The mechanism of treating denervated muscle atrophy with percutaneous electric stimulation

Objective To investigate the effect of electric stimulation on changes of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)and muscle Ring Finger-1(MuRF1)d denervated muscles,and explore the mechanism of muscle atrophy prevention bv electric stimulation. Methods Gastroonemius muscle denervation was created by transecting the right sciatic nerve in 54 Wister rats.The animals were then randomized to two groups,one with electric stimulation one without.Levels of NF-κB and MuRF1 mRNA and protein in the gastrocnemius muscle were detcetcd by RT-PCR and western Blot at different intervals after denervation.The ratio of muscle wet weight was analyzed for comparison. Results The level of mRNA and protein of increased correspondingly at different intervals after denervation(P<0.05).The group with electric stimulus had lower levels of NF-κB and MuRF1 of mRNA and protein,and higher muscle wet weight comparing to the denervation group.Conclusion Electric stimulation delays denervation muscle atrophy by inhibiting the NF-κB/MuRF1 pathways. Key words: Electric stimulation; Denervation,Muscular atrophy; Nuclear factor-κB; muscle Ring Finger-1