Skip to main content
Top

12-03-2025 | Research

Melatonin decreases PAX7 and CK increment after exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage

Authors: Nick Alexandre Infante, Vinicius Silva Faria, Anabelle Silva Cornachione, Fúlvia Barros Manchado-Gobatto, Alessandro Moura Zagatto, Wladimir Rafael Beck

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health

Login to get access

Abstract

Introduction

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) triggers several events that will initiate the repair process of this tissue through the activation of satellite cells (SC). The transcription factor PAX7 is used as a SC marker, being expressed during the quiescence, activation, and proliferation of these cells. The literature presents some therapeutic resources aimed at reducing damage or accelerating the muscle repair, acting on inflammation or oxidative stress. Among such therapeutic resources, we can find the melatonin administration, a hormone with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant actions.

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effects of melatonin on PAX7 after EIMD.

Methods

Sixty-five male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: control (CTG), which received vehicle solution (ethanol and NaCl) and were euthanized at 98 days old, and six groups that received melatonin (EMG) or not (EG) immediately after the skeletal muscle damage induction protocol (SMDIP) through swimming exercise, being euthanized 24, 48, or 72 h after the SMDIP, denominated EG24, EG48, EG72, EMG24, EMG48, and EMG72.

Results

There was an effect of time showing higher serum creatine kinase 48 h after SMDIP (F = 3.27; p < 0.05) compared to 24 or 72 h after. However, the group EMG48 showed a significant reduction (p = 0.010) in the concentration of this enzyme in relation to EG48. There was a reduction in PAX7 in animals that received melatonin in comparison with those that received vehicle solution (F = 13.90; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Melatonin reduced muscle damage, demonstrated by the decrease of CK-MM and PAX7.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Martín-Rodrigues A, Gostian-Ropotin LA, Beltrán-Velasco AI et al (2024) Sporting mind: the interplay of physical activity and psychological health. Sports (Basel) 22:37CrossRef Martín-Rodrigues A, Gostian-Ropotin LA, Beltrán-Velasco AI et al (2024) Sporting mind: the interplay of physical activity and psychological health. Sports (Basel) 22:37CrossRef
2.
go back to reference Tee JC, Bosch AN, Lambert MI (2007) Metabolic consequences of exercise-induced muscle damage. Sports Med 37:827–836PubMedCrossRef Tee JC, Bosch AN, Lambert MI (2007) Metabolic consequences of exercise-induced muscle damage. Sports Med 37:827–836PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Marcora SM, Bosio A (2007) Effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on endurance running performance in humans: muscle damage and running performance. Scand J Med Sci Sports 17:662–671PubMedCrossRef Marcora SM, Bosio A (2007) Effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on endurance running performance in humans: muscle damage and running performance. Scand J Med Sci Sports 17:662–671PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Twist C, Eston RG (2009) The effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on perceived exertion and cycling endurance performance. Eur J Appl Physiol 105:559–567PubMedCrossRef Twist C, Eston RG (2009) The effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on perceived exertion and cycling endurance performance. Eur J Appl Physiol 105:559–567PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Owens DJ, Twist C, Cobley JN et al (2019) Exercise-induced muscle damage: what is it, what causes it and what are the nutritional solutions? Eur J Sport Sci 19:71–85PubMedCrossRef Owens DJ, Twist C, Cobley JN et al (2019) Exercise-induced muscle damage: what is it, what causes it and what are the nutritional solutions? Eur J Sport Sci 19:71–85PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Chargé SBP, Rudnicki MA (2004) Cellular and molecular regulation of muscle regeneration. Physiol Rev 84:209–238PubMedCrossRef Chargé SBP, Rudnicki MA (2004) Cellular and molecular regulation of muscle regeneration. Physiol Rev 84:209–238PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Scariot PPM, Manchado-Gobatto FB, Van Ginkel PR et al (2021) Aerobic training associated with an active lifestyle exerts a protective effect against oxidative damage in hypothalamus and liver: the involvement of energy metabolism. Brain Res Bulletin 175:116–129CrossRef Scariot PPM, Manchado-Gobatto FB, Van Ginkel PR et al (2021) Aerobic training associated with an active lifestyle exerts a protective effect against oxidative damage in hypothalamus and liver: the involvement of energy metabolism. Brain Res Bulletin 175:116–129CrossRef
9.
go back to reference Seale P, Sabourin LA, Girgis-Gabardo A et al (2000) Pax7 Is required for the specification of myogenic satellite cells. Cell 102:777–786PubMedCrossRef Seale P, Sabourin LA, Girgis-Gabardo A et al (2000) Pax7 Is required for the specification of myogenic satellite cells. Cell 102:777–786PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Yamane A, Akutsu S, Diekwisch TGH et al (2005) Satellite cells and utrophin are not directly correlated with the degree of skeletal muscle damage in Mdx mice. Am J Physiol-Cell Physiol 289:C42–C48PubMedCrossRef Yamane A, Akutsu S, Diekwisch TGH et al (2005) Satellite cells and utrophin are not directly correlated with the degree of skeletal muscle damage in Mdx mice. Am J Physiol-Cell Physiol 289:C42–C48PubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Demir M, Altinoz E, Cetinavci D et al (2024) The effects of pinealectomy and melatonin treatment in acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Physiol Behav 275:114450PubMedCrossRef Demir M, Altinoz E, Cetinavci D et al (2024) The effects of pinealectomy and melatonin treatment in acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Physiol Behav 275:114450PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Beck WR, Campesan YS, Gobatto CA (2015) Validity and reliability of incremental test to determine the anaerobic threshold in swimming rats. Int J App Exerc Physiol 4:25–33 Beck WR, Campesan YS, Gobatto CA (2015) Validity and reliability of incremental test to determine the anaerobic threshold in swimming rats. Int J App Exerc Physiol 4:25–33
13.
go back to reference Zammit PS, Relaix F, Nagata Y et al (2006) Pax7 and myogenic progression in skeletal muscle satellite cells. J Cell Sci 119:1824–1832PubMedCrossRef Zammit PS, Relaix F, Nagata Y et al (2006) Pax7 and myogenic progression in skeletal muscle satellite cells. J Cell Sci 119:1824–1832PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Soleimani VD, Punch VG, Kawabe Y et al (2012) Transcriptional dominance of Pax7 in adult myogenesis is due to high-affinity recognition of homeodomain motifs. Develop Cell 22:1208–1220CrossRef Soleimani VD, Punch VG, Kawabe Y et al (2012) Transcriptional dominance of Pax7 in adult myogenesis is due to high-affinity recognition of homeodomain motifs. Develop Cell 22:1208–1220CrossRef
15.
go back to reference McKinnell IW, Ishibashi J, Le Grand F et al (2008) Pax7 activates myogenic genes by recruitment of a histone methyltransferase complex. Nat Cell Biol 10:77–84PubMedCrossRef McKinnell IW, Ishibashi J, Le Grand F et al (2008) Pax7 activates myogenic genes by recruitment of a histone methyltransferase complex. Nat Cell Biol 10:77–84PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference De Marchi T, Leal Junior ECP, Bortoli C et al (2012) Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in human progressive-intensity running: effects on exercise performance, skeletal muscle status, and oxidative stress. Lasers Med Sci 27:231–236PubMedCrossRef De Marchi T, Leal Junior ECP, Bortoli C et al (2012) Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in human progressive-intensity running: effects on exercise performance, skeletal muscle status, and oxidative stress. Lasers Med Sci 27:231–236PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference De Paiva PRV, Tomazoni SS, Johnson DS et al (2016) Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) and/or Cryotherapy in Skeletal Muscle Restitution, What Is Better? A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Lasers Med Sci 31:1925–1933PubMedCrossRef De Paiva PRV, Tomazoni SS, Johnson DS et al (2016) Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) and/or Cryotherapy in Skeletal Muscle Restitution, What Is Better? A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Lasers Med Sci 31:1925–1933PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Zagatto AM, De Paula RS, Nakamura FY et al (2016) Effects of low-level laser therapy on performance, inflammatory markers, and muscle damage in young water polo athletes: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Lasers Med Sci 31:511–521PubMedCrossRef Zagatto AM, De Paula RS, Nakamura FY et al (2016) Effects of low-level laser therapy on performance, inflammatory markers, and muscle damage in young water polo athletes: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Lasers Med Sci 31:511–521PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Zagatto AM, Dutra YM, Lira FS et al (2020) Full body photobiomodulation therapy to induce faster muscle recovery in water polo athletes: preliminary results. Photobiomod Photomed Laser Surg 38:766–772 Zagatto AM, Dutra YM, Lira FS et al (2020) Full body photobiomodulation therapy to induce faster muscle recovery in water polo athletes: preliminary results. Photobiomod Photomed Laser Surg 38:766–772
20.
go back to reference Donnelly AE, McCormick K, Maughan RJ et al (1988) Effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on delayed onset muscle soreness and indices of damage. British J Sports Med 22:35–38CrossRef Donnelly AE, McCormick K, Maughan RJ et al (1988) Effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on delayed onset muscle soreness and indices of damage. British J Sports Med 22:35–38CrossRef
21.
22.
go back to reference O’Grady MI, Hackney AC, Schneider KE, Bossen ED, Steinberg KA, Douglas JM Jr, Murray WJ, Watkins WD et al (2000) Diclofenac Sodium (Voltaren) Reduced Exercise-Induced Injury in Human Skeletal Muscle. Med Sci Sports Exerc 32:1191–1196PubMedCrossRef O’Grady MI, Hackney AC, Schneider KE, Bossen ED, Steinberg KA, Douglas JM Jr, Murray WJ, Watkins WD et al (2000) Diclofenac Sodium (Voltaren) Reduced Exercise-Induced Injury in Human Skeletal Muscle. Med Sci Sports Exerc 32:1191–1196PubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Amaral FGD, Cipolla-Neto J (2018) A brief review about melatonin, a pineal hormone. Arch Endocrinol Metabol 62:472–479CrossRef Amaral FGD, Cipolla-Neto J (2018) A brief review about melatonin, a pineal hormone. Arch Endocrinol Metabol 62:472–479CrossRef
24.
go back to reference Dhia IB, Maaloul R, Marzougui H et al (2022) Melatonin reduces muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress induced by exhaustive exercise in people with overweight/obesity. Physiol Int 109:78–89CrossRef Dhia IB, Maaloul R, Marzougui H et al (2022) Melatonin reduces muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress induced by exhaustive exercise in people with overweight/obesity. Physiol Int 109:78–89CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Beck WR, Botezelli JD, Pauli JR et al (2015) Melatonin has an ergogenic effect but does not prevent inflammation and damage in exhaustive exercise. Sci Rep 5:18065PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Beck WR, Botezelli JD, Pauli JR et al (2015) Melatonin has an ergogenic effect but does not prevent inflammation and damage in exhaustive exercise. Sci Rep 5:18065PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
26.
go back to reference San Miguel AMC, Roche E, Herranz-López M et al (2024) Impact of melatonin supplementation on sports performance and circulating biomarkers in highly trained athletes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients 30:1011CrossRef San Miguel AMC, Roche E, Herranz-López M et al (2024) Impact of melatonin supplementation on sports performance and circulating biomarkers in highly trained athletes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients 30:1011CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Beck W, Gobatto C (2013) Effects of maximum intensity aerobic swimming exercise until exhaustion at different times of day on the hematological parameters in rats. Acta Physiol Hung 100:427–434PubMedCrossRef Beck W, Gobatto C (2013) Effects of maximum intensity aerobic swimming exercise until exhaustion at different times of day on the hematological parameters in rats. Acta Physiol Hung 100:427–434PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Beck W, Scariot P, Gobatto C (2015) Melatonin is an ergogenic aid for exhaustive aerobic exercise only during the wakefulness period. Int J Sports Med 37:71–76PubMedCrossRef Beck W, Scariot P, Gobatto C (2015) Melatonin is an ergogenic aid for exhaustive aerobic exercise only during the wakefulness period. Int J Sports Med 37:71–76PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Faria VS, Pejon TMM, Gobatto CA et al (2021) Acute melatonin administration improves exercise tolerance and the metabolic recovery after exhaustive effort. Sci Rep 11:19228PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Faria VS, Pejon TMM, Gobatto CA et al (2021) Acute melatonin administration improves exercise tolerance and the metabolic recovery after exhaustive effort. Sci Rep 11:19228PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Scariot PPM, Manchado-Gobatto FB, Beck WR et al (2022) Monocarboxylate Transporters (MCTs) in Skeletal Muscle and Hypothalamus of Less or More Physically Active Mice Exposed to Aerobic Training. Life Sci 307:120872PubMedCrossRef Scariot PPM, Manchado-Gobatto FB, Beck WR et al (2022) Monocarboxylate Transporters (MCTs) in Skeletal Muscle and Hypothalamus of Less or More Physically Active Mice Exposed to Aerobic Training. Life Sci 307:120872PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Manchado FB, Gobatto CA, Voltarelli FA et al (2006) Non-exhaustive test for aerobic capacity determination in swimming rats. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 31:731–736PubMedCrossRef Manchado FB, Gobatto CA, Voltarelli FA et al (2006) Non-exhaustive test for aerobic capacity determination in swimming rats. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 31:731–736PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Kregel KC, Allen DL, Booth FW et al (2006) Resource Book for the Design of Animal Exercise Protocols. Am Physiol Soc. Kregel KC, Allen DL, Booth FW et al (2006) Resource Book for the Design of Animal Exercise Protocols. Am Physiol Soc.
33.
go back to reference Leary S, Underwood W, Anthony R et al (2020) AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia. Leary S, Underwood W, Anthony R et al (2020) AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia.
34.
go back to reference Pejon TMM, Fari VS, Gobatto, et al (2022) Effect of 12-Wk Training in Ovariectomised Rats on PGC-1α, NRF-1 and Energy Substrates. Int J Sports Med 43:632–641PubMedCrossRef Pejon TMM, Fari VS, Gobatto, et al (2022) Effect of 12-Wk Training in Ovariectomised Rats on PGC-1α, NRF-1 and Energy Substrates. Int J Sports Med 43:632–641PubMedCrossRef
35.
go back to reference Pejon TMM, Scariot PPM, Selistre-de-Araujo HS et al (2022) Effects of moderate-intensity physical training on skeletal muscle substrate transporters and metabolic parameters of ovariectomized rats. Metabolites 12:402PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Pejon TMM, Scariot PPM, Selistre-de-Araujo HS et al (2022) Effects of moderate-intensity physical training on skeletal muscle substrate transporters and metabolic parameters of ovariectomized rats. Metabolites 12:402PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
36.
go back to reference Polisel EEC, Beck WR, Scariot PPM et al (2021) Effects of high-intensity interval training in more or less active mice on biomechanical, biophysical and biochemical bone parameters. Sci Rep 11:6414PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Polisel EEC, Beck WR, Scariot PPM et al (2021) Effects of high-intensity interval training in more or less active mice on biomechanical, biophysical and biochemical bone parameters. Sci Rep 11:6414PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
37.
go back to reference Scariot PPM, Manchado-Gobatto FB, Torsoni AS et al (2016) Continuous aerobic training in individualized intensity avoids spontaneous physical activity decline and Improves MCT1 Expression in Oxidative Muscle of Swimming Rats. Front Physiol 7:132PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Scariot PPM, Manchado-Gobatto FB, Torsoni AS et al (2016) Continuous aerobic training in individualized intensity avoids spontaneous physical activity decline and Improves MCT1 Expression in Oxidative Muscle of Swimming Rats. Front Physiol 7:132PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Ostjen CA, Rosa CGS, Hartmann RM et al (2019) Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of melatonin on recovery from muscular trauma induced in rats. Exp Molec Pathol 106:52–59CrossRef Ostjen CA, Rosa CGS, Hartmann RM et al (2019) Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of melatonin on recovery from muscular trauma induced in rats. Exp Molec Pathol 106:52–59CrossRef
39.
go back to reference Stratos I, Richter N, Rotter R et al (2012) Melatonin restores muscle regeneration and enhances muscle function after crush injury in rats: melatonin and muscle regeneration. J Pineal Res 52:62–70PubMedCrossRef Stratos I, Richter N, Rotter R et al (2012) Melatonin restores muscle regeneration and enhances muscle function after crush injury in rats: melatonin and muscle regeneration. J Pineal Res 52:62–70PubMedCrossRef
40.
go back to reference Hibaoui Y, Reutenauer-Patte J, Patthey-Vuadens O et al (2011) Melatonin improves muscle function of the dystrophic Mdx5Cv Mouse, a model for duchenne muscular dystrophy: melatonin improves dystrophic muscle function. J Pineal Res 51:163–171PubMedCrossRef Hibaoui Y, Reutenauer-Patte J, Patthey-Vuadens O et al (2011) Melatonin improves muscle function of the dystrophic Mdx5Cv Mouse, a model for duchenne muscular dystrophy: melatonin improves dystrophic muscle function. J Pineal Res 51:163–171PubMedCrossRef
41.
go back to reference Farjallah MA, Ghattassi K, Ben Mahmoud L et al (2020) Effect of nocturnal melatonin intake on cellular damage and recovery from repeated sprint performance during an intensive training schedule. Chronobiol Int 37:686–698PubMedCrossRef Farjallah MA, Ghattassi K, Ben Mahmoud L et al (2020) Effect of nocturnal melatonin intake on cellular damage and recovery from repeated sprint performance during an intensive training schedule. Chronobiol Int 37:686–698PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Galano A (2014) Melatonin: exceeding expectations. Physiol 29:325–333CrossRef Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Galano A (2014) Melatonin: exceeding expectations. Physiol 29:325–333CrossRef
43.
go back to reference Yamada M, Sankoda Y, Tatsumi R et al (2008) Matrix metalloproteinase-2 mediates stretch-induced activation of skeletal muscle satellite cells in a nitric oxide-dependent manner. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 40:2183–2191PubMedCrossRef Yamada M, Sankoda Y, Tatsumi R et al (2008) Matrix metalloproteinase-2 mediates stretch-induced activation of skeletal muscle satellite cells in a nitric oxide-dependent manner. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 40:2183–2191PubMedCrossRef
44.
go back to reference Dumont NA, Bentzinger CF, Sincennes M et al (2015) Satellite Cells and Skeletal Muscle Regeneration. In Comp Physiol; Terjung, R., Ed.; Wiley, pp.1027–1059. Dumont NA, Bentzinger CF, Sincennes M et al (2015) Satellite Cells and Skeletal Muscle Regeneration. In Comp Physiol; Terjung, R., Ed.; Wiley, pp.1027–1059.
45.
go back to reference Tidball JG (2011) Mechanisms of Muscle Injury, Repair, and Regeneration. Wiley, In Compreh Physiol; Terjung RCrossRef Tidball JG (2011) Mechanisms of Muscle Injury, Repair, and Regeneration. Wiley, In Compreh Physiol; Terjung RCrossRef
46.
go back to reference Fridén J, Sfakianos PN, Hargens AR (1989) Blood indices of muscle injury associated with eccentric muscle contractions: blood indices of muscle injury. J Orthop Res 7:142–145PubMedCrossRef Fridén J, Sfakianos PN, Hargens AR (1989) Blood indices of muscle injury associated with eccentric muscle contractions: blood indices of muscle injury. J Orthop Res 7:142–145PubMedCrossRef
47.
go back to reference Overgaard K, Fredsted A, Hyldal A et al (2004) Effects of running distance and training on Ca2+ content and damage in human muscle. Med Sci Sports Exerc 36:821–829PubMedCrossRef Overgaard K, Fredsted A, Hyldal A et al (2004) Effects of running distance and training on Ca2+ content and damage in human muscle. Med Sci Sports Exerc 36:821–829PubMedCrossRef
48.
go back to reference Da Silva BVC, Simim MADM, Da Silva RB et al (2020) Time course of recovery for performance attributes and circulating markers of muscle damage following a rugby union match in amateur athletes. Sports 8:64PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Da Silva BVC, Simim MADM, Da Silva RB et al (2020) Time course of recovery for performance attributes and circulating markers of muscle damage following a rugby union match in amateur athletes. Sports 8:64PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Melatonin decreases PAX7 and CK increment after exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage
Authors
Nick Alexandre Infante
Vinicius Silva Faria
Anabelle Silva Cornachione
Fúlvia Barros Manchado-Gobatto
Alessandro Moura Zagatto
Wladimir Rafael Beck
Publication date
12-03-2025
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
Sport Sciences for Health
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-025-01363-4