Inhibitory effect of Myomedix-205 in MuRF1 activity on muscular atrophy associated with knee osteoarthritis in mice

• Grant number: 21/02625-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2021
• End date: January 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Anatomy
• Principal Investigator: Anselmo Sigari Moriscot
• Grantee: Afonso Martin Melazzo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to evaluate the impact of the Myomedix-205 compound on skeletal muscle mass in a post-traumatic osteoarthritis model generated by the section of the anterior cruciate ligament in mice. For this purpose, 18 animals will be used and divided into the following groups: control (surgically simulated), post-traumatic osteoarthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis and treatment with Myomedix-205. The compound will be added to the chow, and 7 days after the beginning of the administration, the surgery will be performed. After 30 days of surgical intervention, the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles will be removed for morphometric and molecular analysis. In the morphometric measurements, we will analyze the general tissue aspect by HE staining and we will also determine the cross-sectional area of the muscle fibers broken down by fiber type (immunofluorescence). For molecular measurements, the gene expression (rtPCR) and protein (Western Blot) of MuRF1, Atrogin-1 and HDAC4 will be determined. This project has the potential to contribute to possible future therapeutic strategies aimed at protecting skeletal muscles in cases of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. (AU)