Aim of the study
This paper aims to explore the anti-muscle atrophy effect of A. bidentata, and to clarify the possible signaling pathways involved. Materials and
Conclusions
The saponin extract of the root of A. bidentata (ABSE) has a protective effect on muscle atrophy, and showed a considerable potential in prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy.
Methods
The saponin extract of the roots of A. bidentata (ABSE) was prepared and analyzed, and its activity on myoblast differentiation was assayed with C2C12 cell culture. ABSE was then orally administered at dosage of 35, 70 and 140 mg/kg/day to disuse-induced muscle atrophy mice. The studies on mice body weight and muscle quality were conducted, and Western blot was used for exploring the possible signaling pathways involved in the muscle protective action aided with transcriptome analysis.
Results
The total saponin content of ABSE was 59.1%. ABSE promoted the C2C12 cells differentiation to myotube in C2C12 differentiation assay. Further study with disuse-induced muscle atrophy mice model demonstrated that ABSE significantly increased muscle fiber diameter as well as the proportion of slow muscle fibers. Possible mechanism study aided with transcriptome analysis revealed that ABSE alleviated muscle atrophy at least through activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in vivo & vitro. Conclusions: The saponin extract of the root of A. bidentata (ABSE) has a protective effect on muscle atrophy, and showed a considerable potential in prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy.