Efficacy of electroacupunture at Zusanli (ST36) on jumping-injured muscle based on transcriptome sequencing and genes analysis.

Objective: To reveal the efficacy and possible mechanism of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) on injured skeletal muscle induced by jumping load.

Methods: In the present study, female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups with 6 of each, including normal control group (NC), jumping-induced muscle injury model group (JI), JI with electroacupuncture stimulation treatment group (EA), and JI with non-electroacupuncture stimulation group (NEA). Transmission electron microscopy, transcriptome sequencing and analysis, prediction of protein interaction networks, real-time polymerase chain reaction verification, and Western blotting were performed on the gastrocnemius muscle of ipsilateral lower limbs.

Results: The structural repair of injured gastrocnemius myofibers following jumping training in EA rats was better than that of NEA rats. A total of 136 genes were differentially expressed in EA rats relative to JI rats, with 55 genes upregulated and 81 genes downregulated. According to results of transcriptome analysis, and prediction of protein mutual interaction by the online STRING database, Heat shock protein beta-7 (Hspb7) and myozenin2 (Myoz2) genes were targeted. Expressions of Hspb7 and Myoz2 mRNAs were increased in EA rats relative to JI rats (0.05). The expression of Hspb7 protein was upregulated in EA rats relative to that in NC, JI, and NEA rats (0.01, 0.05, and0.05, respectively). The expression of Myoz2 protein was upregulated in EA rats relative to that in NC and JI rats (both 0.01respectively).

Conclusions: The present results suggest that electroacupuncture stimulation at Zusanli (ST36) could improve muscle healing following jumping-induced muscle injury, owing to the upregulation of Hspb7 and Myoz2 proteins.