Coumestrol attenuates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy via AMPK-FOXO1/3 signaling

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscular mass and strength as a person ages, resulting in considerable impairment in daily functions and an increased risk of falls and fractures, finally leading to loss of independence. Coumestrol has been known to have an effect on the inhibition of skeletal muscle loss, but the coumestrol protection mechanism is poorly understood. To investigate the protective effect of coumestrol against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy, in vitro and in vivo analysis was performed through dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy mouse model and C2C12 myoblasts. As a results, coumestrol might attenuate the dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy via blocking the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway induced by suppressing AMPK-FoxO1/3 signaling. Therefore, coumestrol would be a potential treatment agents for aging sarcopenia.