팔미트산 유도 C2C12 근위축 모델에서 메밀 추출물의 개선 효능평가

초록

Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, has become a major health concern in aging populations. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a functional food rich in rutin, a flavonol glycoside known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-protective properties. This study assessed the potential of F. esculentum extract (CFE) as a functional material for mitigating muscle atrophy. The rutin content of CFE was quantified using HPLC-PDA under optimized extraction conditions and compared with previously reported values from different geographical origins. CFE had a higher rutin content (3.34 mg/g) than those reported for other regions (1.8–2.4 mg/g). Molecular docking analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms, targeting key regulators of muscle metabolism, including mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR), forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Rutin showed stable binding interactions with the active sites of these proteins, suggesting potential multitarget modulation of muscle protein synthesis and degradation pathways. These findings were further validated in an in vitro model of palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxicity using C2C12 myoblasts. CFE significantly attenuated PA-induced muscle damage by improving the cell viability and restoring morphological integrity. Specifically, CFE prevented the reduction in myotube diameter and significantly increased the fusion index, indicating enhanced muscle differentiation. In conclusion, the high rutin content of CFE contributes to its muscle protective effects through the coordinated regulation of mTOR, FoxO3a, and SIRT1 signaling pathways. These results suggest that CFE has strong potential as a functional ingredient for the management of sarcopenia.

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