Description:

Abstract:

Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of long-term pain and physical disability worldwide, with diagnoses including tendinopathies, nerve compression injuries, muscle and joint disorders. Tissue fibrosis is hypothesized to be a key factor in motor dysfunction, increased discomfort and pain observed in patients with overuse-induced musculoskeletal disorders. We used a unique clinically relevant rodent model developed in the lab in which performance of a high demand reaching and lever-pulling task induces tissue fibrosis in involved forelimb muscles, tendons and nerves; changes paralleled by sensorimotor declines (i.e., mimicking human repetitive strain or motion disorders). We will present data from studies in which we pharmacologically targeted two signaling pathways with the goal of preventing the onset of sensorimotor and fibrotic tissue changes: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and Substance P-Neurokinin, since each have been postulated as increasing collagen production by fibroblasts and tenocytes, respectively. If drugs targeting these pathways are used early, we hypothesized that these drugs would prevent the onset of sensorimotor declines and tissue fibrogenic changes. We also examined if blocking Substance P signaling could reverse already established tissue fibrosis. Data will also be presented examining more conservative treatments of ergonomic task reduction or modeled manual therapy as interventions for overuse-induced musculoskeletal disorders. Strengths and limitations of each intervention will be presented.

Speaker Info:

Dr. Barbe is a Full Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Lewis Katz School of Medicine of Temple University. Dr. Barbe is the Director of the Shared Microscope Imaging Facility and the MicroCT and Imaging Core, and the Co-leader of the Basic Science Core II (Animal models, Behavioral Testing, Pathology and Histology Core) of the Comprehensive NeuroAIDS Center of Temple Medical School. Dr. Barbe has an active research agenda examining underlying mechanisms and treatments for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, as well as methods of reinnervation of the bladder after spinal injury. Her peer-reviewed publications span the fields of musculoskeletal disorders and central nervous system neuroplasticity and regeneration. This work is currently funded by the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke divisions.