Novel platform for quantitative evaluation of medicinal efficacy based on contractility of artificial skeletal muscle

Abstract

Muscle atrophy and loss of muscle weight lead to muscle weakness and reduced mobility. Muscle atrophy is caused by muscle weakness associated with inactivity and bedridden aging (sarcopenia), cancer cachexia, and steroid myopathy due to excessive use of steroid hormones (glucocorticoids) (Bonaldo et al., 2012). Skeletal muscle is essential for posture and movement, comprising roughly half of an adult's body weight. In addition, it has a vital function in energy production and carbohydrate metabolism. As a result, impairment of skeletal muscle functionality can adversely affect exercise capacity and metabolic processes, consequently impacting quality of life. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for