The role of muscle in the susceptibility and progression of axial Spondyloarthritis: The MyoSpA study protocol

A. M. Sardoo*, A. Neto, R. Pinheiro Torres, S. Rodrigues-Manica, L. Domingues, C. Lage Crespo, J. Lagoas-Gomes, V. Mascarenhas, C. S. Mendes, A. Galzerano, S. Fernandes de Almeida, A. Sepriano, S. Ramiro, A. T. Masi, K. Nair, J. Costa, B. M. Alexandre, T. Vassilevskaia, C. V. Cunha, D. SobralJ. C. Branco, P. Gomes-Alves, F. M. Pimentel-Santos

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease that affectsthe axial skeleton, causing pain, stiffness, and fatigue.Genetics and environmental factors such as microbiotaand microtrauma are known causes of disease susceptibilityand progression. Murine models of axSpAfound a decisive role for biomechanical stress as an inducerof enthesitis and new bone formation. Here, wehypothesize that muscle properties in axSpA patientsare compromised and influenced by genetic background.Objectives: To improve our current knowledge of axSpAphysiopathology, we aim to characterize axial andperipheral muscle properties and identify genetic andprotein biomarker that might explain such properties.Methods: A cross-sectional study will be conducted on48 participants aged 18-50 years old, involving patientswith axSpA (according to ASAS classification criteria, symptoms duration < 10 years) and healthy controlsmatched by gender, age, and levels of physical activity.We will collect epidemiological and clinical data andperform a detailed, whole body and segmental, myofascialcharacterization (focusing on multifidus, brachioradialisand the gastrocnemius lateralis) concerning:a) Physical Properties (stiffness, tone and elasticity),assessed by MyotonPRO®; b) Strength, by a dynamometer;c) Mass, by bioimpedance; d) Performancethrough gait speed and 60-second sit-to-stand test; e)Histological and cellular/ molecular characterizationthrough ultrasound-guided biopsies of multifidus muscle;f) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) characterizationof paravertebral muscles. Furthermore, we willperform an integrated transcriptomics and proteomicsanalysis of peripheral blood samples.Discussion: The innovative and multidisciplinary approachesof this project rely on the elucidation of myofascialphysical properties in axSpA and also on the establishmentof a biological signature that relates tospecific muscle properties.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)342-349
Number of pages8
JournalActa Reumatologica Portuguesa
Volume46
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biomarkers
  • Muscle
  • Precision medicine
  • Spondyloarthritis

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