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Osteoarthritis and Cartilage May 2020Osteoarthritis (OA) is a family of degenerative diseases affecting multiple joint tissues. Despite the diverse etiology and pathogenesis of OA, increasing evidence... (Review)
Review
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a family of degenerative diseases affecting multiple joint tissues. Despite the diverse etiology and pathogenesis of OA, increasing evidence suggests that macrophages can play a significant role in modulating joint inflammation, and thus OA severity, via various secreted mediators. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies coupled with proteomic and epigenetic tools have greatly facilitated research to elucidate the embryonic origin of macrophages in various tissues including joint synovium. Furthermore, scientists have now begun to appreciate that macrophage polarization can span beyond the conventionally recognized binary states (i.e., pro-inflammatory M1-like vs anti-inflammatory M2-like) and may encompass a broad spectrum of phenotypes. Although the presence of these cells has been shown in multiple joint tissues, additional mechanistic studies are required to provide a comprehensive understanding of the precise role of these diverse macrophage populations in OA onset and progression. New approaches that can modulate macrophages into desired functional phenotypes may provide novel therapeutic strategies for preventing OA or enhancing cartilage repair and regeneration.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Bone Remodeling; Cartilage, Articular; Humans; Inflammation; Macrophages; Osteoarthritis; Regeneration; Synovial Membrane
PubMed: 31926267
DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2019.12.007 -
Development (Cambridge, England) Apr 2021Tendons and ligaments are fibrous connective tissues vital to the transmission of force and stabilization of the musculoskeletal system. Arising in precise regions of... (Review)
Review
Tendons and ligaments are fibrous connective tissues vital to the transmission of force and stabilization of the musculoskeletal system. Arising in precise regions of the embryo, tendons and ligaments share many properties and little is known about the molecular differences that differentiate them. Recent studies have revealed heterogeneity and plasticity within tendon and ligament cells, raising questions regarding the developmental mechanisms regulating tendon and ligament identity. Here, we discuss recent findings that contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms that establish and maintain tendon progenitors and their differentiated progeny in the head, trunk and limb. We also review the extent to which these findings are specific to certain anatomical regions and model organisms, and indicate which findings similarly apply to ligaments. Finally, we address current research regarding the cellular lineages that contribute to tendon and ligament repair, and to what extent their regulation is conserved within tendon and ligament development.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Humans; Ligaments; Musculoskeletal Development; Stem Cells; Tendons
PubMed: 33913478
DOI: 10.1242/dev.186916 -
Current Cardiology Reviews 2020Lower extremity venous diseases or insufficiency include clinically deteriorating conditions with morphological and functional alterations of the venous system,... (Review)
Review
Lower extremity venous diseases or insufficiency include clinically deteriorating conditions with morphological and functional alterations of the venous system, including venous hypertension, vascular wall structural abnormality, and venous valvar incompetency in association with an inflammatory process. In fact, the same pathophysiological processes are the main underlying mechanisms of other venous insufficiencies in different vascular territories such as Peripheral Varicose Vein (PVV), varicocele, Pelvic Varicosities or Congestion Syndrome (PCS) and Hemorrhoidal Disease (HD). Regarding the anatomical continuity of lower extremity venous system, urogenital system (pampiniform plexus in male and broad ligament and ovarian veins in female) and anorectal venous system, it is reasonable to expect common symptoms such as pain, burning sensation, pruritis, swelling, which arise directly from the involved tissue itself. High coexistence rate of PVV, varicocele/PCS and HD between each other underlines not only the same vascular wall abnormality as an underlying etiology but also the existence of common symptoms originating from the involved tissue in dilating venous disease. Accordingly, it might be reasonable to query the common symptoms of venous dilating disease in other venous vascular regions in patients with complaints of any particular venous territory.
Topics: Dilatation, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Lower Extremity; Male; Varicose Veins; Veins
PubMed: 32164514
DOI: 10.2174/1573403X16666200312101245