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 - B2013
Cranial nerves XIII and XIV: nerves in the shadows
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierThis narrative review discusses two often-overlooked cranial nerves: the terminal nerve (XIII) and the intermediate nerve (XIV). The authors note that while these nerves have been known for over a century, they are freq…
cranial nervefacial nervetrigeminal systemTolosa-Hunt syndrome - 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
Molecular assembly and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix: A fibrous protein perspective
Lisa D Muiznieks, Fred W KeeleyThis review article examines the extracellular matrix (ECM), the dynamic network of molecules surrounding our cells. The authors focus on fibrous proteins like collagen and elastin, which form the structural backbone of…
fasciaextracellular matrixcollageneastinself-assembly - A2013
Purine receptor mediated actin cytoskeleton remodeling of human fibroblasts
Nanna Goldman, Devin Chandler-Militello, Helene Langevin, Maiken Nedergaard, Takahiro TakanoThis laboratory study investigated how certain molecules, called purines, affect human fibroblast cells. Previous research has shown that acupuncture can trigger the release of purines like ATP. The researchers exposed…
fasciacytoskeletonacupunctureFibroblastscalcium signaling - 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 - 1A+2013
Fascial Components of the Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Antonio Stecco, M Gesi, Carla Stecco, R SternMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS) involves muscle pain and other symptoms linked to trigger points, but the role of fascia is often overlooked. This review summarizes recent research into the biology of fascia to better un…
fasciaHyaluronic aciddensificationMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS)Myofascial trigger - A2013
The Primo Vascular System as a New Anatomical System
Miroslav Stefanov, Michael Potroz, Jungdae Kim, Jake Lim, Richard Cha, Min-Ho NamThis review paper proposes the existence of a "primo vascular system" (PVS) as the physical, anatomical basis for the meridian system of traditional Eastern medicine. According to the authors, this previously unknown sy…
fasciaEvolutioncirculatory systemnew morphologicalfunctional theory - A2013
Telocytes: ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and electrophysiological characteristics in human myometrium
Sanda M Cretoiu, Dragos Cretoiu, Adela Marin, Beatrice Mihaela Radu, Laurentiu M PopescuThis study identifies a specific cell type, telocytes, within the muscular wall of both the pregnant and non-pregnant human uterus. Researchers found that these cells have a different structure depending on whether the…
telocytesuterine - 1A+2013
History of Bioelectrical Study and the Electrophysiology of the Primo Vascular System
Sang Hyun Park, Eung Hwi Kim, Ho Jong Chang, Seung Zhoo Yoon, Ji Woong Yoon, Seong-Jin Cho, Yeon-Hee RyuThis review paper summarizes the history of research on the bioelectrical properties of the primo vascular system (PVS), also known as the Bonghan system. This system has been proposed as a novel circulatory system in t…
primo vascular systemelectrophysiologybioelectrical signals - 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