Protective action of ultrasound-guided electrolysis technique on the muscle damage induced by notexin in rats

Abstract

It is known that exercise can be one of the causes of muscular damage. In recent times, physiotherapists and medical professionals have been employing USGET techniques to stimulate muscle recovery to improve its performance after the injury. We pretend to analyse if the Ultrasound-guided electrolysis (USGET) technique could reduce muscle damage, inflammation, and pain in the present study. Female Wistar rats were assigned to one of three different groups: control (C), notexin (NOT) and notexin with USGET (electrolysis at 6mA) (NOT+USGET). We used the USGT technique, based on electrical stimulation with a continuous current of 4 pulses at an intensity of 6 mA for 5 seconds, conveyed to the muscle. The response was tested with motor function tests. In these tests, we could observe an increase in time and foot faults when crossing a beam in the NOT group compared to C group rats. On the other hand, a significant decrease in both variables was detected in the NOT+USGET compared to the NOT group. Muscle power was measured with a grip strength test, obtaining far better performances in NOT+USGET rats when compared to NOT rats. Moreover, the USGET technique prevented the increase of pro-inflammatory proteins IL-6 and chemokines CCL3 (Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3), CCL4 (Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4), and CCL5 (Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5) with their receptor CCR5 (C-C chemokine receptor type 5), induced by notexin in the quadriceps. At the same time, the study evidenced a decrease in both CCR8 (C-C chemokine receptor type 5,) and NF-ᴋB (nuclear factor- ᴋB) expressions after USGET treatment. On the other hand, we obtained evidence that demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties of the USGET technique, thus being the increase in IL-10 (Interleukin 10) and IL-13 (Interleukin 13) in the NOT+USGET group compared to the NOT group. Furthermore, when applying NSGET after damage, an increase in anti-inflammatory mediators and reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators, which, overall, promoted muscle regeneration, was observed. These results support the idea that the NSGET technique improves muscle recovery after toxic damages, which would justify its employment.

Precision and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided versus Palpation-Guided Needle Placement on the Patellar Tendon: A Cadaveric Study

“…Percutaneous electrolysis is a pioneering technique that produces an electrochemical ablation using galvanic current directly applied to the clinical point of degeneration, promoting a regenerative reaction. Several authors have proposed that percutaneous electrolysis combine mechanical and electro-chemical effects to produce several physiological changes including a reduction in pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCR8, NF-κB), an increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory proteins (PPARγ, IL10, IL13), as well as an increase in vascular growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGF-R1) [18,45]. The results of the current study should be considered by practitioners performing percutaneous electrolysis or other needing interventions.…”

<em>In situ</em> identification of both IL-4 and IL-10 Cytokine-Receptor Interactions during tissue regeneration

“…In addition, IL-10 can promote myocardial cell regeneration [72] and skeletal muscle cell healing. [73] Myocytes are capable of co-expressing IL-10 and IL-10R, but this interaction has not yet been experimentally demonstrated under in situ conditions [74]. However, it should also be mentioned that these two cytokines can have a negative effect on tissue regeneration, depending on where, when, and in which animal model they were injected, making their use in therapeutic treatment difficult [21,75].…”

In Situ Identification of Both IL-4 and IL-10 Cytokine–Receptor Interactions during Tissue Regeneration

“…In vivo, intramuscular injection of IL-10 DNA is effective in suppressing inflammation by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines [69][70][71]. In addition, IL-10 can promote myocardial cell regeneration [72] and skeletal muscle cell healing [73]. Myocytes are capable of co-expressing IL-10 and IL-10R, but this interaction has not yet been experimentally demonstrated under in situ conditions [74].…”