Therapeutic Efficacy of HPβ-CD-Angiotensin-(1-7) Oral Formulation in Muscle Injury Recovery in Rat

Abstract

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of oral treatment with HPβ-CD-angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) on muscle recovery after laceration injury. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (n = 10); HPβ-CD-Ang-(1-7) (n = 10); muscle injury + HPβ-CD (MI + Placebo) (n = 24); and muscle injury + HPβ-CD-Ang-(1-7) (MI + Ang-(1-7)) (n = 24). After 7–21 days of treatment, physical performance, histological features and the expression of pro- and anti-fibrotic genes were evaluated. The MI + Ang-(1-7) group showed improved control of the inflammatory phase and reduced deposition of collagen types I and III compared to MI + Placebo. CTGF gene expression analysis revealed lower levels of pro-fibrotic markers and higher expression of proteins involved in blocking fibrotic pathways. In treadmill tests, MI + Ang-(1-7) animals also showed superior physical performance at all evaluated time points. Oral treatment with Ang-(1-7) is effective in promoting recovery from muscle injuries, particularly fibrotic lesions, while preserving muscle function and enhancing physical performance.