Low-magnitude vertical vibration enhances myotube formation in C2C12 myoblasts

Abstract

Whole body vibration training is widely used in rehabilitation and sports activities to improve muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. However, the molecular mechanisms of vertical vibration (VV) training and their effect on the myogenesis of myoblasts remain undefined. This study was undertaken to address the hypothesis that VV can enhance the expression of ECM proteins and myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) in myoblasts and, in turn, increase myotube formation. Using real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence studies, we examined the effect of VV treatment with frequencies of 5, 8, or 10 Hz on the expression of ECM proteins and MRFs as well as myotube formation in C2C12 myoblasts. We showed that VV stimulation is safe and effective at stimulating myogenesis in C2C12 myoblasts. The levels of expression of the ECM proteins type I collagen and decorin were the highest after VV treatment at frequencies of 8 and 10 Hz. Expression of the MRFs MyoD and myogenin increased after VV stimulation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The total number of myotubes formed, as well as the length and the average area of myotubes, were substantially increased following VV treatment at frequencies of 8 to 10 Hz. In conclusion, VV treatment at frequencies of 8 to 10 Hz can stimulate the expression of ECM proteins and MRFs in myoblasts and, in turn, increase myotube formation.

Whole Body Vibration Exercises and the Improvement of the Flexibility in Patient with Metabolic Syndrome

“…Considering the exclusion criteria, (a) one of these papers was in Russian, (b) three publications before the year 2000, (c) two studies involving occupational findings, (d) four publications involving revisions, (e) one investigation evaluating the effect of medication (alendronate) and whole body vibration [65], (f) two publications [66, 67] in which the flexibility was used as a modality of exercise, (g) two publications, in which the parameter about flexibility was not clearly presented [68, 69], (h) one paper where the effect of the WBV on the flexibility was not clear [70], and (i) one investigation with myoblasts [71] were excluded.…”

Development of a biological scaffold engineered using the extracellular matrix secreted by skeletal muscle cells

“…In this study, we utilized commercially available skeletal muscle myoblasts, a well accepted cell source for skeletal muscle tissue engineering applications that also have a recognized role in the production of muscle ECM [46–48]. When grown in culture, myoblasts have been shown to produce collagen, GAGs, and other essential tissue proteins, a critical requirement for the ECM collection approach utilized in this study [49–52]. Yet, these cells did not produce overwhelmingly abundant amounts of ECM.…”

Separating Fluid Shear Stress from Acceleration during Vibrations In Vitro: Identification of Mechanical Signals Modulating the Cellular Response

“…25,31,32,41,47,50 While these studies have been defining the biochemical response of the cell, the physical mechanism by which the signal is sensed and transduced is typically neglected. Primarily based on in vivo investigations, direct and indirect mechanisms have been suggested including out-of-phase acceleration of the cell nucleus 38 or fluid shear.…”

“…Exploiting the opportunities of cell culture systems to investigate the underlying mechanisms, distinct cell types including osteoblasts, 2 osteocytes, 31 myoblasts, 50 chondrocytes, 47 or progenitor cells 45 have been shown to respond to vibrations in vitro. While providing important data on the biologic response of cells to vibrations, the identification of the specific component(s) of the vibratory signal that modulates the response requires the quantification of the cellular mechanical environment.…”