Injection of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Suppresses Muscle Atrophy Markers and Adipogenic Markers in a Rat Fatty Muscle Degeneration Model.

Fatty muscle degeneration and muscle atrophy have not been successfully treated due to their irreversible pathology. This study evaluated the efficacy of rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ADP MSCs) in treating fatty muscle degeneration (FD). A total of 36 rats were divided into three groups: the control (C) group ( n = 12); FD model group, generated by sciatic nerve crushing ( n = 12); and the group receiving ADP MSC treatment for FD (FD+MSCs) ( n = 12). In Group FD+MSCs, ADP MSCs were injected locally into the gastrocnemius muscle one week after the FD model was created (Day 8). On Day 22 ( n = 18) and Day 43 ( n = 18), muscle morphology, histopathology, and molecular analyses (inflammation, muscle atrophy, adipocytes, and muscle differentiation markers) were performed. In Group FD+MSCs, the formation of immature myofibers was observed on Day 22, and mitigation of fatty degeneration and muscle atrophy progression was evident on Day 43. Gene expression of muscle atrophy markers ( FBXO32 , TRIM63 , and FOXO1 ) and adipogenic markers ( ADIPOQ , PPARG , FABP4 , and PDGFRA ) was lower in Group FD+MSCs than Group FD on Day 43. ADP MSCs induce anti-inflammatory effects, inhibit fat accumulation, and promote muscle regeneration, highlighting their potential as promising therapy for FD and atrophy.