Mechanistic Insights into Jianpi Recipe's Amelioration of Muscle Atrophy via miRNA Modulation
Sarcopenia, characterized by significant declines in muscle mass and strength, poses a serious threat to the quality of life. Current treatments are limited, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the efficacy and mechanism of the Jianpi Recipe (JPR), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, in ameliorating sarcopenia. By employing a dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy mouse model, JPR was evidenced to improve rip strength, muscle mass, and histopathological characteristics of skeletal muscle, particularly at moderate to high doses. Furthermore, miRNA sequencing identified 48 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in both DEX vs. control and DEX and medium-dose JPR(DEX+M-JPR) vs. DEX comparisons. Enrichment analyses of target mRNAs revealed significant pathways, such as the Ras and Wnt signaling pathways, involved in the mechanisms underlying JPR's efficacy. Then, nine hub DEmiRNAs was identified by overlapping the DEmiRNAs between DEX vs. control and DEX+M-JPR vs. DEX groups. Moreover, a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed to highlight key regulatory interactions. Finally, validation of hub DEmiRNAs via RT-qPCR and correlation analysis support their potential as therapeutic targets. Collectively, this study elucidates the protective effects of the JPR on sarcopenia and the potential mechanisms by which JPR exerts its protective effects on sarcopenia via miRNAs.