The therapeutic potential of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) intake on muscle atrophy in immobilized mouse skeletal muscles

Abstract

Skeletal muscle atrophy is the reduction in muscle mass and function caused by an imbalance in protein synthesis and degradation. Inflammation has been shown to accelerate protein degradation during periods of muscle inactivity. We investigated the potential therapeutic effects of beetroot extract (BRE) in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to prevent muscular atrophy after a short period of immobilization. We divided 36 male BALB/c mice into three groups: control, muscular atrophy mice, and muscular atrophy mice treated with BRE (n = 12). Each group was further divided into two subgroups: (1) 7-day immobilization and (2) 10-day recovery. BRE was administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg for 17 days. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of BRE using ELISA and RT-PCR assays. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers, and grip strength tests were performed to assess muscle strength. BRE administration increased muscle weight, CSA, and grip strength in mice with immobilization-induced muscle atrophy. It also suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in atrophic muscle fibers. Higher nitrate levels and lower Troponin I (TnI) concentrations were observed in the BRE-treated group, indicating improved muscle function and structure. These findings suggest that BRE may have therapeutic benefits in improving muscle mass and function and warrant further studies in humans, particularly in individuals with low physical activity levels.