Effect of tibiotarsal joint inflammation on gene expression and cross-sectional area in rat soleus muscle

Abstract

Acute joint inflammation induces gene expression related to the proteolytic pathway without reduction in muscle fiber CSA. Chronic joint inflammation induced muscle atrophy without up-regulation of important genes belonging to the proteolytic pathway. Thus, muscle adaptation may differ according to the stage of joint inflammation, which suggests that the therapeutic modalities used by physical therapists at each stage should also be different.