Abstract
The use of injections to treat structural muscle injuries is controversially discussed.
In our controlled in vitro study, we investigated the biological impact of Actovegin
and Traumeel alone and in combination on primary human skeletal muscle cells. Cells
were characterized by immunofluorescence staining for myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) and
MyoD, and cultured with or without Actovegin and / or Traumeel. The effects of these
agents were assayed by cell viability and gene expression of the specific markers
MyoD, Myf5, neural adhesion molecule (NCAM), and CD31. Myotube formation was determined
by myosin staining. Neither Actovegin nor Traumeel showed toxic effects or influenced
cell viability significantly. High volumes of Actovegin down-regulated gene expression
of NCAM after 3 days but had no effect on MyoD, Myf5, and CD31 gene expression. High
volumes of Traumeel inhibited MyoD gene expression after 3 days, whereas after 7 days
MyoD expression was significantly up-regulated. The combination of both agents did
not significantly influence cell viability or gene expression. This is the first study
demonstrating that Actovegin and Traumeel potentially modulate human skeletal muscle
cells. The relevance of these in vitro findings has to be highlighted in further in
vivo studies.
Key words
muscle injury - Calf Blood Copmpound
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- Homeopathic Drug
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