Purpose: This study was designed to verify the protective effect of muscle damage induced by chronic alcohol administration in rats.
Methods: 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal(n = 10), EtOH(ethanol, n = 10) and EtOH+RVS(ethanol + Rhus Verniciflua Stokes, n = 10). The rats were orally given 25% ethanol(5 ml/kg, body weight/day, 6 weeks; EtOH and EtOH + RVS groups) or normal saline(6 weeks; Normal group). Body weight was measured daily, and after 6 weeks, the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris were separated and weighed. After performing the H&E staining method, the cross-section area of the muscle section was observed under a microscope, and measured for image analysis. In addition, TNF- α, IL-6, IL-1β, BAX, and Bcl-2 were measured.
Results: RVS showed a significant protective effect caused by chronic alcohol consumption on the decrease in weight and cross-sectional area of the calf muscles, especially the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles, caused by chronic alcohol consumption. RVS significantly reduced the expression of TNF- α, IL-6, and IL-1β proteins in the muscles induced by EtOH administration for 6 weeks(p<0.05). RVS significantly decreased the expression of BAX(p<0.05), which promotes apoptosis, and increased Bcl-2(p<0.01), which inhibits apoptosis.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the RVS has a significant protective effect against the skeletal muscle atrophy caused by chronic alcohol consumption.