Skip to main content
Key Specialties
Cardiology Diabetology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics and Gerontology Gynecology and Obstetrics Hematology Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology Pediatrics Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology Surgery
Congress Coverage
2024 ACC Congress 2023 ESMO Congress 2023 EASD Congress 2023 ERS Congress 2023 ESC Congress
Clinical Collections
Advances in Alzheimer’s

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.
ADVANCED SEARCH
Log in
Top
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research article

Aging enhances serum cytokine response but not task-induced grip strength declines in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Authors: Dong L Xin, Michelle Y Harris, Christine K Wade, Mamta Amin, Ann E Barr, Mary F Barbe

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2011

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

We previously reported early tissue injury, increased serum and tissue inflammatory cytokines and decreased grip in young rats performing a moderate demand repetitive task. The tissue cytokine response was transient, the serum response and decreased grip were still evident by 8 weeks. Thus, here, we examined their levels at 12 weeks in young rats. Since aging is known to enhance serum cytokine levels, we also examined aged rats.

Methods

Aged and young rats, 14 mo and 2.5 mo of age at onset, respectfully, were trained 15 min/day for 4 weeks, and then performed a high repetition, low force (HRLF) reaching and grasping task for 2 hours/day, for 12 weeks. Serum was assayed for 6 cytokines: IL-1alpha, IL-6, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, MIP2, IL-10. Grip strength was assayed, since we have previously shown an inverse correlation between grip strength and serum inflammatory cytokines. Results were compared to naïve (grip), and normal, food-restricted and trained-only controls.

Results

Serum cytokines were higher overall in aged than young rats, with increases in IL-1alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-6 in aged Trained and 12-week HRLF rats, compared to young Trained and HRLF rats (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively, each). IL-6 was also increased in aged 12-week HRLF versus aged normal controls (p < 0.05). Serum IFN-gamma and MIP2 levels were also increased in young 6-week HRLF rats, but no cytokines were above baseline levels in young 12-week HRLF rats. Grip strength declined in both young and aged 12-week HRLF rats, compared to naïve and normal controls (p < 0.05 each), but these declines correlated only with IL-6 levels in aged rats (r = -0.39).

Conclusion

Aging enhanced a serum cytokine response in general, a response that was even greater with repetitive task performance. Grip strength was adversely affected by task performance in both age groups, but was apparently influenced by factors other than serum cytokine levels in young rats.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
2.
3.
Ratzlaff CR, Gillies JH, Koehoorn MW: Work-related repetitive strain injury and leisure-time physical activity. Arthritis Rheum. 2007, 57 (3): 495-500. 10.1002/art.22610.CrossRefPubMed
4.
5.
Gerr F, Marcus M, Ensor C, Kleinbaum D, Cohen S, Edwards A, Gentry E, Ortiz DJ, Monteilh C: A prospective study of computer users: I. Study design and incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders. Am J Ind Med. 2002, 41 (4): 221-235. 10.1002/ajim.10066.CrossRefPubMed
6.
Zambelis T, Tsivgoulis G, Karandreas N: Carpal tunnel syndrome: associations between risk factors and laterality. Eur Neurol. 2010, 63 (1): 43-47. 10.1159/000268165.CrossRefPubMed
7.
8.
9.
10.
Carp SJ, Barbe MF, Winter KA, Amin M, Barr AE: Inflammatory biomarkers increase with severity of upper-extremity overuse disorders. Clin Sci (Lond). 2007, 112 (5): 305-314. 10.1042/CS20060050.CrossRef
11.
Al-Shatti T, Barr AE, Safadi FF, Amin M, Barbe MF: Increase in inflammatory cytokines in median nerves in a rat model of repetitive motion injury. J Neuroimmunol. 2005, 167 (1-2): 13-22. 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.06.013.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
12.
Barbe MF, Barr AE, Gorzelany I, Amin M, Gaughan JP, Safadi FF: Chronic repetitive reaching and grasping results in decreased motor performance and widespread tissue responses in a rat model of MSD. J Orthop Res. 2003, 21 (1): 167-176. 10.1016/S0736-0266(02)00086-4.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
13.
Barbe MF, Elliott MB, Abdelmagid SM, Amin M, Popoff SN, Safadi FF, Barr AE: Serum and tissue cytokines and chemokines increase with repetitive upper extremity tasks. J Orthop Res. 2008, 26 (10): 1320-1326. 10.1002/jor.20674.CrossRefPubMed
14.
Barr AE, Safadi FF, Gorzelany I, Amin M, Popoff SN, Barbe MF: Repetitive, negligible force reaching in rats induces pathological overloading of upper extremity bones. J Bone Miner Res. 2003, 18 (11): 2023-2032. 10.1359/jbmr.2003.18.11.2023.CrossRefPubMed
15.
Clark BD, Al-Shatti TA, Barr AE, Amin M, Barbe MF: Performance of a high-repetition, high-force task induces carpal tunnel syndrome in rats. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004, 34 (5): 244-253.CrossRefPubMed
16.
Clark BD, Barr AE, Safadi FF, Beitman L, Al-Shatti T, Amin M, Gaughan JP, Barbe MF: Median nerve trauma in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorder. J Neurotrauma. 2003, 20 (7): 681-695. 10.1089/089771503322144590.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
17.
Elliott MB, Barr AE, Barbe MF: Spinal substance P and neurokinin-1 increase with high repetition reaching. Neurosci Lett. 2009, 454 (1): 33-37. 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.01.037.CrossRefPubMed
18.
Elliott MB, Barr AE, Clark BD, Amin M, Amin S, Barbe MF: High force reaching task induces widespread inflammation, increased spinal cord neurochemicals and neuropathic pain. Neuroscience. 2009, 158 (2): 922-931. 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.10.050.CrossRefPubMed
19.
Elliott MB, Barr AE, Clark BD, Wade CK, Barbe MF: Performance of a repetitive task by aged rats leads to median neuropathy and spinal cord inflammation with associated sensorimotor declines. Neuroscience. 2010, 170 (3): 929-941. 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.07.041.CrossRefPubMed
20.
Elliott MB, Barr AE, Kietrys DM, Al-Shatti T, Amin M, Barbe MF: Peripheral neuritis and increased spinal cord neurochemicals are induced in a model of repetitive motion injury with low force and repetition exposure. Brain Res. 2008, 1218: 103-113. 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.04.029.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
21.
Fedorczyk JM, Barr AE, Rani S, Gao HG, Amin M, Amin S, Litvin J, Barbe MF: Exposure-dependent increases in IL-1beta, substance P, CTGF, and tendinosis in flexor digitorum tendons with upper extremity repetitive strain injury. J Orthop Res. 2010, 28 (3): 298-307.PubMedPubMedCentral
22.
Rani S, Barbe MF, Barr AE, Litivn J: Role of TNF alpha and PLF in bone remodeling in a rat model of repetitive reaching and grasping. J Cell Physiol. 2010, 225 (1): 152-167. 10.1002/jcp.22208.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
23.
Rani S, Barbe MF, Barr AE, Litvin J: Periostin-like-factor and Periostin in an animal model of work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Bone. 2009, 44 (3): 502-512. 10.1016/j.bone.2008.11.012.CrossRefPubMed
24.
Rani S, Barbe MF, Barr AE, Litvin J: Induction of periostin-like factor and periostin in forearm muscle, tendon, and nerve in an animal model of work-related musculoskeletal disorder. J Histochem Cytochem. 2009, 57 (11): 1061-1073. 10.1369/jhc.2009.954081.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
25.
Coq JO, Barr AE, Strata F, Russier M, Kietrys DM, Merzenich MM, Byl NN, Barbe MF: Peripheral and central changes combine to induce motor behavioral deficits in a moderate repetition task. Exp Neurol. 2009, 220 (2): 234-245. 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.08.008.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
26.
Carp SJ, Barr AE, Barbe MF: Serum biomarkers as signals for risk and severity of work-related musculoskeletal injury. Biomark Med. 2008, 2 (1): 67-79. 10.2217/17520363.2.1.67.CrossRefPubMed
27.
Marcus M, Gerr F, Monteilh C, Ortiz DJ, Gentry E, Cohen S, Edwards A, Ensor C, Kleinbaum D: A prospective study of computer users: II. Postural risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders. Am J Ind Med. 2002, 41 (4): 236-249. 10.1002/ajim.10067.CrossRefPubMed
28.
Ershler WB, Keller ET: Age-associated increased interleukin-6 gene expression, late-life diseases, and frailty. Annu Rev Med. 2000, 51: 245-270. 10.1146/annurev.med.51.1.245.CrossRefPubMed
29.
Foster KD, Conn CA, Kluger MJ: Fever, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-6 in young, mature, and aged Fischer 344 rats. Am J Physiol. 1992, 262 (2 Pt 2): R211-215.PubMed
30.
Stowe RP, Peek MK, Cutchin MP, Goodwin JS: Plasma cytokine levels in a population-based study: relation to age and ethnicity. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2010, 65 (4): 429-433. 10.1093/gerona/glp198.CrossRefPubMed
31.
Orjalo AV, Bhaumik D, Gengler BK, Scott GK, Campisi J: Cell surface-bound IL-1alpha is an upstream regulator of the senescence-associated IL-6/IL-8 cytokine network. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2009, 106 (40): 17031-17036. 10.1073/pnas.0905299106.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
32.
Singh T, Newman AB: Inflammatory markers in population studies of aging. Ageing Res Rev. 2010
33.
Daynes RA, Araneo BA, Ershler WB, Maloney C, Li GZ, Ryu SY: Altered regulation of IL-6 production with normal aging. Possible linkage to the age-associated decline in dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfated derivative. J Immunol. 1993, 150 (12): 5219-5230.PubMed
34.
35.
Barger JL, Walford RL, Weindruch R: The retardation of aging by caloric restriction: its significance in the transgenic era. Exp Gerontol. 2003, 38 (11-12): 1343-1351. 10.1016/j.exger.2003.10.017.CrossRefPubMed
36.
Walford RL, Harris SB, Weindruch R: Dietary restriction and aging: historical phases, mechanisms and current directions. J Nutr. 1987, 117 (10): 1650-1654.PubMed
37.
Ingram DK, Weindruch R, Spangler EL, Freeman JR, Walford RL: Dietary restriction benefits learning and motor performance of aged mice. J Gerontol. 1987, 42 (1): 78-81.CrossRefPubMed
38.
Peterson PK, Chao CC, Carson P, Hu S, Nichol K, Janoff EN: Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, and transforming growth factor beta are normal in the serum of the healthy elderly. Clin Infect Dis. 1994, 19 (6): 1158-1159. 10.1093/clinids/19.6.1158.CrossRefPubMed
39.
Bandres E, Merino J, Vazquez B, Inoges S, Moreno C, Subira ML, Sanchez-Ibarrola A: The increase of IFN-gamma production through aging correlates with the expanded CD8(+high)CD28(-)CD57(+) subpopulation. Clin Immunol. 2000, 96 (3): 230-235. 10.1006/clim.2000.4894.CrossRefPubMed
40.
Belmin J, Bernard C, Corman B, Merval R, Esposito B, Tedgui A: Increased production of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 by arterial wall of aged rats. Am J Physiol. 1995, 268 (6 Pt 2): H2288-2293.PubMed
41.
Fagiolo U, Cossarizza A, Scala E, Fanales-Belasio E, Ortolani C, Cozzi E, Monti D, Franceschi C, Paganelli R: Increased cytokine production in mononuclear cells of healthy elderly people. Eur J Immunol. 1993, 23 (9): 2375-2378. 10.1002/eji.1830230950.CrossRefPubMed
42.
Giuliani N, Sansoni P, Girasole G, Vescovini R, Passeri G, Passeri M, Pedrazzoni M: Serum interleukin-6, soluble interleukin-6 receptor and soluble gp130 exhibit different patterns of age- and menopause-related changes. Exp Gerontol. 2001, 36 (3): 547-557. 10.1016/S0531-5565(00)00220-5.CrossRefPubMed
43.
Hager K, Machein U, Krieger S, Platt D, Seefried G, Bauer J: Interleukin-6 and selected plasma proteins in healthy persons of different ages. Neurobiol Aging. 1994, 15 (6): 771-772. 10.1016/0197-4580(94)90066-3.CrossRefPubMed
44.
Hager K, Seefried G, Felicetti M, Platt D: Plasma fibrinogen - are there age-dependent changes?. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1994, 19 (Suppl 1): 99-106. 10.1016/S0167-4943(05)80054-8.CrossRefPubMed
45.
Roubenoff R, Parise H, Payette HA, Abad LW, D'Agostino R, Jacques PF, Wilson PW, Dinarello CA, Harris TB: Cytokines, insulin-like growth factor 1, sarcopenia, and mortality in very old community-dwelling men and women: the Framingham Heart Study. Am J Med. 2003, 115 (6): 429-435. 10.1016/j.amjmed.2003.05.001.CrossRefPubMed
46.
Sommerich CM, Lavender SA, Buford JA, JB J, Korkmaz SV, Pease WS: Towards development of a nonhuman primate model of carpal tunnel syndrome: performance of a voluntary, repetitive pinching task induces median mononeuropathy in Macaca fascicularis. J Orthop Res. 2007, 25 (6): 713-724. 10.1002/jor.20363.CrossRefPubMed
47.
Freeland AE, Tucci MA, Barbieri RA, Angel MF, Nick TG: Biochemical evaluation of serum and flexor tenosynovium in carpal tunnel syndrome. Microsurgery. 2002, 22 (8): 378-385. 10.1002/micr.10065.CrossRefPubMed
48.
Barbieri M, Ferrucci L, Ragno E, Corsi A, Bandinelli S, Bonafe M, Olivieri F, Giovagnetti S, Franceschi C, Guralnik JM: Chronic inflammation and the effect of IGF-I on muscle strength and power in older persons. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2003, 284 (3): E481-487.CrossRefPubMed
49.
Anstey KJ, Smith GA, Lord S: Test-retest reliability of a battery of sensory motor and physiological measures of aging. Percept Mot Skills. 1997, 84 (3 Pt 1): 831-834.CrossRefPubMed
50.
Anstey KJ, Smith GA: Interrelationships among biological markers of aging, health, activity, acculturation, and cognitive performance in late adulthood. Psychol Aging. 1999, 14 (4): 605-618. 10.1037/0882-7974.14.4.605.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Aging enhances serum cytokine response but not task-induced grip strength declines in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Authors
Dong L Xin
Michelle Y Harris
Christine K Wade
Mamta Amin
Ann E Barr
Mary F Barbe
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-63

Other articles of this Issue 1/2011

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2011 Go to the issue

Research article

The impact of sagittal balance on clinical results after posterior interbody fusion for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis: A Pilot study

Research article

Evaluating the health and economic impact of osteoarthritis pain in the workforce: results from the National Health and Wellness Survey

Study protocol

Specific treatment of problems of the spine (STOPS): design of a randomised controlled trial comparing specific physiotherapy versus advice for people with subacute low back disorders

Research article

Development of a risk score for low back pain in office workers - a cross-sectional study

Research article

Alumina-on-alumina total hip replacement for femoral neck fracture in healthy patients

Research article

Back pain outcomes in primary care following a practice improvement intervention:- a prospective cohort study