Effect of tributyrin, a prodrug of butyrate, on the skeletal muscle inflammation and regeneration injury induced by laceration

Abstract

A skeletal muscle injury is a common event in sports and in polytrauma patients. During the muscle regeneration process, the recruitment of leukocytes, particularly, neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages, and the release of pro-inflammatory molecules including tumor necrosis factor-±, interleukin-1², and eicosanoids, modulate the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of muscle stem cells (satellite cells). Tributyrin (pro-drug of butyrate) has important actions on the inflammatory process and in the proliferation and differentiation of muscle stem cells. In the present project, we will evaluate the effect of oral tributyrin administration on the regeneration process of skeletal muscle in rats. For this, we will cause damage to the anterior tibial muscle by the method of laceration. After the injury, animals will be treated with tributyrin (2.0 g/kg of body weight) for up to 28 days. The regeneration process of skeletal muscle tissue will be evaluated by functional parameters of tissue, including muscle strength developed after the application of electric potential, and histological analysis. In this model, we will also evaluate the production of inflammatory mediators and the recruitment of leukocytes to skeletal muscle.(AU)