BACKGROUND: In this study we prepared liposome microbubbles loading resveratrol (LMLR) and evaluated its therapeutic effect on injury of gastrocnemius muscle in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: LMLR was prepared and characterized by particle size, potential, and microscopy, and a rat model of acute blunt injury of gastrocnemius muscle was established. After treatments with resveratrol or LMLR, the therapeutic effects were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of MHCIIB and vimentin in mRNA level was measured by real-time PCR. The expression of desmin and collagen I protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: LMLR showed regular cycle shape in a size of ~1000 nm. LMLR was negatively charged (–30 mV). The in vitro release of LMLR was close to 80% at 10 h and 90% at 48 h. Acute gastrocnemius muscle injury was established in rats and tissue recovery was observed after LMLR treatment as evidenced by HE staining, decreased expression of MHCIIB, and increased expression of vimentin. Moreover, LMLR treatment obviously facilitated desmin expression and reduced collagen I expression.

CONCLUSIONS: LMLR is effective in treating acute blunt injury of gastrocnemius muscle in rats.

Keywords: Microbubbles, Muscle, Skeletal, Wounds and Injuries, Collagen, Desmin, Drug Delivery Systems, Liposomes, Models, Animal