Platelet-rich plasma ameliorates dexamethasone-induced myopathy by suppressing autophagy and enhancing myogenic potential through modulation of Myo-D, Pax-7, and myogenin expression

Background

Muscle tissue is essential for overall well-being that declines with age and different illnesses. Glucocorticoids, despite being efficient in treating inflammation, can induce muscle weakness (known as glucocorticoid-induced myopathy) by affecting protein breakdown and synthesis. Glucocorticoids have a negative impact on satellite cells, which play a role in muscle regeneration. Platelet rich plasma (PRP), containing concentrated growth factors, has a potential role in enhancing tissue repair and could be used to ameliorates combat muscle wasting caused by glucocorticoids.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to identify how PRP can affect dexamethasone-induced myopathy in a rat model.

Methods

Twenty-four male rats were divided into four equal groups: control, PRP, steroid (dexamethasone) treated for induction of myopathy, and steroid then treated with PRP for three weeks. Skeletal muscle contractile properties, protein content of the muscle, oxidative stress markers, histological structure, myogenin gene expression and immunohistochemical expression of Myo-D, Pax-7 and LC3 were assessed.

Results

dexamethasone caused significant muscle weakness, decreased protein content, increased oxidative stress, decreased expression of myogenic genes and upregulated LC3 expression. PRP administration significantly improved muscle function, increased protein content, reduced oxidative stress, and upregulated myogenic genes. Histological results confirmed these findings. Additionally, PRP decreased autophagy marker LC3 expression and increased muscle stem cell markers MyoD and Pax7.

Conclusion

These results suggested that PRP could effectively prevent and reverse dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy by promoting muscle protein synthesis, reducing oxidative stress, decreasing autophagy, and enhancing muscle stem cell activity. This study supports the potential role of PRP as a therapeutic strategy for muscle wasting disorders.