Deconstruction of cellular dynamics after treatment of volumetric muscle loss injury with extracellular matrix.

ABSTRACT: The acute loss of critical skeletal muscle volume or volumetric muscle loss (VML) results in persistent inflammation, fibrotic scarring, permanent strength deficits and long-term disability. The molecular mechanisms that drive fibrosis following VML injury have primarily been evaluated in rodent models, however, translation of these findings to large animals remains underexplored. Herein, we utilized a canine model of VML and a mesoscopic approach to evaluate how treatment with an extracellular matrix hydrogel impacts the early cellular circuitry regulating inflammation, fibrosis and muscle regeneration. We observed treatment with extracellular matrix dampens inflammation and fibrosis by spatially confining the immune reaction to the superficial surface of the wound. Simultaneously, extrac

SUBMITTER: Giannone AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12480531 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature