The effect of exercise on cytokines: implications for musculoskeletal health: a narrative review

The physiological effects of physical exercise are ubiquitously reported as beneficial to the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Exercise is widely promoted by medical professionals to aid both physical and emotional wellbeing; however, mechanisms through which this is achieved are less well understood. Despite numerous beneficial attributes, certain types of exercise can inflict significant significant physiological stress. Several studies document a key relationship between exercise and immune activation. Activation of the innate immune system occurs in response to exercise and it is proposed this is largely mediated by cytokine signalling. Cytokines are typically classified according to their inflammatory properties and evidence has shown that cytokines expressed in response to exercise are diverse and may act to propagate, modulate or mitigate inflammation in musculoskeletal health. The review summarizes the existing literature on the relationship between exercise and the immune system with emphasis on how exercise-induced cytokine expression modulates inflammation and the immune response.

The Orthopedic Effects of Electronic Cigarettes: A Systematic Review and Pediatric Case Series

Electronic cigarette (EC) use is highly prevalent, especially in the adolescent population, where 29% of Canadian adolescents have used an EC in the past thirty days per national surveys. Our pediatric orthopedic referral centre observed a cluster of delayed unions of bone fractures in adolescents using ECs and present the case series here. We then asked whether electronic cigarettes impair bone healing or influence orthopedic outcomes. A PRISMA-compliant systematic review was carried out, which revealed no human clinical studies and a general paucity of evidence around ECs and musculoskeletal health. The existing experimental evidence relevant to orthopedics is summarized. The effect of ECs on the musculoskeletal system is poorly understood and is a target for further research.

How do we optimally utilize factor concentrates in persons with hemophilia?

The current mainstay of therapy for hemophilia is to replace the deficient clotting factor with the intravenous administration of exogenous clotting factor concentrates. Prophylaxis factor replacement therapy is now considered the standard of care in both pediatric and adult patients with hemophilia with a severe phenotype to protect musculoskeletal health and improve quality of life. Heterogeneity in bleeding presentation among patients with hemophilia due to genetic, environmental, and treatment-related factors has been well described. Accordingly, the World Federation of Hemophilia recommends an individualized prophylaxis regimen that considers the factors mentioned above to meet the clinical needs of the patient, which can vary over time. This review focuses on the practical points of choosing the type of factor concentrate, dose, and interval while evaluating appropriate target trough factor levels and bleeding triggers such as level of physical activity and joint status. We also discuss the use of a pharmacokinetics assessment and its incorporation in the clinic for a tailored approach toward individualized management. Overall, adopting an individualized prophylaxis regimen leads to an optimal utilization of factor concentrates with maximum efficacy and minimum waste.

Digging deeper: exploring chiropractors online claims about non-musculoskeletal disorders

Background Some chiropractors suggest that chiropractic treatment is appropriate for health issues other than musculoskeletal problems. The prevalence of such claims on individual clinic websites has previously been reported as approximately one-in-four in Denmark. The underlying rationales for such claims may reflect convictions about traditional chiropractic subluxations paradigms, but are not self-evident and has not previously been studied. Methods An exploratory qualitative case interview study of Danish chiropractors with websites which contain claims about chiropractic efficacy in the treatment of non-musculoskeletal disorders. Websites were identified from a nation wide random sample (57%) of all chiropractic clinic websites. Results Of the original 139 websites, 36 were identified as mentioning non-MSK conditions. When revisited, 19 of those clinic websites still mentioned non-MSK disorders and were contacted. Eleven (11) declined our invitation to participate. Interviews were conducted with the responsible chiropractor from each of the remaining 8 clinics. Five distinct themes were identified in the rationales for treating non-musculoskeletal disorders: ‘Positive side-effects,’ ‘Experience,’ ‘Web page,’ ‘Communication’ and ‘Conviction.’ Conclusions A minority of Danish chiropractic websites suggest that non-musculoskeletal disorders are within the chiropractic scope of practice. Those that do, do so for varying reasons—poor communication and website maintenance were commonly cited problems. An explicitly stated adherence to traditional chiropractic subluxations concepts was uncommon. By contrast, a more tempered rationale that suggested a potential beneficial side-effect of chiropractic on non-musculoskeletal health issues were more common and was typically presented in softer-language and/or with some reservations.