Preservation of skeletal muscle by the heat shock proteins following frostbite injury

Abstract

BackgroundSkeletal muscle damage due to frostbite represents a serious medical problem. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response cause muscle degeneration following skeletal muscle injury. Studies have shown that the heat shock proteins (hsp) are able to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.ResultsIn the present study we used rat hindlimbs to examine the effects of several heat shock protein inducers, such as radicicol, 17‐AAG and 17‐DMAG following frostbite injury. Our results show that rat hindlimb muscles injected with these hsp inducers following frostbite injury exhibit less damage, less hypercontracted muscle fibers and less inflammatory cell infiltration as compared to control rat hindlimb muscles. We also find that these heat shock protein inducing compounds are able to conserve muscle function even when administered after frostbite injury has occurred. These results suggest that hsp inducing compounds are able to protect skeletal muscle if administered in the early stages following frostbite injury.ConclusionWe conclude that compounds that induce heat shock proteins are able to preserve skeletal muscle function and structure if injected shortly after frostbite injury. Our studies provide the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies to treat injury caused by frostbite involving severe muscle damage.This research was supported by an award from the USAMRMC.