Abstract
Fatty muscle degeneration and muscle atrophy have not been successfully treated due to their irreversible pathology. This study evaluated the efficacy of rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ADP MSCs) in treating fatty muscle degeneration (FD). A total of 36 rats were divided into three groups: the control (C) group (n = 12); FD model group, generated by sciatic nerve crushing (n = 12); and the group receiving ADP MSC treatment for FD (FD+MSCs) (n = 12). In Group FD+MSCs, ADP MSCs were injected locally into the gastrocnemius muscle one week after the FD model was created (Day 8). On Day 22 (n = 18) and Day 43 (n = 18), muscle morphology, histopathology, and molecular analyses (inflammation, muscle atrophy, adipocytes, and muscle differentiation markers) were performed. In Group FD+MSCs, the formation of immature myofibers was observed on Day 22, and mitigation of fatty degeneration and muscle atrophy progression was evident on Day 43. Gene expression of muscle atrophy markers (FBXO32, TRIM63, and FOXO1) and adipogenic markers (ADIPOQ, PPARG, FABP4, and PDGFRA) was lower in Group FD+MSCs than Group FD on Day 43. ADP MSCs induce anti-inflammatory effects, inhibit fat accumulation, and promote muscle regeneration, highlighting their potential as promising therapy for FD and atrophy.