Undaria pinnatifida Extracts and Alginic Acid Attenuated Muscle Atrophy in TNF-α Induced Myoblast Cells through MAFbx Signaling Cascade

Abstract

Muscle atrophy refers to a decrease in muscle cells due to damage to muscle fibers. It is reported that muscle atrophy is caused by heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases related to aging. The purpose of this study is to reveal the inhibitory effects of seaweed extracts, which are widely consumed in Korea, and alginic acid on muscle cell damage in muscle atrophy and regeneration models. We found that seaweed extracts (U) and alginic acid (A) attenuated TNF-α-induced muscle atrophy in differentiated C2C12 myoblast cells and inhibited muscle atrophy markers such as MuRF1 and MAFbx. In addition, U and A also regulated ubiquitination marker FoxO1 protein. To confirm the muscle regeneration effect in animal tissue, cardiotoxin (CTX) was used for the regeneration model. Six hours after CTX injection, gastrocnemius muscle volume was increased compared to control. Otherwise, the muscle volume of the U and A treatment groups was not changed. U and A also upregulated regeneration markers MyHC and PGC-1α in a CTX mouse model. These results indicate that seaweed extracts and alginic acid, a seaweed component, are applicable to senile sarcopenia by inhibiting muscle loss and promoting muscle regeneration.