Asiatic acid alleviates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy through regulating the Sirt1/PGC-1α/FOXO3 pathway.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle atrophy, which results in muscular dysfunction and weakness, is associated with various factors, including aging, sepsis, chronic diseases, and long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Although asiatic acid exhibits multiple biological activities and can activate the Sirt1 signaling pathway, an important regulator of skeletal muscle function,itsrole in muscle atrophy remains unclear. METHODS: , muscle atrophy was induced via intraperitoneal injections of 20 mg/kg dexamethasone, and 50 mg/kg asiatic acid was administered by oral gavage. Body weight, muscle strength, gastrocnemius muscle mass, histological changes, and atrophy- and Sirt1/PGC-1α/FOXO3 pathway-associated proteins were assessed. RESULTS: , asiatic acid increased body weight and gastrocnemius muscle mass, improved muscle strength and structural damage of gastrocnemius muscles, suppressed MAFbx and MuRF1 protein contents, and regulated the Sirt1/PGC-1α/FOXO3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Asiatic acid can improve dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy via regulating the Sirt1/PGC-1α/FOXO3 pathway. Therefore, asiatic acid might be a potential therapeutic agent for muscle atrophy.