Researchers at the University of Texas San Antonio are developing a nanoparticle-based therapy designed to address irreversible muscle degeneration that often follows rotator cuff tears.
The project received a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and is being led by Hugo Giambini, PhD, and Maria Gonzalez Porras, PhD. The team aims to improve muscle regeneration after tendon repair by targeting fatty infiltration, a condition in which muscle tissue is replaced by fat and loses function, according to a June 24 university news release.
The approach uses nanoparticles to convert energy-storing white fat into metabolically active beige fat within injured muscle. Researchers believe the process could reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair and improve recovery after rotator cuff surgery.
The nanoparticles are injected directly into muscle and gradually release therapeutic compounds over time. The delivery method is designed to limit the need for repeated injections while reducing the risk of systemic side effects.
The five-year project aims to evaluate whether the therapy can restore muscle strength and function after rotator cuff injuries. The underlying nanoparticle platform could be adapted for other conditions marked by muscle atrophy and fibrosis, including chronic injuries and certain cancers, according to the release.
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