Electric pulse stimulation inhibited lipid accumulation on C2C12 myotubes incubated with oleic acid and palmitic acid

Objective: To investigate the effect of electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) on lipid accumulation and alteration of fatty acid-related enzymes in C2C12 myotubes incubated with fatty acids. Methods: Mouse C2C12 myotubes were incubated with oleic acid and palmitic acid, and differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with EPS, oil-red O (ORO), BODIPY staining and triglyceride (TG) content were examined. Total RNA was isolated, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed. Results: (1) EPS decreased TG content (p < .01). (2) EPS significantly induced the mRNA expression of FAD/CD36 (p < .05), FATP4 (p < .001), FABP1 (p < .01) and FABP5 (p < .01). (3) EPS significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (p < .01). (4) Adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase expression were significantly elevated (p < .001), and induced the mRNA expression of CPT1 (p < .01), ACOX1 (p < .05), UCP3 (p < .05) and PPAR alpha (p < .001) after EPS. Conclusion: EPS reduced lipid droplet accumulation; enhanced CD36, FATP4, FABP1 and FABP5 expression; inhibited C2C12 myotube fatty acid re-esterification; and promoted fatty acid oxidation in C2C12 myotubes.

Automated summary

Electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) reduces lipid droplet accumulation, enhances the expression of lipid-related genes, and promotes fatty acid oxidation in muscle cells.