Effects of low intensity aerobic exercise on morphological changes and oxidative stress of skeletal muscle of mdx mice

Abstract

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and most severe muscular dystrophy that affects about 1 in 5,000 births. DMD is characterized by the absence of the dystrophin protein due to a mutation of the Xp21 region of the X chromosome. The absence of this protein determines recurrent lesions in muscle tissue progressing to necrosis and generalized weakness, leading to death of the patient due to respiratory and/or cardiac failure. The increase in the oxidative stress of these fibers can be one of the inducers of cellular injury, accelerating the degenerative process. To minimize and even slow the progression of the disease, studies seek therapeutic resources, such as low-intensity physical exercise. Thus, the objective of this study will be to analyze the effects of low intensity aerobic exercise on the general morphological aspects and oxidative stress of the skeletal muscle of mdx mice. Methods: 18 male mice were divided into three groups of mdx animals (n = 6 C57BL/10-Dmdmdx Sedentary), wild type (n = 6 C57BL/10 Sedentary n = 6 - C57BL/10-Dmdmdx Exercised) and (n = 6-C57BL/10-Dmdmdx Exercised). The training will feature a light treadmill walk for 37 days. After the experiments, the animals will be euthanized and the muscle will be excised for qualitative and quantitative analysis using Hematoxylin-Eosin and Immunofluorescence staining techniques. Expected results: After the training, we hope to observe improvement of the cytoarchitecture of the muscular fibers of the dystrophic animals.