Cellular Mechanisms Involved in Muscle Pathology

Launched by BISPEBJERG HOSPITAL · Mar 22, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how certain cells in our muscles behave when there’s injury, specifically focusing on a problem called fatty degeneration. This happens when fat builds up in muscles after injuries like strains or Achilles tendon ruptures, and it can make it harder for muscles to work properly. Researchers want to understand the processes behind this issue in people, as it hasn’t been studied much in humans before. They believe that certain cells, called fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), change in response to injuries and lack of movement, which may lead to more fat in the muscles over time.

To participate in this study, you should be at least 18 years old and have either an acute muscle strain in your calf or hamstring that happened less than two weeks ago, a chronic strain that occurred more than six months ago, or a full Achilles tendon rupture that happened over a year ago. Participants can expect to undergo evaluations, including ultrasound scans to check for specific changes in their muscles. This study may help improve understanding of muscle injuries and how to prevent or treat problems that arise from them.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years and older, male and female, with an acute muscle strain injury (\<14 days post injury) in the calf or hamstring muscles (group 1). Pathological changes visible on an ultrasound scan as hypoechoic areas.
• • 18 years and older, male and female, with a chronic muscle strain injury (\> 6 months prior to inclusion) in the calf or hamstring muscles (group 2), sequela including recurrent strain injuries, pain and/ or decrease in muscle function. Pathological changes visible on an ultrasound scan as hypo-/ hyperechoic areas.
• • 18 years and older, male and female, with a full Achilles tendon rupture (\> 1 year prior to inclusion) with pathological changes: Fatty degeneration visible on an ultrasound scan (group 3).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Type I and II Diabetes, Connective tissue and/or rheumatic diseases, or any observed organ dysfunctions
• • Daily smoking
• • Persons with daily intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within three months prior to time of contact
• • Allergic reactions to local anesthesia
• • Use of anticoagulant treatment
• • Needle phobia
• • Any drug or alcohol abuse now or in the past
• • The absence of any pathological changes visible on an ultrasound scan as hypo-/ hyperechoic areas (group 1 and 2)
• • The absence of any pathological changes (fatty degeneration) in either the gastrocnemius or the soleus muscle visible on an ultrasound scan (Subject group 3)