Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Musculoskeletal and Other Tissue Injuries and Disruptions—Regenerative Potential of Exercise

A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Tissues and Organs".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 2665

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Physiology and Biochemistry Department, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: biology; biochemistry and physiology of exercise; exercise and performance; exercise monitoring; physical activity assessment; exercise benefits; physiological adaptation; adipose tissue; adipokines; myokines; BDNF; irisin; neuroplasticity
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Guest Editor
1. School of Sports and Leisure, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
2. Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology—SPRINT, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
3. The Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: motor control; youth sports performance; cognitive performance in sports
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Post-Graduation Program of Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
Interests: neuroplasticity; BDNF; metabolism; memory; cognition; exercise physiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Regular physical exercise improves quality of life, reduces fatigue, positively influences the functional state of body tissues, improves mood, and has a beneficial effect on emotions. It is widely recommended as a basic strategy for the treatment and prevention of many diseases consequent from a bad lifestyle. Exercise exerts a protective and regulatory effect on various metabolic processes, activating adaptive mechanisms based on the regulation of tissue plasticity processes, including the regulation of intracellular pathways. However, it should be applied judiciously and systematically, as inappropriate loads of exercise can cause adverse consequences, including muscle damage, as well as transient damage to other tissues. If the body’s capability of regeneration is exceeded as a result of exercising heavily and frequently without sufficient rest breaks, an overload in the adaptative mechanisms can occur, which can result in the depletion of energy resources, slowing of regeneration, immune dysfunction, frequent infections, chronic fatigue, appetite disorders, sleep disorders, personality changes, etc. The molecular mechanisms involved in these disorders vary depending on the type of tissue/body, and the intensity, duration and type of exercise, as well as individual predisposition.

The benefits of engaging in exercise, however, cannot be underestimated. Its health potential is recognized and exploited in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases, as the cross-talk between muscles and other tissues promotes the stimulation of the secretion of substances with regulatory, regenerative, or anti-inflammatory potential.

We will accept manuscripts from different research areas connected with the benefits, pros, and cons of exercise in athletes and in chronic disease, with special emphasis on the biological mechanisms of the changes observed.

Dr. Eugenia Murawska-Ciałowicz
Dr. Ana Filipa Silva
Dr. Gilmara Gomes De Assis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • tissue injury
  • tissue regeneration
  • growth factors
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress
  • metabolic stress
  • myokines
  • adipokines
  • neurokines
  • hypertrophy
  • biochemical pathways
  • skeletal muscles
  • liver/hepatic regeneration
  • brain/neuroplasticity
  • adipose tissue
  • varia

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

23 pages, 398 KiB  
Review
The Genetic Basis of Non-Contact Soft Tissue Injuries-Are There Practical Applications of Genetic Knowledge?
by Beata Borzemska, Paweł Cięszczyk and Cezary Żekanowski
Cells 2024, 13(22), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13221828 - 5 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Physical activity increases the risk of non-contact injuries, mainly affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Genetic factors are recognized as contributing to susceptibility to different types of soft tissue injuries, making this broad condition a complicated multifactorial entity. Understanding genetic predisposition seems to offer [...] Read more.
Physical activity increases the risk of non-contact injuries, mainly affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Genetic factors are recognized as contributing to susceptibility to different types of soft tissue injuries, making this broad condition a complicated multifactorial entity. Understanding genetic predisposition seems to offer the potential for personalized injury prevention and improved recovery strategies. The candidate gene analysis approach used so far, has often yielded inconclusive results. This manuscript reviews the most commonly studied genetic variants in genes involved in the musculoskeletal system’s structure and recovery processes (ACTN3, ACE, CKM, MLCK, AMPD1, IGF2, IL6, TNFα, CCL2, COL1A1, COL5A1, MMP3, and TNC). Referring to the literature, it was highlighted that single-gene analyses provide limited insight. On the other hand, novel genetic testing methods identify numerous variants of uncertain physiological relevance. Distinguishing between functionally important variants, modifying variants, and the thousands of irrelevant variants requires advanced bioinformatics methods and basic multiomics research to identify the key biological pathways contributing to injury susceptibility. Tools like the Total Genotype Score (TGS) and Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) offer a more holistic view by assessing the combined effect of multiple variants. However, these methods, while useful in research, lack clinical applicability. In conclusion, it is too early to determine the clinical implications of genetic variability as a tool for improving well-established training and injury prevention methods, as the predictive power of genetic testing for injury predisposition is currently low. Full article
26 pages, 1216 KiB  
Review
BDNF Modulation by microRNAs: An Update on the Experimental Evidence
by Gilmara Gomes De Assis and Eugenia Murawska-Ciałowicz
Cells 2024, 13(10), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13100880 - 20 May 2024
Viewed by 1310
Abstract
MicroRNAs can interfere with protein function by suppressing their messenger RNA translation or the synthesis of its related factors. The function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential to the proper formation and function of the nervous system and is seen to be [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs can interfere with protein function by suppressing their messenger RNA translation or the synthesis of its related factors. The function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential to the proper formation and function of the nervous system and is seen to be regulated by many microRNAs. However, understanding how microRNAs influence BDNF actions within cells requires a wider comprehension of their integrative regulatory mechanisms. Aim: In this literature review, we have synthesized the evidence of microRNA regulation on BDNF in cells and tissues, and provided an analytical discussion about direct and indirect mechanisms that appeared to be involved in BDNF regulation by microRNAs. Methods: Searches were conducted on PubMed.gov using the terms “BDNF” AND “MicroRNA” and “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” AND “MicroRNA”, updated on 1 September 2023. Papers without open access were requested from the authors. One hundred and seventy-one papers were included for review and discussion. Results and Discussion: The local regulation of BDNF by microRNAs involves a complex interaction between a series of microRNAs with target proteins that can either inhibit or enhance BDNF expression, at the core of cell metabolism. Therefore, understanding this homeostatic balance provides resources for the future development of vector-delivery-based therapies for the neuroprotective effects of BDNF. Full article
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: To be determined
Authors: Beata Borzemska; Cezary Żekanowski; Paweł Cięszczyk; Eugenia Murawska-Ciałowicz
Affiliation: 1. Beata Borzemska - Department of Neurogenetics and Functional Genomics, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 2. Cezary Żekanowski - Department of Neurogenetics and Functional Genomics, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport 3. Paweł Cięszczyk - Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Górskiego 1 Street, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland. 4. Eugenia Murawska-Ciałowicz - Physiology and Biochemistry Department, University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland."
Abstract: To be determined

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