Angiotensin-(1-7) improves skeletal muscle regeneration

Eur J Transl Myol. 2023 Dec 15;33(4):12037. doi: 10.4081/ejtm.2023.12037.

Abstract

Skeletal muscle possesses regenerative potential via satellite cells, compromised in muscular dystrophies leading to fibrosis and fat infiltration. Angiotensin II (Ang-II) is commonly associated with pathological states. In contrast, Angiotensin (1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] counters Ang-II, acting via the Mas receptor. While Ang-II affects skeletal muscle regeneration, the influence of Ang-(1-7) remains to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of Ang-(1-7) in skeletal muscle regeneration. C2C12 cells were differentiated in the absence or presence of 10 nM of Ang-(1-7). The diameter of myotubes and protein levels of myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MHC) were determined. C57BL/6 WT male mice 16-18 weeks old) were randomly assigned to injury-vehicle, injury-Ang-(1-7), and control groups. Ang-(1-7) was administered via osmotic pumps, and muscle injury was induced by injecting barium chloride to assess muscle regeneration through histological analyses. Moreover, embryonic myosin (eMHC) and myogenin protein levels were evaluated. C2C12 myotubes incubated with Ang-(1-7) showed larger diameters than the untreated group and increased myogenin and MHC protein levels during differentiation. Ang-(1-7) administration enhances regeneration by promoting a larger diameter of new muscle fibers. Furthermore, higher numbers of eMHC (+) fibers were observed in the injured-Ang-(1-7), which also had a larger diameter. Moreover, eMHC and myogenin protein levels were elevated, supporting enhanced regeneration due to Ang-(1-7) administration. Ang-(1-7) effectively promotes differentiation in vitroand improves muscle regeneration in the context of injuries, with potential implications for treating muscle-related disorders.

Grants and funding

Funding: The manuscript was supported by research grants from the National Fund for Science and Technological Development (FONDECYT 1200944 [CCV], 1201039 [FS]); 1211879 [D.C.]); Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID) - Millennium Science Initiative Program - ICN09_016 / ICN 2021_045: Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (ICN09_016 / ICN 2021_045; former P09/016-F) [CCV, FS]). The Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD) is supported by the Iniciativa Científica Milenio, ANID, Chile [FS]. Proyecto Núcleo UNAB (DI-03-23/NUC [CCV]). Beca Doctorado Nacional ANID (21212005 [M.V-B.]. Beca VRI UNAB N° DI-05-21/INI [M.V-B.].