Abstract
Background: Skeletal muscle atrophy is a common com-plication of heart failure that may result from the accompanying neuro-hormonal disturbances. Altered gut microbiome can mediate these neuro-hormonal disturbances. Growing evidenc-es pointed to the health benefits of probiotics.
Aim of Study: To evaluate the effects of probiotics on skeletal muscle state in ISO-induced HF and the underlying mechanisms.
Material and Methods: 21 male adult rats were divided into: Control group (C), ISO-HF group; rats were injected with isoproterenol (ISO) 5mg/kg/d IP for 7 days and Pro-T group which were given probiotics by oral gavage for 6 weeks after ISO injection. Plasma Ang II, insulin, glucose, skeletal muscle atrogin and cardiac BNP levels were measured. Also relative gene expression of skeletal muscle IGF-1, IRS-1, NADPH oxidase was assessed. Cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues were weighed and histopathologically assessed.
Results: In pro T group, cardiac BNP, plasma Ag II, left ventricular weight and LV/BW ratio were significant reduced. Also, skeletal muscle atrogin and NADPH oxidase were significantly decreased with a significant increase in skeletal muscle weight, IGF-1 and IRS-1 relative gene expression. In addition, probiotics decreased insulin resistance, plasma glucose, insulin levels and HOMA-IR score. This was accom-panied by the restoration of normal collagen distribution and cardiac muscle distinct cell borders and skeletal muscle distinct cell borders.
Conclusion: Probiotics mitigates muscle atrophy in ISO-HF by lowering Ang II and by their anti-oxidant, anti-fibrotic, anti-hypertrophic and anti-hyperglycemic effects.