Apigenin inhibits sciatic nerve denervation–induced muscle atrophy

Introduction: Apigenin (AP) has been reported to elicit anti‐inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of AP on sciatic nerve denervation–induced muscle atrophy. Methods: Sciatic nerve–denervated mice were fed a 0.1% AP‐containing diet for 2 weeks. Muscle weight and cross‐sectional area (CSA), and the expression of atrophic genes and inflammatory cytokines in the gastrocnemius were analyzed. Results: Denervation significantly induced muscle atrophy. However, values for muscle weight and CSA were greater in the denervated muscle of the AP mice than the controls. AP suppressed the expression of MuRF1, but upregulated both myosin heavy chain (MHC) and MHC type IIb. AP also significantly suppressed expression of tumor necrosis‐alpha in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and interleukin‐6 expression in the soleus muscle. Discussion: AP appears to inhibit denervation‐induced muscle atrophy, which may be due in part to its inhibitory effect on inflammatory processes within muscle. Muscle Nerve 58 : 314–318, 2018