Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious readers.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Researchers behind the studies- A2013
Hyaluronan: A Simple Polysaccharide with Diverse Biological Functions
Kevin T Dicker, Lisa A Gurski, Swati Pradhan-Bhatt, Robert L Witt, Mary C Farach-Carson, Xinqiao JiaThis review paper describes hyaluronan (HA), a simple sugar molecule found abundantly throughout the body's connective tissues. Despite its simple structure, HA has a surprising array of biological functions. It helps o…
hyaluronanfasciawound healingsynthasehyaluronidase - A2013
Histological examination of the human obliquus capitis inferior myodural bridge
Matthew E Pontella, Frank Scali, Dennis E Enix, Patrick J Battaglia, Ewarld MarshallThis cadaver study examined the connection between a deep neck muscle, the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI), and the dura mater, the tough outer layer covering the spinal cord. Researchers dissected tissue from eight cad…
fasciacervical spineMyodural Bridgeobliquus capitis inferiordura - B2013
CCN2: a mechanosignaling sensor modulating integrin-dependent connective tissue remodeling in fibroblasts?
Andrew LeaskMechanical tension is essential for the function and health of connective tissue. In skin fibroblasts, the protein integrin β1 plays a key role in adhesion and in regulating healing and fibrosis (scarring). This theoret…
fibrosismechanotransductionIntegrinsCCN2CTGF - A2013
Primo Vascular System: Past, Present, and Future
Byung-Cheon Lee, Walter J Akers, Xianghong Jing, M Isabel Miguel Perez, Yeonhee RyuAs only the title of this article was available, this summary is necessarily limited. The title, "Primo Vascular System: Past, Present, and Future," suggests this is a review article. It likely covers the history of the…
fasciaprimo vascular systemeditorial - 1A+2013
Stress and Matrix-Responsive Cytoskeletal Remodeling in Fibroblasts
R D Abbott, C Koptiuch, J C Iatridis, A K Howe, G J Badger, H M LangevinIn loose connective tissue, fibroblasts change shape in response to static stretch, which helps the tissue relax. This study investigated whether this response depends on the cell itself or its surrounding environment,…
Fibroblasts; cytoskeleton; dense connective tissue; areolar connective tissue; mechanotransduction - A2013
Applications and Emerging Trends of Hyaluronic Acid in Tissue Engineering, as a Dermal Filler, and in Osteoarthritis Treatment
Amir Fakhari, Cory BerklandThis narrative review summarizes knowledge about hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring polymer found in the body's connective tissues and fluids. The authors describe how HA contributes to the structural propertie…
fasciaHyaluronic acidcrosslinkingdermal fillerviscosupplement - C2013
Heparan sulfate proteoglycan as a cell-surface endocytosis receptor
Helena C Christianson, Mattias BeltingIn this review, the authors discuss how large molecules enter the body's cells. They focus on heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), a type of molecule on the cell surface that acts as a receptor or docking station. Man…
GlycosaminoglycanExosomesDrug deliveryMacromoleculesMembrane transport - A2013
Visceral and Somatic Disorders: Tissue Softening with Frequency-Specific Microcurrent
Carolyn R McMakin, James L OschmanThis review article explores a technique called Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM), which uses microampere-level electrical currents to treat various health conditions. A consistent finding is a rapid and palpable so…
fasciafrequency-specific microcurrentvisceral diseasesomatic disease - A2013
Cellular Control of Connective Tissue Matrix Tension
H M Langevin, M Nedergaard, A HoweThis review article explores how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, actively help regulate tissue tension. Traditionally, the mechanical properties of connective tissue have been attributed to its passive…
Connective tissuefibroblastmechanicalatpcytoskeleton - A2013
Fascia Research Congress Evidence from the 100 year perspective of Andrew Taylor Still
Thomas W Findley, Mona ShalwalaThis review paper examines research from the first three International Fascia Research Congresses through the perspective of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine. Over a century ago, Still described…
fasciaextracellular matrixfibroblastOsteopathic medicinefascia anatomy - A+++2013
The 17-β-oestradiol inhibits osteoclast activity by increasing the cannabinoid CB2 receptor expression
Francesca Rossi, Giulia Bellini, Livio Luongo, Silvia Mancusi, Marco Torella, Chiara Tortora, Iolanda Manzo, Francesca…This in vitro study investigated how 17-β-oestradiol (estrogen) affects osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. The researchers found that estrogen inhibits the formation and activity of these cells by i…
cannabinoidsosteoporosis - 1A+2013
Cytoskeletal remodeling of connective tissue fibroblasts in response to static stretch is dependent on matrix material properties
R D Abbott, C Koptiuch, J C Iatridis, A K Howe, G J Badger, H M LangevinThis study investigated how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, change shape in response to static stretching. Researchers compared fibroblasts in loose (areolar) and dense connective tissues, as well as ce…
Fibroblasts; cytoskeleton; dense connective tissue; areolar connective tissue; mechanotransduction