Adipose-derived stem cells enhance myogenic differentiation in the mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophyvia paracrine signaling

Adipose-derived stem cells have been shown to promote peripheral nerve regeneration through the paracrine secretion of neurotrophic factors. However, it is unclear whether these cells can promote myogenic differentiation in muscular dystrophy. Adipose-derived stem cells (6 × 106) were injected into the gastrocnemius muscle of mdx mice at various sites. Dystrophin expression was found in the muscle ifbers. Phosphorylation levels of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), eIF-4E binding protein 1 and S6 kinase 1 were increased, and the Akt/mTOR pathway was activated. Simultaneously, myogenin levels were increased, whereas cleaved caspase 3 and vimentin levels were decreased. Necrosis and ifbrosis were reduced in the muscle ifbers. hTese ifndings suggest that adipose-derived stem cells promote the re-generation and survival of muscle cells by inhibiting apoptosis and ifbrosis, thereby alleviating muscle damage in muscular dystrophy.