Amelioration of ischemia-reperfusion-induced muscle injury by the recombinant human MG53 protein.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (I-R) in skeletal muscle requires timely treatment. METHODS: Rodent models of I-R injury were used to test the efficacy of recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein for protecting skeletal muscle. RESULTS: In a mouse I-R injury model, we found that mg53,-/- mice are more susceptible to I-R injury. rhMG53 applied intravenously to the wild-type mice protected I-R injured muscle, as demonstrated by reduced CK release and Evans blue staining. Histochemical studies confirmed beneficial effects of rhMG53. Of interest, rhMG53 did not protect against I-R injury in rat skeletal muscle. This was likely due to the fact that the plasma level of endogenous MG53 protein is high in rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that rhMG53 may be a potential therapy for protection against muscle trauma. A mouse model appears to be a better choice than a rat model for evaluating potential treatments for protecting skeletal muscle.