lipid oxidation Pparα pathway remains decreased in HuRm−/− male mice relative to controls regardless of diet. This pathway is only decreased in female HuRm−/− mice fed high fat diet. A decreased capacity for lipid oxidation in skeletal muscle in the absence of HuR may thus be linked to decreased glucose clearance in male but not female mice.

Evaluation of carbonic anhydrase IX as a potential therapeutic target in urothelial carcinoma

ObjectiveCarbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) is important in the regulation of intra- and extracellular pH in solid tumors, contributing to cell growth and invasion. In urothelial carcinoma (UC), CA9 has been identified as a urinary marker for disease detection, but its biologic role is unknown. To date, differential gene expression patterns of CA9 in various molecular subtypes and potential effects of CA9 inhibition in UC cells are unknown. We aimed to investigate the function of CA9 and the effects of CA9 inhibition in invasive UC. MethodsImmunohistochemistry was used to assess CA9 expression in a cohort of 153 patients undergoing radical cystectomy. CA9 expression was correlated with molecular subtype by analysis of the TCGA data and of our own cohort of 223 patients with invasive UC receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CA9 expression was assessed in a panel of 12 UC cell lines by Western Blot and qPCR, and multiple siRNAs were used to silence CA9 in 2 cell lines. Effects of CA9 silencing on cell growth, migration, and invasion were assessed. We also used the small molecule inhibitor U-104 to inhibit CA9 in vitro and in an orthotopic xenograft model. ResultsCA9 expression was higher in cancer tissue compared to benign urothelium and was particularly highly expressed in luminal papillary and basal squamous tumors. CA9 expression did not correlate with outcome after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radical cystectomy. Silencing of CA9 by siRNA diminished invasion but did not induce a consistent change of cell growth and migration. Treatment with U-104 led to cell growth reduction only at high concentrations in vitro and failed to have a significant effect on tumor growth in vivo. ConclusionsThe present study confirms over-expression of CA9 in UC and for the first time shows a correlation with molecular subtypes. However, CA9 expression showed no association with the outcome of patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer and inhibition of CA9 did not lead to a consistent inhibition of tumor growth. Based on these data, CA9 exhibits a role neither as a predictive or prognostic marker nor as a therapeutic target in invasive UC.

Effects of the Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique on the Range of Motion of the Ankle Joint and Balance According to Its Application Duration: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMIT) on active range of motion (AROM) of the ankle joint, lunge angle (LA), and balance in healthy adults, according to the duration of its application. A total of 80 participants were randomly allocated to the 4-min suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) group (SMI_4M, n = 20), 8-min SMI group (n = 20), 4-min sham-SMI (SSMI) group (n = 20), and 8-min SSMI group (n = 20). Accordingly, the SMIT and sham SMIT were applied for 4 min or 8 min in the respective groups. AROM of dorsiflexion and LA were assessed, and a single leg balance test (SLBT) was performed before and after the intervention. AROM (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), LA (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), and SLBT (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001) significantly improved after SMI application. Compared with the SSMI group, the SMI group showed a significant increase in AROM (p < 0.001), LA (p < 0.001), and SLBT (p < 0.001). Except for SLBT (p = 0.016), there were no significant interactions between intervention and application duration. The results suggest that the SMIT, at durations of both 4 and 8 min, could be effective tools for improving AROM, LA, and balance.

Effect of solvent fractions of crude extract of Liushenqu on gastrointestinal motility in guinea pigs, and the underlying mechanism(s)

Purpose: To study the effect of solvent fractions of the crude extract of liushenqu on gastrointestinal motility in guinea pigs, and the mechanism of action.&#x0D; Methods: The effects of solvent fractions of crude extract of liushenqu (LSQ) on receptors in guinea pig isolated small intestinal cells were determined by treatment with different receptor blockers, including diphenhydramine (0.067 mg/mL), atropine sulfate (0.064 mg/mL), propranolol hydrochloride (0.033mg/mL), phentolamine mesylate (0.04mg/mL) and ondansetron hydrochloride (0.048mg/mL), to investigate the possible pharmacological mechanism of action.&#x0D; Results: There was no significant change in the maximum amplitude of muscle tension before and after administration in the control group, petroleum ether fraction group, and dichlormethane fraction group, while muscle tension in the 95 % ethanol and n-butanol fractions significantly increased (p &lt; 0.01). The mean changes in tension were significantly different from that of control group (p &lt; 0.01), but ethyl acetate fraction showed significant intestinal muscle inhibition (p &lt; 0.01). Addition of LSQ did not alleviate the inhibition caused by diphenhydramine, but it significantly reversed the inhibition caused by blockers of cholinergic muscarinic receptor, adrenergic alpha- and beta- receptors, and 5-HT receptor (p &lt; 0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: These results indicate that n-butanol fraction is the most effective bioactive fraction of LSQ, while ethyl acetate fraction has the opposite effect. In addition, its mechanism of action is related to increase in the amplitude of small intestine smooth muscle contraction and acceleration of small intestine peristalsis.

Inspiratory muscle responses to sudden airway occlusion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Brief airway occlusion produces a potent reflex inhibition of inspiratory muscles that is thought to protect against aspiration. Its duration is prolonged in asthma and obstructive sleep apnea. We assessed this inhibitory reflex (IR) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reflex responses to brief (250 ms) inspiratory occlusions were measured in 18 participants with moderate to severe COPD (age 73 ± 11 yr) and 17 healthy age-matched controls (age 72 ± 6 yr). We compared the incidence and properties of the IR between groups. Median eupneic preocclusion electromyographic activity was higher in the COPD group than controls (9.4 μV vs. 5.2 μV, P = 0.001). Incidence of the short-latency IR was higher in the COPD group compared with controls (15 participants vs. 7 participants, P = 0.010). IR duration for scalenes was similar for the COPD and control groups [73 ± 37 ms (means±SD) and 90 ± 50 ms, respectively] as was the magnitude of inhibition. IRs in the diaphragm were not detected in the controls but were present in 9 participants of the COPD group (P = 0.001). The higher incidence of the IR in the COPD group than in the age-matched controls may reflect the increased inspiratory neural drive in the COPD group. This higher drive counteracts changes in chest wall and lung mechanics. However, when present, the reflex was similar in size and duration in the two groups. The relation between the IR in COPD and swallowing function could be assessed.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A potent short-latency reflex inhibition of inspiratory muscles produced by airway occlusion was tested in people with COPD and age-matched controls. The reflex was more prevalent in COPD, presumably due to an increased neural drive to breathe. When present, the reflex was similar in duration in the two groups, longer than historical data for younger control groups. The work reveals novel differences in reflex control of inspiratory muscles due to aging as well as COPD.

Mechanisms of postural control in older adults based on surface electromyography data.

The present study aimed to clarify the mechanisms of postural control during standing in older adults and document the mechanisms of age-related motor control based on changes in muscle activities. A total of 26 healthy male adults (older adult group, ≥65-78years: n=16; younger adult group, 20-23years: n=10) participated in this study. Ground reaction force and kinematic data of the lower limbs (hip, knee, and ankle), and electromyographic data from 6 postural muscles on the right side were recorded and quantified for each motor phase during rapid voluntary center of pressure (COP) shift. Although hip strategy was more frequently observed in older adults than in young adults (56.3% vs. 20.0%), no muscle activity of hip agonists was observed in some (31.3%) older adults. Furthermore, older adults had a statistically significant delay in the inhibition of postural muscles during anticipatory postural adjustments (p<0.05). After the onset of COP motion, the co-contraction time between agonists and antagonists was significantly prolonged in the older adults than in the younger adults (p<0.05), and the reciprocal muscle pattern was unclear in the older adults. Prior to the termination of movement, agonist activity continued longer in the older adult group than in the younger adult group; that is, inhibition was insufficient in the older adult group. A series of postural strategies during the voluntary movement task were altered in older adults, and this was significantly related not only with the activation but also the inhibition of postural muscles.

The effect of suboccipital muscle inhibition and posture correction exercises on chronic tension-type headaches.

Compared with healthy people, patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) are likely to have forward head postures (FHP) and a higher number of active trigger points (aTrP) on the suboccipital muscle. This study aims to verify how the suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) on aTrPs and the FHP correction exercise can effectively reduce symptoms of the CTTH patients. The subjects of this study were 45 individuals with CTTH, divided into three groups of 15 patients each: a) the SMI group using the myofascial release technique; b) the SMIEx group subject to both the SMI therapy and FHP correction exercises; and c) the control group. Group A and B were given the relevant interventions twice a week for four consecutive weeks, and went through the headache impact test (HIT-6) and examinations on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the headache areas, the type and number of myofascial trigger points (TrP), the soft tissue PPT, and the posture before and after the intervention. There was a significant improvement in the HIT-6, the headache PPT, the soft tissue PPT, the TrP, and the posture in Group A and B patients to whom the SMI technique and SMIEx interventions were applied. The biggest reduction and increase in the HIT-6 and the headache PPT respectively were seen in the SMIEx group. According to this study, the SMIEx can be an effective intervention for patients with CTTH.