Impact of Adenosine A2 Receptor Ligands on BCL2 Expression in Skeletal Muscle Cells

Abstract

Background: Adenosine plays the role of regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in various kinds of cells through the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) pathway. Objectives: Since anti-apoptotic (BCL2) expression plays a role in controlling apoptosis in some cell lines, this study was designed to investigate whether adenosine analogue, NECA (non-selective adenosine receptors agonist), selective adenosine A2B receptor antagonist, PSB 603, and a selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist, CG21680, affect BCL2-gene expression in the skeletal muscle cells of rats. The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that CG21680 treatment would significantly intensify BCL2 gene expression in rat skeletal muscle. Methods: Flasks measuring 25 cm2 were employed in culturing the rat L6 skeletal muscle cells. After treating these differential cells, the relative mRNA expression level for the BCL2 gene, at varying conditions of treatment, was measured using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: From the qRT-PCR analysis results, it was concluded that BCL2 expression was markedly amplified after selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist, CGS21680 (p < 0.01) treatment. More prospective validation for the adenosine receptors’ contribution in modulating apoptosis by NECA was delivered by the outcomes from the combined pre-treatment of the cells with NECA and PSB 603. These outcomes show that when starved skeletal muscle cells are treated with a combination of NECA and 100 nM PSB 603, there was a substantial decrease in comparison to either treatment used on its own. Conclusions: This study’s results showed, for the first time, an increase in BCL2 gene expression within skeletal muscle after CGS21680 treatment. Hence, the prospective escalation in BCL2 protein expression might have a protective role to play against apoptosis and avert damage to the skeletal muscle.