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  • 1.
    Andersson, Gustav
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Backman, Ludvig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Scott, Alexander
    Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health and Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
    Lorentzon, Ronny
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Substance P accelerates hypercellularity and angiogenesis in tendon tissue and enhances paratendinitis in response to Achilles tendon overuse in a tendinopathy model2011In: British Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0306-3674, E-ISSN 1473-0480, Vol. 45, no 13, p. 1017-1022Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background Tenocytes produce substance P (SP) and its receptor (neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) is expressed throughout the tendon tissue, expecially in patients with tendinopathy and tissue changes (tendinosis) including hypercellularity and vascular proliferation. Considering the known effects of SP, one might ask whether SP contributes to these canges.

    Objectives To test whether development of tendinosislike changes (hypercellularity and angiogenesis) is accelerated during a 1-week course of ecercise with local administration of SP in an establish Achilles tendinopathy model.

    Methods Rabbits were subjected to a protocol of Achilles tendon overuse for 1 week, in conjunction with SP injections in the paratenon. Exercised control animals received NaCl injections or no injections, and unexercised, uninjected controls were also used. Tenocyte number and vascular density, as well as paratendinous inflammation, were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and in sity hybridisation to detect NK-1R were conducted.

    Results There was a significant increase in tenocyte number in the SP-injected and NaCl-injected groups compared with both unexercised and exercised, uninjected controls. Tendon blood vessels increased in number in the SP-injected group compared with unexercised controls, a finding not seen in NaCl-injected controls or in uninjected, exercised animals. Paratendinous inflammation was more pronounced in the SP-injected group than in the NaCl controls. NK-1R was detected in blood vessel walls, nerves, inflammatory cells and tenocytes.

    Conclusions SP accelerated the development of tendinosis-like changes in the rabbit. Achilles tendon, which supports theories of a potential role of SP in tendinosis development; a fact of clinical interest since SP effects can be effectively blocked. The angiogenic response to SP injections seems related to parateninitis.

  • 2.
    Andersson, Gustav
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Backman, Ludvig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Scott, Alexander
    Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
    Lorentzon, Ronny
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Substance P induces tendinosis-like changes in a rabbit model of Achilles tendon overuseManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: In previous studies we found evidence favouring that human Achilles tendon cells (tenocytes) are capable of producing the neuropeptide substance P (SP). Furthermore, the preferred receptor for SP (the neurokinin-1 receptor, NK-1 R) was widely expressed throughout the tendon, especially in patients suffering from chronic tendon pain (tendinopathy) with tissue changes (tendinosis) including hypercellularity and vascular proliferation. Considering known effects of SP, one might ask whether SP contributes to tendon cell proliferation and neovascularisation in tendinosis. We have an established animal (rabbit) model of Achilles tendinopathy based on overuse in the form of repetitive exercise. Recent studies with this model have shown that tendinosis-like changes are present after 3 weeks of exercise, but not after only 1 week. The current study aimed to test whether the development of tendinosis-like changes would be accelerated during a 1 week course of exercise with repetitive local administration of SP.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four groups of animals (5-6 New Zealand white rabbits per group) were used. Three groups were subjected to the previously established protocol of Achilles tendon overuse for 1 week. One of these groups was given repetitive SP injections in the paratendinous tissue of the Achilles tendon, whereas one group (‘NaCl controls’) was given an equivalent schedule of saline injections. Two additional control groups existed: One in which the animals were neither subjected to the overuse protocol nor to any injections (‘untrained controls’), and one in which the animals trained for 1 week but were not given any injections (‘1 week controls’). Tenocyte number, vascular density, and the possible occurrence of paratendinous inflammation were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation to detect NK-1 R were also conducted.

    RESULTS: There was a significant increase in tenocyte number in the SP-injected group compared to both untrained controls and 1 week controls. However, the same phenomenon was noticed for NaCl controls, i.e. tenocyte number was significantly increased in response to NaCl injections compared to untrained controls. There was an increase in the number of tendon blood vessels in the SP-injected group as compared to untrained controls, and this increase in vascularity was not seen for the NaCl controls or the 1 week controls. Paratendinous inflammation, as evidenced by invasion of inflammatory cells in the paratenon, was clearly more pronounced in the SP-injected group than in the NaCl controls. NK-1 R was detected in blood vessel walls, on nerves, on inflammatory cells, and on tenocytes.

    DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The observations suggest that SP induces tenocyte proliferation and angiogenesis in the rabbit Achilles tendon, thus supporting a potential role of this neuropeptide in the processes that occur in tendinosis. The study corroborates findings on the human Achilles tendon in that NK-1 R was expressed on tenocytes and tendon blood vessel walls, thereby providing a potential anatomic basis for the observed effects of SP on the development of tendinosis. The hypercellularity observed in response to NaCl injections might be due increased tissue pressure or to stimulation of endogenous SPproduction, a phenomenon not unheard of. The angiogenic effect of SP injections, on the other hand, appeared to be more specifically related to an induction of inflammation in the paratendon.

  • 3.
    Andersson, Gustav
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Arteries in the area targeted with successful sclerosing injections for Achilles tendinosis are under distinct neural control2006Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    It has been scientifically demonstrated that there are blood vessels with pathologically high blood flow inside and outside the ventral part of the Achilles tendon in chronic painful tendinosis, but not in pain-free normal Achilles tendons. Injections of local anaesthesia on the outside of the ventral part of the tendon have been found to temporarily abolish the tendon pain, and this has been an inspiration in the development of a new approach in the treatment of tendinosis: Based on ultrasound- (US) and colour Doppler- (CD) guidance, the sclerosing substance polidocanol, for many years used in treatment of varicose veins, was injected targeting the area of high-flow blood vessels just outside the ventral part of the Achilles tendon. The treatment has in pilot studies and a randomized controlled clinical study been shown to cure the pain in about 70-80 % of the patients. Also, follow up examinations, using US and CD, have shown a possible remodeling potential of the tendon. There is some previous information available on the innervation patterns of the human Achilles tendon itself. However, the innervation patterns of the area just outside the ventral part of the tendon, i.e. the area that is targeted by the sclerosing injections (target area), are unknown. This includes a lack of information concerning the nerve-related characteristics of the blood vessels in the area. In this study, therefore, tissue specimens from this target area, obtained during surgical treatment of patients with chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinosis, were examined. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. In the tissue of the target area, in which loose connective tissue and fat cells were frequent constituents, there was a presence of arteries and nerve fascicles. The arteries were of varying dimensions, some being very large. The nerve fascicles were distinguished in sections processed for the pan-neural marker protein gene-product 9.5 (PGP 9.5).  Some of the arteries were supplied by an extensive perivascular innervation, as seen via PGP 9.5 staining. As seen via processing for the rate limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), sympathetic innervation was found to be a constituent of this innervation. There was furthermore a marked occurrence of immunoreactions for the α1-adrenoreceptor in arterial walls. Also, there was a presence of immunoreactions for the substance P (SP)-preferred receptor, the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor in arterial walls. This receptor was particularly detected in the endothelial parts. The study shows that the arteries in the target area are accompanied by nerve fascicles and that there is a presence of a perivascular innervation, as well as a presence of adrenergic and NK-1 receptors in arterial walls, in this region. Thus, arteries in this area are under distinct neural control. The nerve-related characteristics of the area targeted in the successful polidicanol injection treatment for Achilles tendinosis are here for the first time shown.

  • 4.
    Andersson, Gustav
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Nerve-related characteristics of ventral paratendinous tissue in chronic Achilles tendinosis2007In: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, ISSN 0942-2056, E-ISSN 1433-7347, Vol. 15, no 10, p. 1272-1279Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Ultrasound and Doppler examination has shown high blood flow-neovascularisation inside and outside the ventral Achilles tendon in chronic painful tendinosis, but not in pain-free normal Achilles tendons. In patients with Achilles tendinosis, injections with the sclerosing substance polidocanol, targeting the areas with increased blood flow, have been demonstrated to give pain relief. A drawback when interpreting these findings is the fact that the pattern of nerve supply in the target area, i.e. the ventral area of the tendon, is so far unknown. In this study, therefore, tissue specimens from this area, obtained during surgical treatment of patients with chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinosis, were examined. In the examined area, containing loose connective tissue, the general finding was a presence of large and small arteries and nerve fascicles. The nerve fascicles were distinguished in sections processed for the pan-neural marker protein gene-product 9.5. The nerve fascicles contain sensory nerve fibers, as shown via staining for the sensory markers substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide, and sympathetic nerve fibers as seen via processing for tyrosine hydroxylase. In addition, there were immunoreactions for the SP-preferred receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor, in blood vessel walls and nerve fascicles. Some of the blood vessels were supplied by an extensive peri-vascular innervation, sympathetic nerve fibers being a distinct component of this innervation. There was also a marked occurrence of immunoreactions for the alpha1-adrenoreceptor in arterial walls as well as in the nerve fascicles. Altogether, these findings suggest that the area investigated is under marked influence by the nervous system, including sympathetic and sensory components. Thus, sympathetic/sensory influences may be involved in the pain mechanisms from this area. In conclusion, the nerve-related characteristics of the area targeted by the polidicanol injection treatment for Achilles tendinosis, are shown here for the first time.

  • 5.
    Andersson, Gustav
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Presence of substance P and the neurokinin-1 receptor in tenocytes of the human Achilles tendon2008In: Regulatory Peptides, ISSN 0167-0115, E-ISSN 1873-1686, Vol. 150, no 1-3, p. 81-87Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Nerve signal substances, such as the tachykinin substance P (SP), may be involved in the changes that occur in response to tendinopathy (tendinosis). It is previously known that the level of SP innervation within tendon tissue is limited, but results of experimental studies have suggested that SP may have stimulatory, angiogenetic and healing effects in injured tendons. Therefore, it would be of interest to know if there is a local SP-supply in tendon tissue. In the present study, the patterns of expression of SP and its preferred receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1 R), in normal and tendinosis human Achilles tendons were analyzed by use of both immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. We found that there was expression of SP mRNA in tenocytes, and that tenocytes showed expression of NK-1 R at protein as well as mRNA levels. The observations concerning both SP and NK-1 R were most evident for tenocytes in tendinosis tendons. Our findings suggest that SP is produced in tendinosis tendons, and furthermore that SP has marked effects on the tenocytes via the NK-1 R. It cannot be excluded that the SP effects are of importance concerning the processes of reorganization and healing that occur for tendon tissue in tendinosis. In conclusion, it appears as if SPergic autocrine/paracrine effects occur in tendon tissue during the processes of tendinosis, hitherto unknown effects for human tendons.

  • 6.
    Andersson, Gustav
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Scott, Alexander
    University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Vancouver Coastal Health and Research Institute.
    Gaida, James Edmund
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Stjernfeldt, Johanna Elgestad
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Lorentzon, Ronny
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Backman, Clas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Hand Surgery.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Tenocyte hypercellularity and vascular proliferation in a rabbit model of tendinopathy: contralateral effects suggest the involvement of central neuronal mechanisms2011In: British Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0306-3674, E-ISSN 1473-0480, Vol. 45, no 5, p. 399-406Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective To determine whether there are objective findings of tendinosis in a rabbit tendinopathy model on exercised and contralateral (non-exercised) Achilles tendons. Design Four groups of six New Zealand white rabbits per group were used. The animals of one (control) group were not subjected to exercise/stimulation. Interventions Animals were subjected to a protocol of electrical stimulation and passive flexion-extension of the right triceps surae muscle every second day for 1, 3 or 6 weeks. Main Outcome Measures Tenocyte number and vascular density were calculated. Morphological evaluations were also performed as well as in-situ hybridisation for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) messenger RNA. Results There was a significant increase in the tenocyte number after 3 and 6 weeks of exercise, but not after 1 week, in comparison with the control group. This was seen in the Achilles tendons of both legs in experimental animals, including the unexercised limb. The pattern of vascularity showed an increase in the number of tendon blood vessels in rabbits that had exercised for 3 weeks or more, compared with those who had exercised for 1 week or not at all. VEGF-mRNA was detected in the investigated tissue, with the reactions being more clearly detected in the tendon tissue with tendinosis-like changes (6-week rabbits) than in the normal tendon tissue (control rabbits). Conclusions There were bilateral tendinosis-like changes in the Achilles tendons of rabbits in the current model after 3 weeks of training, suggesting that central neuronal mechanisms may be involved and that the contralateral side is not appropriate as a control.

  • 7.
    Backman, Ludvig
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Andersson, Gustav
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Wennstig, Gabriel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Endogenous substance P production in the Achilles tendon increases with loading in an in vivo model of tendinopathy: peptidergic elevation preceding tendinosis-like tissue changes2011In: Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions - JMNI, ISSN 1108-7161, Vol. 11, no 2, p. 133-140Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: To quantify the intratendinous levels of substance P (SP) at different stages of overload in an established modelfor Achilles tendinopathy (rabbit). Also, to study the distribution of the SP-receptor, the NK-1R, and the source of SP, in thetendon. 

    Methods: Animals were subjected to the overuse protocol for 1, 3 or 6 weeks. One additional group served as unexercisedcontrols. Immunoassay (EIA), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and in situ hybridisation (ISH) were performed.

    Results: EIA revealedincreased SP-levels in the Achilles tendon of the exercised limb in all the experimental groups as compared to in thecontrols (statistically significant; p=0.01). A similar trend in the unexercised Achilles tendon was observed but was not statisticallysignificant (p=0.14). IHC and in ISH illustrated reactions of both SP and NK-1R mainly in blood vessel walls, but the receptorwas also found on tenocytes.

    Conclusions: Achilles tendon SP-levels are elevated already after 1 week of loading. This showsthat increased SP-production precedes tendinosis, as tendinosis-like changes occur only after a minimum of 3 weeks of exercise,as shown in a recent study using this model. We propose that central neuronal mechanism may be involved as similar trends wereobserved in the contralateral Achilles tendon.

  • 8.
    Backman, Ludvig
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Fong, Gloria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Andersson, Gustav
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Scott, Alexander
    Vancouver Coastal Health and Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Substance P is a mechanoresponsive, autocrine regulator of human tenocyte proliferation2011In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 6, no 11, p. e27209-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    It has been hypothesised that substance P (SP) may be produced by primary fibroblastic tendon cells (tenocytes), and that this production, together with the widespread distribution of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1 R) in tendon tissue, could play an important role in the development of tendinopathy, a condition of chronic tendon pain and thickening. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of endogenous SP production and the expression of NK-1 R by human tenocytes. Because tendinopathy is related to overload, and because the predominant tissue pathology (tendinosis) underlying early tendinopathy is characterized by tenocyte hypercellularity, the production of SP in response to loading/strain and the effects of exogenously administered SP on tenocyte proliferation were also studied. A cell culture model of primary human tendon cells was used. The vast majority of tendon cells were immunopositive for the tenocyte/fibroblast markers tenomodulin and vimentin, and immunocytochemical counterstaining revealed that positive immunoreactions for SP and NK-1 R were seen in a majority of these cells. Gene expression analyses showed that mechanical loading (strain) of tendon cell cultures using the FlexCell (R) technique significantly increased the mRNA levels of SP, whereas the expression of NK-1 R mRNA decreased in loaded as compared to unloaded tendon cells. Reduced NK-1 R protein was also observed, using Western blot, after exogenously administered SP at a concentration of 10(-7) M. SP exposure furthermore resulted in increased cell metabolism, increased cell viability, and increased cell proliferation, all of which were found to be specifically mediated via the NK-1 R; this in turn involving a common mitogenic cell signalling pathway, namely phosphorylation of ERK1/2. This study indicates that SP, produced by tenocytes in response to mechanical loading, may regulate proliferation through an autocrine loop involving the NK-1 R.

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  • 9.
    Backman, Ludvig J
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Andersson, Gustav
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Fong, Gloria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia and Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health and Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Scott, A
    University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Vancouver Coastal Health and Research Institute.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alpha-2 adrenergic stimulation triggers Achilles tenocyte hypercellularity: comparison between two model systems2013In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, ISSN 0905-7188, E-ISSN 1600-0838, Vol. 23, no 6, p. 687-696Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The histopathology of tendons with painful tendinopathy is often tendinosis, a fibrosis-like condition of unclear pathogenesis characterized by tissue changes including hypercellularity. The primary tendon cells (tenocytes) have been shown to express adrenoreceptors (mainly alpha-2A) as well as markers of catecholamine production, particularly in tendinosis. It is known that adrenergic stimulation can induce proliferation in other cells. The present study investigated the effects of an exogenously administered alpha-2 adrenergic agonist in an established in vivo Achilles tendinosis model (rabbit) and also in an in vitro human tendon cell culture model. The catecholamine producing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase and the alpha-2A-adrenoreceptor (α(2A) AR) were expressed by tenocytes, and alpha-2 adrenergic stimulation had a proliferative effect on these cells, in both models. The proliferation was inhibited by administration of an α(2A) AR antagonist, and the in vitro model further showed that the proliferative alpha-2A effect was mediated via a mitogenic cell signaling pathway involving phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2. The results indicate that catecholamines produced by tenocytes in tendinosis might contribute to the proliferative nature of the pathology through stimulation of the α(2A) AR, pointing to a novel target for future therapies. The study furthermore shows that animal models are not necessarily required for all aspects of this research.

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  • 10.
    Backman, Ludvig J
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Akt-mediated anti-apoptotic effects of substance P in Anti-Fas-induced apoptosis of human tenocytes2013In: Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (Print), ISSN 1582-1838, E-ISSN 1582-4934, Vol. 17, no 6, p. 723-733Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Substance P (SP) and its receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1 R), are expressed by human tenocytes, and they are both up-regulated incases of tendinosis, a condition associated with excessive apoptosis. It is known that SP can phosphorylate/activate the protein kinase Akt,which has anti-apoptotic effects. This mechanism has not been studied for tenocytes. The aims of this study were to investigate if Anti-Fastreatment is a good apoptosis model for human tenocytes in vitro, if SP protects from Anti-Fas-induced apoptosis, and by which mechanismsSP mediates an anti-apoptotic response. Anti-Fas treatment resulted in a time- and dose-dependent release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), i.e.induction of cell death, and SP dose-dependently reduced the Anti-Fas-induced cell death through a NK-1 R specific pathway. The same trendwas seen for the TUNEL assay, i.e. SP reduced Anti-Fas-induced apoptosis via NK-1 R. In addition, it was shown that SP reduces Anti-Fas-induced decrease in cell viability as shown with crystal violet assay. Protein analysis using Western blot confirmed that Anti-Fas inducescleavage/activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP; both of which were inhibited by SP via NK-1 R. Finally, SP treatment resulted in phosphorylation/activation of Akt as shown with Western blot, and it was confirmed that the anti-apoptotic effect of SP was, at least partly, inducedthrough the Akt-dependent pathway. In conclusion, we show that SP reduces Anti-Fas-induced apoptosis in human tenocytes and that this antiapoptoticeffect of SP is mediated through NK-1 R and Akt-specific pathways.

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  • 11.
    Backman, Ludvig J
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Low range of ankle dorsiflexion predisposes for patellar tendinopathy in junior elite basketball players: a 1-year prospective study2011In: American Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0363-5465, E-ISSN 1552-3365, Vol. 39, no 12, p. 2626-2633Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is one of the most common reasons for sport-induced pain of the knee. Low ankle dorsiflexion range might predispose for PT because of load-bearing compensation in the patellar tendon.

    PURPOSE: The purpose of this 1-year prospective study was to analyze if a low ankle dorsiflexion range increases the risk of developing PT for basketball players. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

    METHODS: Ninety junior elite basketball players were examined for different characteristics and potential risk factors for PT, including ankle dorsiflexion range in the dominant and nondominant leg. Data were collected over a 1-year period and follow-up, including reexamination, was made at the end of the year.

    RESULTS: Seventy-five players met the inclusion criteria. At the follow-up, 12 players (16.0%) had developed unilateral PT. These players were found to have had a significantly lower mean ankle dorsiflexion range at baseline than the healthy players, with a mean difference of -4.7° (P = .038) for the dominant limb and -5.1° (P = .024) for the nondominant limb. Complementary statistical analysis showed that players with dorsiflexion range less than 36.5° had a risk of 18.5% to 29.4% of developing PT within a year, as compared with 1.8% to 2.1% for players with dorsiflexion range greater than 36.5°. Limbs with a history of 2 or more ankle sprains had a slightly less mean ankle dorsiflexion range compared to those with 0 or 1 sprain (mean difference, -1.5° to -2.5°), although this was only statistically significant for nondominant legs.

    CONCLUSION: This study clearly shows that low ankle dorsiflexion range is a risk factor for developing PT in basketball players. In the studied material, an ankle dorsiflexion range of 36.5° was found to be the most appropriate cutoff point for prognostic screening. This might be useful information in identifying at-risk individuals in basketball teams and enabling preventive actions. A history of ankle sprains might contribute to reduced ankle dorsiflexion range.

  • 12.
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Eriksson, Daniella E.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Substance P reduces TNF-α-induced apoptosis in human tenocytes through NK-1 receptor stimulation2014In: British Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0306-3674, E-ISSN 1473-0480, Vol. 48, no 19, p. 1414-1420Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesised that an upregulation of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) and its preferred receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1 R), is a causative factor in inducing tenocyte hypercellularity, a characteristic of tendinosis, through both proliferative and antiapoptotic stimuli. We have demonstrated earlier that SP stimulates proliferation of human tenocytes in culture.

    AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether SP can mediate an antiapoptotic effect in tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced apoptosis of human tenocytes in vitro.

    RESULTS: A majority (approximately 75%) of tenocytes in culture were immunopositive for TNF Receptor-1 and TNF Receptor-2. Exposure of the cells to TNF-α significantly decreased cell viability, as shown with crystal violet staining. TNF-α furthermore significantly increased the amount of caspase-10 and caspase-3 mRNA, as well as both BID and cleaved-poly ADP ribosome polymerase (c-PARP) protein. Incubation of SP together with TNF-α resulted in a decreased amount of BID and c-PARP, and in a reduced lactate dehydrogenase release, as compared to incubation with TNF-α alone. The SP effect was blocked with a NK-1 R inhibitor.

    DISCUSSION: This study shows that SP, through stimulation of the NK-1 R, has the ability to reduce TNF-α-induced apoptosis of human tenocytes. Considering that SP has previously been shown to stimulate tenocyte proliferation, the study confirms SP as a potent regulator of cell-turnover in tendon tissue, capable of stimulating hypercellularity through different mechanisms. This gives further support for the theory that the upregulated amount of SP seen in tendinosis could contribute to hypercellularity.

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  • 13.
    Bagge, Johan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    In situ hybridization studies favouring the occurrence of a local production of BDNF in the human Achilles tendon2012In: Histology and Histopathology, ISSN 0213-3911, E-ISSN 1699-5848, Vol. 27, no 9, p. 1239-1246Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a multipotent neurotrophin known for its growth-influencing and apoptosis-modulating functions, as well as for its function to interact with neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. BDNF is reported to be mainly produced in the brain. BDNF can be absorbed into peripheral tissue from the blood stream. Expression of this neurotrophin at the protein level, as well as of the neurotrophin receptor p75, has been previously shown for the principal cells (tenocytes) of the Achilles tendon. However, there is no proof at the mRNA level that BDNF is produced by the tenocytes. As the Achilles tendon tenocytes show "neuronal-like" characteristics, in the form of expressions favouring synthesis of several neuromodulators/neurotransmitters, and as BDNF especially is produced in neurons, it is of interest to confirm this. In the present study, therefore, in situ hybridization for demonstration of BDNF mRNA was performed on biopsies from Achilles tendons of patients with tendinosis and pain-free non-tendinosis individuals. The results showed that the tenocytes of both groups exhibited BDNF mRNA reactions. These observations indeed favour the idea that BDNF is produced by tenocytes in the human Achilles tendon, why Achilles tendon tissue is a tissue in which BDNF can be locally produced. BDNF can have modulatory functions for the tenocytes, including apoptosis-modifying effects via actions on the p75 receptor and interactive effects with neurotransmitters/neuromodulators produced in these cells. This possibility should be further studied for Achilles tendon tissue.

  • 14.
    Bagge, Johan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Gaida, JE
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Physical activity level in Achilles tendinosis is associated with blood levels of pain-related factors: a pilot study2011In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, ISSN 0905-7188, E-ISSN 1600-0838, Vol. 21, no 6, p. E430-E438Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Physical activity affects the pain symptoms for Achilles tendinosis patients. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and their receptors have been detected in human Achilles tendon. This pilot study aimed to compare serum BDNF and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNFRI) levels in Achilles tendinosis patients and healthy controls and to examine the influence of physical activity, and BMI and gender, on these levels. Physical activity was measured with a validated questionnaire, total physical activity being the parameter analyzed. Physical activity was strongly correlated with BDNF among tendinosis women [Spearman's rho (rho) = 0.90, P < 0.01] but not among control women (rho = -0.08, P = 0.83), or among tendinosis and control men. Physical activity was significantly correlated with sTNFRI in the entire tendinosis group and among tendinosis men (rho = 0.65, P = 0.01), but not in the entire control group or among control men (rho = 0.04, P = 0.91). Thus, the physical activity pattern is related to the TNF and BDNF systems for tendinosis patients but not controls, the relationship being gender dependent. This is new information concerning the relationship between physical activity and Achilles tendinosis, which may be related to pain for the patients. This aspect should be further evaluated using larger patient materials.

  • 15.
    Bjur, Dennis
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization observations favor a local catecholamine production in the human Achilles tendon2008In: Histology and Histopathology, ISSN 0213-3911, E-ISSN 1699-5848, Vol. 23, no 2, p. 197-208Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Results of recent studies using immunohistochemistry show evidence of an occurrence of catecholamine production in the cells (tenocytes) of patellar tendons exhibiting tendinopathy (tendinosis). In the present study, antibodies against the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and alpha1-adrenoreceptors were applied to sections of specimens of normal and tendinosis Achilles tendons. In situ hybridization using a probe detecting human TH mRNA was also utilized. It was found that sympathetic innervation was very scarce. On the other hand, there were distinct alpha1-adrenoreceptor immunoreactions in blood vessel walls. Interestingly, tenocytes, particularly from tendinosis samples in which the tenocytes showed an abnormal shape (not the typical slender appearance), displayed TH immunoreactions and reactions for TH mRNA. Of further interest was the finding of alpha1-adrenoreceptor immunoreactions in tenocytes. The observations show not only evidence of local catecholamine production at the protein level, which was the case in recent studies for the patellar tendon, but also at the mRNA level. The observations suggest that the tenocytes, especially those with disfigured appearances in tendinosis, can produce catecholamines and also that they can respond to sympathetic transmitters. This is of interest as adrenergic stimulation in other parts of the body is known to induce degenerative/apoptotic and proliferative events, features which are seen in Achilles tendinosis. These observations are completely new findings concerning the human Achilles tendon. It is likely that locally produced catecholamines and the occurrence of autocrine/paracrine effects of these substances are of great relevance during the process of tendinosis.

  • 16.
    Bjur, Dennis
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Observations in favor of a presence of local catecholamine production in the human Achilles tendon - of importance when understanding potential adrenergic effects in Achilles tendinosis.2006Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The mid-portion of the Achilles tendon is a frequently injured and pathologically affected tendon region. Achilles tendinosis presents with chronic tendon pain and impaired function, and most often occurs in the mid-portion of the tendon. Nerve-related effects are likely to be of great significance in the pathogenesis of this condition, and information on innervation patterns is therefore of importance. However, the available information on these aspects is limited for the human Achilles tendon. Via staining for a general nerve marker it has previously been shown that there is a presence of innervation in the loose paratendinous connective tissue and to some extent also within the tendon tissue proper. This innervation has been found to partly conform to sensory innervation. There is no information at all on the patterns of sympathetic innervation in the human Achilles tendon. This is a drawback as it is crucial to know the basis for adrenergic effects on blood vessel regulation in tendinosis and as efferent sympathetic nerve activities may be related to pain symptoms. In the present study, therefore, specimens of tendon tissue from the human Achilles tendon of both tendinosis patients and normal controls were immunohistochemically examined concerning expression of the rate limiting enzyme in catecholamine production, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and of neuropeptide Y (NPY). In normal tendons, TH- and NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibers were occasionally detected in nerve fascicles and in arterial walls in the paratendinous tissue, but were not detected with certainty within the tendon tissue proper. In the specimens of tendinosis affected tendons, TH-and NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibers were almost non-existent. Surprisingly, however, TH-immunoreactions could be seen in the tendon cells (tenocytes) themselves. Sections were also processed for demonstration of α1-, α2a-, and β1- adrenoreceptors. It was hereby seen that there were immunoreactions for adrenergic receptors in the walls of some of the blood vessels, as well as in some of the tenocytes. The observations show that there is a limited sympathetic innervation at the level of the paratendinous tissue and in principle a non-existent such innervation within the tendon tissue proper. On the other hand, as evidenced by findings of TH-immunoreaction in tenocytes, it appears as if there is a local production of catecholamines within the tendon tissue proper itself. Thus, the tenocytes might be an important source of mediators that bind to the adrenergic receptors in the tissue. The observations of adrenergic receptors on tenocytes are furthermore of interest as adrenergic stimulation in other situations can lead to degenerative/apoptotic events and an affection on cell growth. These facts are thus highly interesting when trying to understand how such events can occur in Achilles tendinosis. Similarly, cartilage and menisci have in recent studies been found to harbor cells that express adrenergic receptors, but nevertheless to be very scarcely equipped with nerves. Although there is a very limited sympathetic innervation in the Achilles tendon, our observations show that there is a morphologic correlate for the occurrence of adrenergic actions in the tendon, via effects of locally produced catecholamines.

  • 17.
    Bjur, Dennis
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Presence of a non-neuronal cholinergic system and occurrence of up- and down-regulation in expression of M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors: new aspects of importance regarding Achilles tendon tendinosis (tendinopathy)2008In: Cell and Tissue Research, ISSN 0302-766X, E-ISSN 1432-0878, Vol. 331, no 2, p. 385-400Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Limited information is available concerning the existence of a cholinergic system in the human Achilles tendon. We have studied pain-free normal Achilles tendons and chronically painful Achilles tendinosis tendons with regard to immunohistochemical expression patterns of the M(2) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M(2)R), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). M(2)R immunoreactivity was detected in the walls of blood vessels. As evidenced via parallel staining for CD31 and alpha-smooth muscle actin, most M(2)R immunoreactivity was present in the endothelium. M(2)R immunoreactivity also occured in tenocytes, which regularly immunoreact for vimentin. The degree of M(2)R immunoreactivity was highly variable, tendinosis tendons that exhibit hypercellularity and hypervascularity showing the highest levels of immunostaining. Immunoreaction for ChAT and VAChT was detected in tenocytes in tendinosis specimens, particularly in aberrant cells. In situ hybridization revealed that mRNA for ChAT is present in tenocytes in tendinosis specimens. Our results suggest that autocrine/paracrine effects occur concerning the tenocytes in tendinosis. Up-regulation/down-regulation in the levels of M(2)R immunoreactivity possibly take place in tenocytes and blood vessel cells during the various stages of tendinosis. The presumed local production of acetylcholine (ACh), as evidenced by immunoreactivity for ChAT and VAChT and the detection of ChAT mRNA, appears to evolve in response to tendinosis. These observations are of importance because of the well-known vasoactive, trophic, and pain-modulating effects that ACh is known to have and do unexpectedly establish the presence of a non-neuronal cholinergic system in the Achilles tendon.

  • 18.
    Borbely, Gabor
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Löfgren, Filip
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Sloniecka, Marta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    The role of neurokinin A in corneal wound repair2015In: Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, ISSN 0146-0404, E-ISSN 1552-5783, Vol. 56, no 7, article id Meeting Abstract: 725Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 19.
    Chen, Jialin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Section of Physiotherapy.
    Zhang, Wei
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
    Ling, Chen
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Regulation of Keratocyte Phenotype and Cell Behavior by Substrate Stiffness2020In: ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, E-ISSN 2373-9878, Vol. 6, no 9, p. 5162-5171Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Corneal tissue engineering is an alternative way to solve the problem of lack of corneal donor tissue in corneal transplantation. Keratocytes with a normal phenotype and function in tissue-engineered cornea would be critical for corneal regeneration. Although the role of extracellular/substrate material stiffness is well-known for the regulation of the cell phenotype and cell behavior in many different cell types, its effects in keratocyte culture have not yet been thoroughly studied. This project studied the effect of substrate stiffness on the keratocyte phenotype marker expression and typical cell behavior (cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration), and the possible mechanisms involved. Human primary keratocytes were cultured on tissue culture plastic (TCP, similar to 10(6) kPa) or on plates with the stiffness equivalent of physiological human corneal stroma (25 kPa) or vitreous body (1 kPa). The expression of keratocyte phenotype markers, cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration were compared. The results showed that the stiffness of the substrate material regulates the phenotype marker expression and cell behavior of cultured keratocytes. Physiological corneal stiffness (25 kPa) superiorly preserved the cell phenotype when compared to the TCP and 1 kPa group. Keratocytes had a larger cell area when cultured on 25 kPa plates as compared to on TCP. Treatment of cells with NSC 23766 (Rac1 inhibitor) mimicked the response in the cell phenotype and behavior seen in the transition from soft materials to stiff materials, including the cytoskeletal structure, expression of keratocyte phenotype markers, and cell behavior. In conclusion, this study shows that substrate stiffness regulates the cell phenotype marker expression and cell behavior of keratocytes by Rac1-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization. This knowledge contributes to the development of corneal tissue engineering.

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  • 20.
    Chen, Jialin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Chen, Peng
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Zhou, Qingjun
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Promotes the Migration of Corneal Epithelial Stem/progenitor Cells by Up-regulation of MMPs through the Phosphorylation of Akt2016In: Scientific Reports, E-ISSN 2045-2322, Vol. 6, article id 25870Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The migration of limbal epithelial stem cells is important for the homeostasis and regeneration of corneal epithelium. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has been found to promote corneal epithelial wound healing by activating corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells. However, the possible effect of CNTF on the migration of corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells is not clear. This study found the expression of CNTF in mouse corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (TKE2) to be up-regulated after injury, on both gene and protein level. CNTF promoted migration of TKE2 in a dose-dependent manner and the peak was seen at 10 ng/ml. The phosphorylation level of Akt (p-Akt), and the expression of MMP3 and MMP14, were up-regulated after CNTF treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Akt and MMP3 inhibitor treatment delayed the migration effect by CNTF. Finally, a decreased expression of MMP3 and MMP14 was observed when Akt inhibitor was applied both in vitro and in vivo. This study provides new insights into the role of CNTF on the migration of corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells and its inherent mechanism of Up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases through the Akt signalling pathway.

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  • 21.
    Chen, Jialin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Lan, Jie
    Liu, Dongle
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Zhang, Wei
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Zhou, Qingjun
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Ascorbic Acid Promotes the Stemness of Corneal Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells and Accelerates Epithelial Wound Healing in the Cornea2017In: Stem Cells Translational Medicine, ISSN 2157-6564, E-ISSN 2157-6580, Vol. 6, no 5, p. 1356-1365Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    High concentration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has been found in corneal epithelium of various species. However, the specific functions and mechanisms of ascorbic acid in the repair of corneal epithelium are not clear. In this study, it was found that ascorbic acid accelerates corneal epithelial wound healing in vivo in mouse. In addition, ascorbic acid enhanced the stemness of cultured mouse corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (TKE2) in vitro, as shown by elevated clone formation ability and increased expression of stemness markers (especially p63 and SOX2). The contribution of ascorbic acid on the stemness enhancement was not dependent on the promotion of Akt phosphorylation, as concluded by using Akt inhibitor, nor was the stemness found to be dependent on the regulation of oxidative stress, as seen by the use of two other antioxidants (GMEE and NAC). However, ascorbic acid was found to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and by using two collagen synthesis inhibitors (AzC and CIS), the increased expression of p63 and SOX2 by ascorbic acid was decreased by around 50%, showing that the increased stemness by ascorbic acid can be attributed to its regulation of ECM components. Moreover, the expression of p63 and SOX2 was elevated when TKE2 cells were cultured on collagen I coated plates, a situation that mimics the in vivo situation as collagen I is the main component in the corneal stroma. This study shows direct therapeutic benefits of ascorbic acid on corneal epithelial wound healing and provides new insights into the mechanisms involved.

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  • 22.
    Chen, Jialin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Zhang, Wei
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Kelk, Peyman
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Mechanical stress potentiates the differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells into keratocytes2018In: British Journal of Ophthalmology, ISSN 0007-1161, E-ISSN 1468-2079, Vol. 102, no 4, p. 562-569Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aims To explore the role of corneal-shaped static mechanical strain on the differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) into keratocytes and the possible synergistic effects of mechanics and inducing medium. Methods PDLSCs were exposed to 3% static dome-shaped mechanical strain in a Flexcell Tension System for 3 days and 7 days. Keratocyte phenotype was determined by gene expression of keratocyte markers. Keratocyte differentiation (inducing) medium was introduced in the Flexcell system, either continuously or intermittently combined with mechanical stimulation. The synergistic effects of mechanics and inducing medium on keratocyte differentiation was evaluated by gene and protein expression of keratocyte markers. Finally, a multilamellar cell sheet was assembled by seeding PDLSCs on a collagen membrane and inducing keratocyte differentiation. The transparency of the cell sheet was assessed, and typical markers of native human corneal stroma were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Results Dome-shaped mechanical stimulation promoted PDLSCs to differentiate into keratocytes, as shown by the upregulation of ALDH3A1, CD34, LUM, COL I and COL V. The expression of integrins were also upregulated after mechanical stimulation, including integrin alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1 and non-muscle myosin II B. A synergistic effect of mechanics and inducing medium was found on keratocyte differentiation. The cell sheets were assembled under the treatment of mechanics and inducing medium simultaneously. The cell sheets were transparent, multilamellar and expressed typical markers of corneal stroma. Conclusion Dome-shaped mechanical stimulation promotes differentiation of PDLSCs into keratocytes and has synergistic effects with inducing medium. Multilamellar cell sheets that resemble native human corneal stroma show potential for future clinical applications.

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  • 23.
    Chen, Jialin
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Zhang, Wei
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Kelk, Peyman
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Substance P and patterned silk biomaterial stimulate periodontal ligament stem cells to form corneal stroma in a bioengineered three-dimensional model2017In: Stem Cell Research & Therapy, E-ISSN 1757-6512, Vol. 8, article id 260Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: We aimed to generate a bioengineered multi-lamellar human corneal stroma tissue in vitro by differentiating periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) towards keratocytes on an aligned silk membrane.

    Methods: Human PDLSCs were isolated and identified. The neuropeptide substance P (SP) was added in keratocyte differentiation medium (KDM) to evaluate its effect on keratocyte differentiation of PDLSCs. PDLSCs were then seeded on patterned silk membrane and cultured with KDM and SP. Cell alignment was evaluated and the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components of corneal stroma was detected. Finally, multi-lamellar tissue was constructed in vitro by PDLSCs seeded on patterned silk membranes, which were stacked orthogonally and stimulated by KDM supplemented with SP for 18 days. Sections were prepared and subsequently stained with hematoxylin and eosin or antibodies for immunofluorescence observation of human corneal stroma-related proteins.

    Results: SP promoted the expression of corneal stroma-related collagens (collagen types I, III, V, and VI) during the differentiation induced by KDM. Patterned silk membrane guided cell alignment of PDLSCs, and important ECM components of the corneal stroma were shown to be deposited by the cells. The constructed multi-lamellar tissue was found to support cells growing between every two layers and expressing the main type of collagens (collagen types I and V) and proteoglycans (lumican and keratocan) of normal human corneal stroma.

    Conclusions: Multi-lamellar human corneal stroma-like tissue can be constructed successfully in vitro by PDLSCs seeded on orthogonally aligned, multi-layered silk membranes with SP supplementation, which shows potential for future corneal tissue engineering.

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  • 24.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Reviving the "biochemical" hypothesis for tendinopathy: new findings suggest the involvement of locally produced signal substances2009In: British Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0306-3674, E-ISSN 1473-0480, Vol. 43, no 4, p. 265-268Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Studies of recent years on human tendinopathies have provided us with evidence of a local, non-neuronal production in tendon cells (tenocytes) of signal substances traditionally confined to neurons. These substances include acetylcholine, catecholamines, substance P, and glutamate. Furthermore, the receptors for several of these substances have been found on nerve fascicles and in blood vessel walls, as well as on the tenocytes themselves, of the tendon tissue. The findings provide the basis for locally produced signal substances to influence pain signaling, vascular regulation, and/or tissue changes in tendinopathy. This reinforces a previously presented "biochemical" hypothesis for tendinopathy, suggesting that biochemical mediators in the tendon tissue might influence/irritate nociceptors, in or around the tendon, to cause chronic tendon pain. The potential clinical implications of the studies are considerable.

  • 25.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    What are the nerve related changes in tendinopathies and their implications for the cause and/or treatment of pain?2007Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Three theoretical models for possible nerve-related changes that occur in tendinopathies, either as cause or effects of the condition, are suggested: 1) changes in innervation patterns, 2) changes in nerve signaling/responsiveness, and 3) changes in production of (non-neuronal) signal substances. The scientific literature on the subject is reviewed, and studies in support of all three theories are presented. The conclusions are as follows: Changes in innervation patterns in tendinopathies are not fully verified, and not sufficient to explain the pain that occurs in tendinopathy. Changes in nerve sensitization/responsiveness cannot be ruled out, since there is a clear morphological basis in the form of several types of receptors demonstrated on nerves in tendons. Finally, there is novel evidence in favor of a biochemical explanation model, including a local, non-neuronal, production of signal substances, and also findings of receptors for these substances on nerves (and tenocytes). In summary, many possible sites for intervention in treatment of tendinopathy are suggested.

  • 26.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Är "nervsignalsubstanser utan nerver" svaret på tendinopatins gåta?: Om en muskelsenas förvandling vid kroniska smärttillstånd2009In: Svensk Idrottsforskning: Organ för Centrum för Idrottsforskning, ISSN 1103-4629, Vol. 18, no 1, p. 50-52Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Forskare har i många år gäckats av frågan om vad som är orsaken till smärtan och vävnadsförändringarna vid kroniska senbesvär, s.k. tendinopati eller tendinos. Många teorier har framlagts, men få har kunnat bekräftas med forskningsresultat. I en aktuell serie studier från Umeå universitet, delvis i samarbete med kanadensiska forskare, har oväntade fynd kastat nytt ljus över gåtan. Helt överraskande har det visat sig att de sjuka muskelsenornas egna celler, de s.k. tenocyterna, producerar signalämnen som normalt bildas i nerver b ämnen som kan ha betydelse både för vävnadsnedbrytning och smärta

  • 27.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Anatomi.
    Distribution of general (PGP 9.5) and sensory (substance P/CGRP) innervations in the human patellar tendon.2006In: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, ISSN 0942-2056, E-ISSN 1433-7347, Vol. 14, no 2, p. 125-132Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    There is no information on the pattern of blood vessel innervation, and in principle no information on innervation in general, in the human patellar tendon. In the present study, biopsies from the proximal part of normal and pain-free patellar tendons (11 men, mean age 33 years) were examined. The specimens were evaluated by using antibodies against the general nerve marker protein gene-product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and the sensory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and immunohistochemistry. It was observed that the arteries, and to some extent the small vessels, in the loose paratendinous connective tissue were supplied with PGP 9.5- as well as SP- and CGRP-innervations. There was a marked PGP 9.5-like immunoreaction (LI), and to some extent also SP- and CGRP-LI, in the large nerve fascicles in this tissue. In the tendon tissue proper, PGP 9.5-LI was detected in nerve fibers located in the vicinity of some of the blood vessels and in thin nerve fascicles. There was a low degree of SP- and CGRP-innervation in the tendon tissue proper. The observations give a morphologic correlate for the occurrence of nerve-mediated effects in the patellar tendon. Particularly it seems as if there is a marked nerve-mediated regulation of the blood vessels supplying the tendon, at the level where they course in the loose paratendinous connective tissue.

  • 28.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Extensive expression of markers for acetylcholine synthesis and of M2 receptors in tenocytes in therapy-resistant chronic painful patellar tendon tendonosis - a case study2006Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We have recently, in a study of a group of patients with chronic painful patellar tendon tendinosis (“jumper’s knee”), obtained evidence favoring the occurrence of an upregulation of a non-neuronal cholinergic system in this condition. Today, there is a new line of treatment of patellar tendinosis in the form of doppler guided sclerosing injections (Polidokanol), a treatment that has turned out to be very successful. However, the mechanisms for this therapy remain somewhat unclear. After an average of three treatments, a majority of the patients experience a significant decrease of pain symptoms. Nevertheless, a few patients seem resistant to this therapy, exhibiting no clear decrease in pain sensation.

    Therefore, we have in this pilot study investigated biopsies from the patellar tendon of one such therapy-resistant patient (male, exhibiting long duration of pain symptoms and showing radiological findings confirming tendinosis), using immunohistochemical methods examining both chemically fixed and unfixed tissue. The results were compared with our previous findings of both normal and tendinosis tendons.

    Morphologically, there was hypercellularity in the tendon tissue. The immunohistochemical studies showed that there were marked immunoreactions for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) (fixed tissue), as well as for the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (unfixed tissue), in the overwhelming majority of the tenocytes. The levels of immunoreactions were more pronounced than those obtained in the tendinosis tissue of the previously studied patients and clearly more pronounced than those of tendon tissue of controls.

    In conclusion, our theory is that cases of severe tendinosis, exhibiting therapy-resistance, are related to the occurrence of an excessive local acetylcholine (ACh) production that appears to be even more prominent than in tendinosis in general. This case study emphasizes the need for further investigation regarding the role of non-neuronal ACh in therapy-resistant patellar tendon tendinosis.

  • 29.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Findings favoring production of non-neuronal acetylcholine with possible autocrine/paracrine effects in chronic painful patellar tendon tendinosis.2006Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The innervation pattern of the human patellar tendon is largely unknown. That includes the situation for patients suffering from patellar tendon tendinosis (“jumper’s knee”). Concerning the possible occurrence of a cholinergic system in the human patellar tendon, very little information is available.

    In the present study, specimens of pain-free normal (n=16) and chronically painful tendinosis (n=7) tendons were examined by different immunohistochemical and histochemical methods.

    It was found that parts of the tenocytes of the tendinosis tendons displayed immunoreactions for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). Furthermore, immunoreactions for the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor could be detected in both blood vessel cells and tenocytes, especially in tendinosis specimens. Acetylcholinesterase activity was shown for scarce nerve fibers associated with small blood vessels in both the normal and the tendinosis tendons.

    The observations suggest that, besides the occurrence of a scanty nerve related cholinergic system in the human patellar tendon, there is a local non-neuronal cholinergic system as well, at least in tendinosis tendons. As ChAT and VAChT were detected in tenocytes of these tendons, such tenocytes are likely to produce acetylcholine (ACh) locally, and as both tenocytes and blood vessel cells were found to express the M2 receptor, it is likely that both of these cell types may be influenced by ACh.

    Thus, in conclusion, there appears to be an upregulation of the cholinergic system, and an occurrence of autocrine/paracrine effects in this system, in the tendinosis patellar tendon. This observation is of importance, not only related to the fact that tendinosis patients exhibit marked pain, but also as stimulation of ACh receptors can lead to cell proliferation, effects on collagen accumulation and angiogenesis, all of which are phenomena that occur in tendinosis.

  • 30.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine. Idrottsmedicin.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Anatomi.
    Immunohistochemical and histochemical findings favoring the occurrence of autocrine/paracrine as well as nerve-related cholinergic effects in chronic painful patellar tendon tendinosis.2006In: Microscopy research and technique (Print), ISSN 1059-910X, E-ISSN 1097-0029, Vol. 69, no 10, p. 808-819Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The pathogenesis of the pain in patellar tendon tendinosis ("jumper's knee") is unclear. We have recently presented new information about the sensory nervous system in the human patellar tendon, but there is very little information regarding the possible occurrence of a cholinergic system in this tendon. In the present study, specimens of pain-free normal tendons and chronically painful tendinosis tendons were examined by different immunohistochemical and histochemical methods. Antibodies against the M(2) receptor, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) were applied, and staining for demonstration of activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was also utilized. It was found that immunoreactions for the M(2) receptor could be detected intracellularly in both blood vessel cells and tenocytes, especially in tendinosis specimens. Furthermore, in the tendinosis specimens, some tenocytes were seen to exhibit immunoreaction for ChAT and VAChT. AChE reactions were seen in fine nerve fibers associated with small blood vessels in both the normal control tendons and the tendinosis tendons. The observations suggest that there is both a nerve related and a local cholinergic system in the human patellar tendon. As ChAT and VAChT immunoreactions were detected in tenocytes of tendinosis tendons, these cells might be a source of local acetylcholine (Ach) production. As both tenocytes and blood vessel cells were found to exhibit immunoreactions for the M(2) receptor, it is likely that both of these tissue cells may be influenced by ACh. Thus, in conclusion, there appears to be an upregulation of the cholinergic system, and an occurrence of autocrine/paracrine effects in this system, in the tendinosis patellar tendon.

  • 31.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    In situ hybridization studies confirming recent findings of the existence of a local nonneuronal catecholamine production in human patellar tendinosis.2007In: Microscopy research and technique (Print), ISSN 1059-910X, E-ISSN 1097-0029, Vol. 70, no 10, p. 908-911Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    We have in recent studies presented unexpected immunohistochemical evidence favoring the existence of a local production of catecholamines, and an occurrence of adrenergic receptors on the tendon cells (tenocytes), in the human patellar tendon. This was particularly noticed for tendons from patients suffering from tendinosis (chronic tendon pain), which has led us to propose an involvement of this autocrine/paracrine system in the development of tendinosis, especially since catecholamines have been reported to be modulators of tissue remodeling and pain processes. However, the findings concerning catecholamine production have so far only been noted at the level of protein detection, and for this reason, the aim of the present study was to confirm the previous immunohistochemical results by using in situ hybridization (ISH) technique. A ssDNA probe detecting human mRNA for the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was applied. The ISH results revealed that there were clear reactions indicating the existence of mRNA for TH in tenocytes of tendinosis specimens. It was generally noted that disfigured tenocytes were the ones with the most distinct reactions, while normally looking tenocytes hardly displayed any reactions at all. In conclusion, this study presents the first evidence at the mRNA level of the existence of a local nonneuronal production of catecholamines in human patellar tendon tissue. The findings add to recent observations of the occurrence of a local production in tendons of signal substances traditionally related to neurons.

    (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  • 32.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Marked occurrence of receptors for sympathetic and cholinergic transmitters and for substance P in the blood vessels of the human patellar tendon.2005Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    INTRODUCTION: Human tendons have generally been considered to be hyponeural. However, in our recent studies of the patellar tendon in both healthy individuals and patients with tendinosis (jumper’s knee), we have noted the presence of general (PGP 9.5) and sensory (substance P [SP]) innervations, especially in the loose paratendinous connective tissue. Furthermore, we have observed a pronounced expression of the neurokinin-1 receptor (the preferred receptor for SP) in blood vessel walls. The findings are of interest as a new successful treatment of tendinosis has emerged in form of doppler guided sclerosing injections (substance: Polidokanol), targeting areas with neovascularisation, and as SP is known to be of importance when neurogenic angiogenesis participates in diseases. AIM: To further investigate the blood vessels of the normal and tendinosis-affected human patellar tendon regarding autonomic innervation. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and histochemistry, including antibodies against the sympathetic nerve markers tyroxine hydroxylase and neuropeptide Y and against various adrenoreceptors (α1, α2a, β1), as well as stainings for substances related to cholinergic functions such as the muscarinic M2 receptor, acetylcholinesterase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results so far, indicate that there is indeed an occurrence of both sympathetic and cholinergic innervations in the tendon, not the least shown via the presence of sympathetic and cholinergic receptors in blood vessel walls; a fact that further supports the theories that blood vessel regulation via neurotransmitters/-modulators might be a key factor in the pathological mechanisms of jumper’s knee.

  • 33.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Anatomi.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Anatomi.
    Studies on the importance of sympathetic innervation, adrenergic receptors, and a possible local catecholamine production in the development of patellar tendinopathy (tendinosis) in man.2007In: Microscopy research and technique (Print), ISSN 1059-910X, E-ISSN 1097-0029, Vol. 70, no 4, p. 310-324Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Changes in the patterns of production and in the effects of signal substances may be involved in the development of tendinosis, a chronic condition of pain in human tendons. There is no previous information concerning the patterns of sympathetic innervation in the human patellar tendon. In this study, biopsies of normal and tendinosis patellar tendons were investigated with immunohistochemical methods, including the use of antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and neuropeptide Y, and against alpha(1)-, alpha(2A)-, and beta(1)-adrenoreceptors. It was noticed that most of the sympathetic innervation was detected in the walls of the blood vessels entering the tendon through the paratendinous tissue, and that the tendon tissue proper of the normal and tendinosis tendons was very scarcely innervated. Immunoreactions for adrenergic receptors were noticed in nerve fascicles containing both sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers. High levels of these receptors were also detected in the blood vessel walls; alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor immunoreactions being clearly more pronounced in the tendinosis tendons than in the tendons of controls. Interestingly, immunoreactions for adrenergic receptors and TH were noted for the tendon cells (tenocytes), especially in tendinosis tendons. The findings give a morphological correlate for the occurrence of sympathetically mediated effects in the patellar tendon and autocrine/paracrine catecholamine mechanisms for the tenocytes, particularly, in tendinosis. The observation of adrenergic receptors on tenocytes is interesting, as stimulation of these receptors can lead to cell proliferation, degeneration, and apoptosis, events which are all known to occur in tendinosis. Furthermore, the results imply that a possible source of catecholamine production might be the tenocytes themselves. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  • 34.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Anatomi.
    Andersson, Gustav
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Anatomi.
    Extensive expression of markers for acetylcholine synthesis and of M2 receptors in tenocytes in therapy-resistant chronic painful patellar tendon tendinosis - a pilot study.2007In: Life Sciences, ISSN 0024-3205, E-ISSN 1879-0631, Vol. 80, no 24-25, p. 2235-2238Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We have recently obtained evidence favoring the occurrence of an up-regulation of a non-neuronal cholinergic system in chronic painful patellar tendon tendinosis. It seems possible that this up-regulation to a certain degree may be involved in the manifestations of the disease. Today, there is a new, very successful, line of treatment of patellar tendinosis in the form of Doppler guided sclerosing injections. However, a few patients seem resistant to this therapy. Therefore, we have in this pilot study investigated biopsies from the patellar tendon of three such therapy-resistant patients, using immunohistochemistry. In situ hybridization was also applied. Comparisons were made with a material of specimens from both normal (n=16) and tendinosis (n=7) tendons, also previously examined. The study showed that there were extensive immunoreactions for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter, as well as for the M(2) muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, in the overwhelming majority of the tenocytes. The immunoreactions were more pronounced than those generally obtained in the tendinosis tissue of the previously studied patients and clearly more pronounced than those of patellar tendon tissue of controls. Also, for the first time, we here present findings of mRNA for ChAT within tenocytes. In conclusion, it appears as if there is an excessive local acetylcholine (ACh) production and an occurrence of marked ACh effects in cases of severe tendinosis. An excessive production of local ACh might be related to pain sensation and the processes that occur in tendinosis development, such as cell proliferation. Thus, the results of this pilot study suggest that non-neuronal ACh is highly involved in the pathology of therapy-resistant patellar tendinosis.

  • 35.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Andersson, Gustav
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Forsgren, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Marked sympathetic component in the perivascular innervation of the dorsal paratendinous tissue of the patellar tendon in arthroscopically treated tendinosis patients.2008In: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, ISSN 0942-2056, E-ISSN 1433-7347, Vol. 16, no 6, p. 621-6Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    During the recent years, a few studies have shed new light on the innervation patterns of the human patellar tendon, but the area of the loose paratendinous connective tissue dorsal to the proximal tendon proper has yet not been investigated. That is a drawback, since this is the area targeted in promising treatment regimens of chronic painful patellar tendinosis, namely sclerosing Polidocanol injection therapy, and a new surgical method conforming to ultrasound and color Doppler guided arthroscopic shaving, directed at neovessels found in the region. The present study thus aimed at investigating the paratendinous area dorsal to the proximal patellar tendon proper in seven patients being operated for tendinosis. Biopsies were collected through the new arthroscopic technique, approaching the tendon from the dorsal side. Samples were investigated using immunohistochemistry with antibodies delineating general (PGP 9.5), sensory (SP/CGRP), and sympathetic (TH/NPY) nerve patterns, and also antibodies against alpha1- and alpha2A-adrenoreceptors. Both small and large blood vessels had a marked perivascular innervation (PGP 9.5). Surprisingly, this perivascular innervation was found only to a very limited extent to correspond to sensory nerves, while there were marked immunoreactions for sympathetic markers. Adrenoreceptor immunoreactions frequently occurred in blood vessel walls. In conclusion, this study demonstrates, for the first time, the innervation patterns of the area dorsal to the patellar tendon in man. It shows that the area investigated is under marked influence by the sympathetic nervous system. Thus, sympathetic effects are likely to occur for blood vessels of the area, which is interesting since color Doppler has revealed that vessels of this area ("neovessels") display a pathologically high blood flow in tendinosis. The findings are discussed in relation to aspects of vascular regulation, and to pain symptoms of tendinosis.

  • 36.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Andersson, Gustav
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Forsgren, Sture
    Marked sympathetic component in the perivascular innervation of the dorsal paratendinous tissue targeted in sclerosing Polidocanol injection therapy of patellar tendinosisManuscript (Other academic)
  • 37.
    Danielson, Patrik
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Scott, Alex
    Univ British Columbia, Dept Phys Therapy, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada.
    Teaming up to beat tendon pain: clinical and research excellence own the podium at ISTS (International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium).2013In: British Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0306-3674, E-ISSN 1473-0480, Vol. 47, no 9, p. 532-532Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 38. Di, Guohu
    et al.
    Qi, Xia
    Zhao, Xiaowen
    Zhang, Songmei
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Zhou, Qingjun
    Corneal Epithelium-Derived Neurotrophic Factors Promote Nerve Regeneration2017In: Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, ISSN 0146-0404, E-ISSN 1552-5783, Vol. 58, no 11, p. 4695-4702Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    PURPOSE. To explore the neurotrophic factor expression in corneal epithelium and evaluate their effects on the trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurite outgrowth and corneal nerve regeneration in mice. METHODS. The expression of neurotrophic factors was compared among the intact, regenerating, and regenerated mouse corneal epithelium. Mouse primary TG neurons were treated with the conditioned medium of mouse corneal epithelial cells. Nerve growth factor (NGF) neutralizing antibody and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) neutralizing antibody were used to evaluate their roles in mouse corneal nerve regeneration and TG neurite outgrowth. The promoting effects of NGF and GDNF for the corneal nerve regeneration were further evaluated in the diabetic mice. RESULTS. The expression of NGF and GDNF showed significant up-regulation in regenerating corneal epithelium and return to the preinjury levels in the regenerated epithelium, which was consistent with the progress of corneal subbasal nerve regeneration. The conditioned medium of corneal epithelial cells promoted the TG neurite outgrowth with extended branching and elongation. Furthermore, the blockage of either NGF or GDNF significantly impaired the promotion of the neurite outgrowth by the conditioned medium or the corneal nerve regeneration in normal mice. Moreover, the expression of NGF and GDNF was attenuated in the diabetic regenerating corneal epithelium as compared to that in normal mice, while exogenous NGF or GDNF supplement promoted the corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration in diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS. Corneal epithelium expresses multiple neurotrophic factors, among which NGF and GDNF may play an important role in the corneal nerve regeneration.

  • 39.
    Fong, Gloria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Backman, Ludvig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences.
    Andersson, Gustav
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Scott, Alexander
    Vancouver Coastal Health and Research Institute.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Human tenocytes are stimulated to proliferate by acetylcholine through an EGFR signalling pathway2013In: Cell and Tissue Research, ISSN 0302-766X, E-ISSN 1432-0878, Vol. 351, no 3, p. 465-475Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Studies of human patellar and Achilles tendons have shown that primary tendon fibroblasts (tenocytes) not only have the capacity to produce acetylcholine (ACh) but also express muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs) through which ACh can exert its effects. In patients with tendinopathy (chronic tendon pain) with tendinosis, the tendon tissue is characterised by hypercellularity and angiogenesis, both of which might be influenced by ACh. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis that ACh increases the proliferation rate of tenocytes through mAChR stimulation and have examined whether this mechanism operates via the extracellular activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as shown in other fibroblastic cells. By use of primary human tendon cell cultures, we identified cells expressing vimentin, tenomodulin and scleraxis and found that these cells also contained enzymes related to ACh synthesis and release (choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter). The cells furthermore expressed mAChRs of several subtypes. Exogenously administered ACh stimulated proliferation and increased the viability of tenocytes in vitro. When the cells were exposed to atropine (an mAChR antagonist) or the EGFR inhibitor AG1478, the proliferative effect of ACh decreased. Western blot revealed increased phosphorylation, after ACh stimulation, for both EGFR and the extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2. Given that tenocytes have been shown to produce ACh and express mAChRs, this study provides evidence of a possible autocrine loop that might contribute to the hypercellularity seen in tendinosis tendon tissue.

  • 40.
    Fong, Gloria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports medicine.
    Scott, Alex
    Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    The Effects of Substance P and Acetylcholine on Human Tenocyte Proliferation Converge Mechanistically via TGF-β12017In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 12, no 3, article id e0174101Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Previous in vitro studies on human tendon cells (tenocytes) have demonstrated that the exogenous administration of substance P (SP) and acetylcholine (ACh) independently result in tenocyte proliferation, which is a prominent feature of tendinosis. Interestingly, the possible link between SP and ACh has not yet been explored in human tenocytes. Recent studies in other cell types demonstrate that both SP and ACh independently upregulate TGF-β1 expression via their respective receptors, the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK-1R) and muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs). Furthermore, TGF-β1 has been shown to downregulate NK-1R expression in human keratocytes. The aim of this study was to examine if TGF-β1 is the intermediary player involved in mediating the proliferative pathway shared by SP and ACh in human tenocytes. The results showed that exogenous administration of SP and ACh both caused significant upregulation of TGF-β1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Exposing cells to TGF-β1 resulted in increased cell viability of tenocytes, which was blocked in the presence of the TGFβRI/II kinase inhibitor. In addition, the proliferative effects of SP and ACh on tenocytes were reduced by the TGFβRI/II kinase inhibitor; this supports the hypothesis that the proliferative effects of these signal substances are mediated via the TGF-β axis. Furthermore, exogenous TGF-β1 downregulated NK-1R and mAChRs expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, and these effects were negated by simultaneous exposure to the TGFβRI/II kinase inhibitor, suggesting a negative feedback loop. In conclusion, the results indicate that TGF-β1 is the intermediary player through which the proliferative actions of both SP and ACh converge mechanistically.

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  • 41.
    Fong, Gloria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Hart, David A.
    Vancouver Coastal Hlth & Res Inst, Ctr Hip Hlth & Mobil, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    McCormack, Bob
    Vancouver Coastal Hlth & Res Inst, Ctr Hip Hlth & Mobil, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
    Scott, Alex
    Univ British Columbia, Dept Phys Therapy, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada.
    Substance P enhances collagen remodeling and MMP-3 expression by human tenocytes2013In: Journal of Orthopaedic Research, ISSN 0736-0266, E-ISSN 1554-527X, Vol. 31, no 1, p. 91-98Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The loss of collagen organization is considered a hallmark histopathologic feature of tendinosis. At the cellular level, tenocytes have been shown to produce signal substances that were once thought to be restricted to neurons. One of the main neuropeptides implicated in tendinosis, substance P (SP), is known to influence collagen organization, particularly after injury. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of SP on collagen remodeling by primary human tendon cells cultured in vitro in three-dimensional collagen lattices. We found that SP stimulation led to an increased rate of collagen remodeling mediated via the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1 R), the preferred cell receptor for SP. Gene expression analysis showed that SP stimulation resulted in significant increases in MMP3, COL3A1 and ACTA2 mRNA levels in the collagen lattices. Furthermore, cyclic tensile loading of tendon cell cultures along with the administration of exogenous SP had an additive effect on MMP3 expression. Immunoblotting confirmed that SP increased MMP3 protein levels via the NK-1 R. This study indicates that SP, mediated via NK-1 R, increases collagen remodeling and leads to increased MMP3 mRNA and protein expression that is further enhanced by cyclic mechanical loading.

  • 42.
    Forsgren, Sture
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Bjur, Dennis
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Rantapää-Dahlqvist, Solbritt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Reumatology.
    Norrgård, Örjan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Dalén, Tore
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Orthopaedics.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Novel information on the non-neuronal cholinergic system in orthopedics provides new possible treatment strategies for inflammatory and degenerative diseases2009In: Orthopedic Reviews, ISSN 2035-8237, Vol. 1, no 1, p. 39-46Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Anti-cholinergic agents are used in thetreatment of several pathological conditions.Therapy regimens aimed at up-regulatingcholinergic functions, such as treatment withacetylcholinesterase inhibitors, are also currentlyprescribed. It is now known that not onlyis there a neuronal cholinergic system but alsoa non-neuronal cholinergic system in variousparts of the body. Therefore, interference withthe effects of acetylcholine (ACh) broughtabout by the local production and release ofACh should also be considered. Locally producedACh may have proliferative, angiogenic,wound-healing, and immunomodulatory functions.Interestingly, cholinergic stimulationmay lead to anti-inflammatory effects. Withinthis review, new findings for the locomotorsystem of a more widespread non-neuronalcholinergic system than previously expectedwill be discussed in relation to possible newtreatment strategies. The conditions discussedare painful and degenerative tendon disease(tendinopathy/tendinosis), rheumatoid arthritis,and osteoarthritis.

  • 43.
    Forsgren, Sture
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Bjur, Dennis
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Den kroniskt smärtande senan - histopatologi.2007In: Idrottsskador - frontlinjen inom behandling och rehablitering, p. 267-274Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    I denna artikel belyses de morfologiska förändringar man ser i Achilles- och patellarsena vid tendinos. Fokus riktas inte minst på nya fynd avseende utseenden för sencellerna (tenocyterna). Vidare ges en kortfattad beskrivning av vad man idag känner till avseende nervrelaterade aspekter för dessa senor hos människa. Det är sannolikt att kunskap om dessa är viktig för att man rätt ska förstå de smärtsymptom som föreligger vid tendinos och även de effekter som nyare tids behandlingar har vid dessa kroniska smärttillstånd.

  • 44.
    Forsgren, Sture
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Bjur, Dennis
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Förändringar i kroniskt smärtande sena.2006In: Svensk Idrottsforskning: Organ för Centrum för Idrottsforskning, ISSN 1103-4629, Vol. 25, no 3, p. 8-10Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Vad känner man till om de förändringar som sker i en kroniskt smärtande sena?

    Hur ser sencellerna ut och hur påverkas nerverna vid tendinos? I denna sammanställning kommer de förändringar man ser i Akilles- och patellarsena vid tendinos att belysas. Fokus riktas inte minst på nya fynd avseende utseenden för sencellerna (tenocyterna). Vidare ges en kortfattad beskrivning av vad man idag känner till avseende nervrelaterade aspekter för dessa senor hos människa. Det är sannolikt att kunskap om dessa är viktig för att man rätt ska förstå de smärtsymptom som föreligger vid tendinos och även de effekter som nyare tids behandlingar har vid dessa kroniska smärttillstånd.

  • 45.
    Forsgren, Sture
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Anatomi.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Vascular NK-1 receptor occurrence in normal and chronic painful Achilles and patellar tendons: studies on chemically unfixed as well as fixed specimens.2005In: Regulatory Peptides, ISSN 0167-0115, E-ISSN 1873-1686, Vol. 126, no 3, p. 173-181Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    It is not known as to whether the Achilles and patellar tendons contain neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors. This is a drawback when considering the fact that pain symptoms are frequent in these and as recent studies show that the pain symptoms might be cured via interference with blood vessel function. In the present study, the human Achilles and patellar tendons were examined concerning immunohistochemical expression of the NK-1 receptor. Chemically unfixed and fixed specimens, TRITC and PAP stainings and a battery of NK-1 receptor antibodies, including antibodies against the C-terminus and the N-terminal region, were utilized. NK-1 receptor immunoreaction could be detected in inner parts of the walls of large blood vessels and in the walls of small blood vessels. To some extent, NK-1 immunoreaction was also detectable in small nerve fascicles and in tenocytes. It was found to be of utmost importance to apply both chemically unfixed and fixed specimens. The use of chemically unfixed tissue was found advantageous in order to depict the immunoreactions in the blood vessel walls. The observations represent new findings and are of relevance as substance P (SP) is known to be of importance where neurogenic angiogenesis contributes to diseases and as SP on the whole has profound effects concerning blood vessel regulation.

  • 46.
    Jonsson, Frida
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biosciences, Medical and Clinical Genetics.
    Byström, Berit
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Davidson, Alice E.
    UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Kellgren, Therese
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics.
    Tuft, Stephen J.
    UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
    Koskela, Timo
    Koskelas Eye Clinic, Umeå, Sweden.
    Ryden, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics.
    Sandgren, Ola
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Hardcastle, Alison J.
    UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
    Golovleva, Irina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biosciences, Medical and Clinical Genetics.
    Mutations in Collagen, Type XVII, Alpha 1 (COL17A1) Cause Epithelial Recurrent Erosion Dystrophy (ERED)2015In: Human Mutation, ISSN 1059-7794, E-ISSN 1098-1004, Vol. 36, no 4, p. 463-473Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Corneal dystrophies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited disorders that bilaterally affect corneal transparency. They are defined according to the corneal layer affected and by their genetic cause. In this study, we identified a dominantly inherited epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy (ERED)-like disease that is common in northern Sweden. Whole-exome sequencing resulted in the identification of a novel mutation, c.2816C>T, p.T939I, in the COL17A1 gene, which encodes collagen type XVII alpha 1. The variant segregated with disease in a genealogically expanded pedigree dating back 200 years. We also investigated a unique COL17A1 synonymous variant, c.3156C>T, identified in a previously reported unrelated dominant ERED-like family linked to a locus on chromosome 10q23-q24 encompassing COL17A1. We show that this variant introduces a cryptic donor site resulting in aberrant pre-mRNA splicing and is highly likely to be pathogenic. Bi-allelic COL17A1 mutations have previously been associated with a recessive skin disorder, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, with recurrent corneal erosions being reported in some cases. Our findings implicate presumed gain-of-function COL17A1 mutations causing dominantly inherited ERED and improve understanding of the underlying pathology.

  • 47.
    Prittinen, Juha
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Zhou, Xin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Bano, Fouzia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Umeå University (WCMM).
    Backman, Ludvig J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Microstructured collagen films for 3D corneal stroma modelling2022In: Connective Tissue Research, ISSN 0300-8207, E-ISSN 1607-8438, Vol. 63, no 5, p. 443-452Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Purpose/aim: Corneal injury is a major cause of impaired vision around the globe. The fine structure of the corneal stroma plays a pivotal role in the phenotype and behavior of the embedded cells during homeostasis and healing after trauma or infection. In order to study healing processes in the cornea, it is important to create culture systems that functionally mimic the natural environment.

    Materials and methods: Collagen solution was vitrified on top of a grated film to achieve thin collagen films with parallel microgrooves. Keratocytes (corneal stromal cells) were cultured on the films either as a single layer or as stacked layers of films and cells. SEM and F-actin staining were used to analyze the pattern transference onto the collagen and the cell orientation on the films. Cell viability was analyzed with MTS and live/dead staining. Keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts were cultured to study the pattern’s effect on phenotype.

    Results: A microstructured collagen film-based culture system that guides keratocytes (stromal cells) to their native, layerwise perpendicular orientation in 3D and that can support fibroblasts and myofibroblasts was created. The films are thin and transparent enough to observe cells at least three layers deep. The cells maintain viability in 2D and 3D cultures and the films can support fibroblast and myofibroblast phenotypes.

    Conclusions: The films provide an easily reproducible stroma model that maintains high cell viability and improves the preservation of the keratocyte phenotype in keratocytes that are differentiated to fibroblasts.

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  • 48.
    Roux, Sandrine Le
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Borbely, Gabor
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Słoniecka, Marta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Backman, Ludvig J
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology.
    Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 Modulates the Functional Expression of the Neurokinin-1 Receptor in Human Keratocytes2016In: Current Eye Research, ISSN 0271-3683, E-ISSN 1460-2202, Vol. 41, no 8, p. 1035-1043Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    PURPOSE: Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a cytokine involved in a variety of processes, such as differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. TGF-β1 has also been shown to delay the internalization of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1 R) after its activation by its ligand, the neuropeptide substance P (SP). NK-1 R comprises two naturally occurring variants, a full-length and a truncated form, triggering different cellular responses. SP has been shown to affect important events in the cornea - such as stimulating epithelial cell proliferation - processes that are involved in corneal wound healing and thus in maintaining the transparency of the corneal stroma. An impaired signaling through NK-1 R could thus impact the visual quality. We hypothesize that TGF-β1 modulates the expression pattern of NK-1 R in human corneal stroma cells, keratocytes. The purpose of this study was to test that hypothesis.

    METHODS: Cultures of primary keratocytes were set up with cells derived from healthy human corneas, obtained from donated transplantation graft leftovers, and characterized by immunocytochemistry and Western blot. Immunocytochemistry for TGF-β receptors and NK-1 R was performed. Gene expression was assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

    RESULTS: Expression of TGF-β receptors was confirmed in keratocytes in vitro. Treating the cells with TGF-β1 significantly reduced the gene expression of NK-1 R. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry for NK-1 R demonstrated that it is specifically the expression of the full-length isotype of the receptor that is reduced after treatment with TGF-β1, which was also confirmed with qPCR using a specific probe for the full-length receptor.

    CONCLUSIONS: TGF-β1 down-regulates the gene expression of the full-length variant of NK-1 R in human keratocytes, which might impact its signaling pathway and thus explain the known delay in internalization after activation by SP seen with TGF-β1 treatment.

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  • 49.
    Scott, A
    et al.
    University of British Columbia, and Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy.
    Abraham, T
    James Hogg Research Centre-St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver;.
    Fong, G
    University of British Columbia, and Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver.
    Sampaio, A V
    University of British Columbia.
    Underhill, T M
    University of British Columbia.
    Mechanical force modulates scleraxis expression in bioartificial tendons2011In: Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions - JMNI, ISSN 1108-7161, Vol. 11, no 2, p. 124-132Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Following tendon injury, cartilage, bone and fat metaplasia are often observed, making the optimization of tenocyte differentiation an important clinical goal. In this study we examined the effect of static and cyclic mechanical loading on the expression of genes which play a role in tenocyte differentiation and function, namely scleraxis (Scx) and Type I collagen (Col1a1), and determined the effect of varying mechanical parameters including (1) static vs dynamic load, (2) increasing strain magnitude, (3) inclusion of 10 s rest periods, and (4) increasing cycle number. Cyclic loading resulted in a greater increase of tenocyte gene expression than static loading over 3 weeks in culture. Increasing strain levels potentiated the induction of tenocyte genes. The insertion of a 10 s rest periods further enhanced tenocyte gene expression, as did increasing repetition numbers. These results suggest that mechanical signaling exerts an important influence on the expression of genes which play a role in determining the tendon phenotype. Further work is required to confirm and extend these findings in primary cells such as resident tendon progenitor/stem cells, in order to provide an improved understanding of biology from which optimized rehabilitation programs can be developed.

  • 50.
    Scott, Alex
    et al.
    University of British Columbia.
    Docking, Sean
    Monash University, Melbourne.
    Vicenzino, Bill
    University of Queensland, Brisbane.
    Alfredson, Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Zwerver, Johannes
    University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Sports Medicine, Groningen.
    Lundgreen, Kirsten
    Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center.
    Finlay, Oliver
    Lee Valley Athletics Centre and Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, London.
    Pollock, Noel
    e and Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, London.
    Cook, Jill L.
    Monash University, Melbourne.
    Fearon, Angela
    University of British Columbia.
    Purdam, Craig R.
    Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra.
    Hoens, Alison
    Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health and Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
    Rees, Jonathan D.
    Goetz, Thomas J.
    University of Queensland, Brisbane.
    Danielson, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB), Anatomy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Sports Medicine.
    Sports and exercise-related tendinopathies: a review of selected topical issues by participants of the second International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium (ISTS) Vancouver 20122013In: British Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0306-3674, E-ISSN 1473-0480, Vol. 47, no 9, p. 536-+Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In September 2010, the first International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium (ISTS) was held in Umea, Sweden, to establish a forum for original scientific and clinical insights in this growing field of clinical research and practice. The second ISTS was organised by the same group and held in Vancouver, Canada, in September 2012. This symposium was preceded by a round-table meeting in which the participants engaged in focused discussions, resulting in the following overview of tendinopathy clinical and research issues. This paper is a narrative review and summary developed during and after the second ISTS. The document is designed to highlight some key issues raised at ISTS 2012, and to integrate them into a shared conceptual framework. It should be considered an update and a signposting document rather than a comprehensive review. The document is developed for use by physiotherapists, physicians, athletic trainers, massage therapists and other health professionals as well as team coaches and strength/conditioning managers involved in care of sportspeople or workers with tendinopathy.

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