Cellular senescence links muscle atrophy and posttraumatic osteoarthritis after ACL injury
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and disability are consequences of ACL injury, but the cellular effectors that facilitate this process are unknown. Our findings demonstrate increased senescent macrophage burden in the muscle and knee joint in a preclinical ACL injury model, as well as in patients who predict poor muscle quality and weakness. We provide evidence that treatment with senolytics is an effective strategy to improve tissue quality and function and mitigate PTOA severity.
Source: Function
Authors: Alexander R. Keeble, Allison M. Owen, Sara Gonzalez-Velez, Nicholas T. Thomas, Camille R. Brightwell, Peyton J. Balawender, Madeline G. O’Daniel, Helena C. Weiss, Haley Noehren, Heather Thompson, Karen Sofia Zuluaga-Osorio, Zane T. Bates, Lauren Gottlieb, Douglas E. Long, Douglas A. Harrison, Philip A. Kern, Caitlin E. Conley, Michael A. Samaan, Stephen T. Duncan, Austin V. Stone, Darren L. Johnson, Yuan Wen, Brian Noehren, Cory M. Dungan, Christopher S. Fry
Institutions: University of Kentucky, Baylor University
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
Awards: G2917140974, Mechanistic Assessment of NMES to Rescue Localized Neuromuscular Disruption after ACL Injury, Myostatin Alters Muscle Composition as The Result of an ACL Injury, G9000266038, Quantifying the Mechanism and Impact of Hip Extensor Muscle Dysfunction During Aerobic Exercise in Hip Osteoarthritis, Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science
OpenAlex ID: W7165881406