Idesolide, an isolate of idesia polycarpa, inhibits apoptosis through induction of intracellular heat shock protein 70 in C₂C₁₂ muscle cells

Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, are associated with an increase in oxidative stress. Proposed treatments for muscular dystrophy, some in clinical trials, include gene therapy and muscle cell transplantation. In this study, we investigated the effects of idesolide, isolated from the fruits of Idesia polycarpa, on changes that occur in muscle disuse atrophy. We noted protective effects on oxidative stress response and HSP70 regulation. Pre-treatment with idesolide for 24 h maintained cell viability and decreased apoptosis in H₂O₂-treated C₂C₁₂muscle cells. The idesolide pretreatment also increased intracellular HSP70 protein. Our results suggest that idesolide inhibits cell death through induction of HSP70 in C₂C₁₂muscle cells. This work is the first to report that idesolide can regulate the decrease in HSP70 that occurs during skeletal muscle atrophy.