FIGURE 3.

Inputs into the positive feedback loop of fascial armoring (fascial rigidity and biotensegrity tension). Fibroblasts, adipocytes, and other cell-types can differentiate to myofibroblasts. Empirical studies show various factors influence fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and α-SMA synthesis, such as: immobility, infection/inflammation, diet, herbicides, drugs, epi/genetics, etc. (6). Once myofibroblasts activity is initiated, a positive feedback loop can stimulate and maintain fascial armoring (i.e., lead to a chronic fascial bio-tensegrity pathology driven by a myo/fibroblast network of contracting cells in connective tissue). Open arrows with a plus sign indicate upregulation/stimulation. TGF-β, transforming growth factor beta; α-SMA, alpha smooth muscle actin.