Effect of shock waves on macrophages: A possible role in tissue regeneration and remodeling.
BACKGROUND
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is broadly used as a non-surgical therapy in various diseases for its pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the molecular mechanisms translating tissue exposure to shock waves (SW) in a biological response with potential therapeutic activity are largely unknown. As macrophages take part in both the onset and amplification of the inflammatory response, and well in its resolution, we investigated the effect of SW on their biology.


METHODS
Human monocyte-derived macrophages were polarized to classic (M1) pro-inflammatory macrophages or alternative (M2) anti-inflammatory macrophages and exposed to SW ad different intensities. Expression levels of marker genes of macrophage activation were measured by qPCR at different time points.


RESULTS
SW did not induce activation of resting macrophages at any energy level used. Conversely, when used at low energy SW caused a significant inhibition of some M1 marker genes (CD80, COX2, CCL5) in M1 macrophages and a significant synergistic effect for some M2 marker genes (ALOX15, MRC1, CCL18) in M2 macrophages. SW also affected cytokine and chemokine production, inducing in particular a significant increase in IL-10 and reduction in IL-1β production.


CONCLUSIONS
Macrophage exposure to low energy SW dampens the induction of the pro-inflammatory profile characterizing M1 macrophages and promotes the acquisition of an anti-inflammatory profile synergizing with macrophage alternative activation.
Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Naths Grazia
NG
Sukubo
ESW Therapy & Research Center, Rehabilitation Department, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
Elisabetta
E
Tibalt
ESW Therapy & Research Center, Rehabilitation Department, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
Stefano
S
Respizzi
Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Massimo
M
Locati
ESW Therapy & Research Center, Rehabilitation Department, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy. Electronic address: cristina.d'agostino@humanitas.it.
M Cristina
MC
d'Agostino
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*
D016207:Cytokines
ALOX15; Inflammation; Macrophages; Shock waves