Abstract
Background: Glucocorticoid-induced skeletal muscle atrophy is the most common type of drug-induced myopathy.
Aim of Study: This study was designated to investigate the effect of luteolin (Lut) on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rats and the possible mechanisms of this effect.
Material and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats divided into; control group, Dex group, and 3 other groups that were treated by Lut 25mg, 50mg and 100mg/kg/day; respectively for 14 days concomitantly with Dex. Body mass and muscle strength were recorded. Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was assessed. Gastrocnemius muscle was weighed and proc-essed for assay of tissue reduced glutathione (GSH), malond-ialdehyde (MDA) levels. Histopathological and immunohis-tochemical studies were carried out.
Results: Lut dose-dependently increased GSH, and cross-sectional area (CSA), and decreased MDA and caspases-3 immunoreactivity. Lut in a dose 50mg/kg/day improved the muscle mass and strength.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that luteolin is a protective agent against glucocorticoid-induced atrophy through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.