Skeletal muscle stem cells (Satellite cells) are indispensable for muscle growth and remodeling following myofibril damage. Skeletal muscle trauma is present in numerous catabolic conditions, characterized by elevated proteolysis and muscle wasting such as, cancer cachexia and muscular dystrophy, which result in physical capacity impairment and a deteriorated quality of life. Recent studies performed in animals and cell cultures indicate that the increased levels of inflammation and oxidative stress and the reduction of antioxidant defense may blunt the satellite cells response and myogenic programming during muscle healing. However, evidence regarding the effects of redox status on satellite cells and muscle myogenic potential in humans is lacking. Exercise-induced muscle damage bears striking similarities with the aforementioned conditions, which makes it a valuable tool to investigate the redox-dependent regulation of satellite cells during muscle healing. Thus, the objectives of the present study are to examine the effects of redox status perturbation (via N-acetylcysteine administration) on intracellular pathways responsible for satellite cells responses at rest and following aseptic muscle trauma induced by damaging exercise.
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Change in muscle satellite cells number (i.e. Pax7+ cells) and activation status (i.e. Pax7+/MyoD+ cells)
Timeframe: At baseline, before the exercise protocol and at days 2 and 8 following exercise.
Change in muscle myogenic mRNA expression
Timeframe: At baseline, before the exercise protocol and at days 2 and 8 following exercise.
Change in muscle inflammatory state
Timeframe: At baseline, before the exercise protocol and at days 2 and 8 following exercise.
Change in intracellular antioxidant enzymes in muscle
Timeframe: At baseline, before the exercise protocol and at days 2 and 8 following exercise.
Change in muscle thiol content
Timeframe: At baseline, before the exercise protocol and at days 2 and 8 following exercise.
Change in intracellular signaling proteins in muscle
Timeframe: At baseline, before the exercise protocol and at days 2 and 8 following exercise.
Change in skeletal muscle damage levels
Timeframe: At baseline, before the exercise protocol and at days 2 and 8 following exercise.