EJMS

Abstract

Introduction: Synthetic steroids are documented to induce skeletal muscle weakness, and many studies indicate that endogenous glucocorticoid levels are high in patients with muscle atrophy. Steroids are incriminated to induce myopathy via diverse mechanisms, including down-regulation of key molecules and signaling pathways involved in the regulation of protein synthesis and degradation. Heat therapy is widely used as an adjuvant to physical rehabilitation for ameliorating pain and muscle spasms. Recent researches elucidated the benefits of heat therapy for muscle atrophy under various conditions. Heat treatment is reported to attenuate steroid‐induced muscle atrophy in rats and to antagonise steroid‐induced degradation of proteins in muscle fibers. Aim of work: The purpose of the current work was to elucidate the influence of heat treatment on steroid-induced myopathy in the adult male albino rat. Material and methods: the current study used fifty adult male albino rats with their weights within the range of 180-220 g. They were divided into five groups 10 rats each: Group I (Control group): The rats of this group received nothing other than food and water. Group II (Steroid administration for two weeks): The rats of this group were injected subcutaneously with 2 mg/kg dexamethasone in the lower back 6 days per week for two weeks. Group III (Steroid administration for four weeks): The rats of this group were injected subcutaneously with 2 mg/kg dexamethasone in the lower back 6 days per week for four weeks. Group IV (Steroid administration for two weeks and heat treatment): The rats of this group were subcutaneously injected with 2 mg/kg dexamethasone in the lower back 6 days per week for two weeks. In addition, the rats in this group were subjected to immersion in water at 42°C for 60 min as a heat treatment, once every 3 days for two weeks. Group V (Steroid administration for four weeks and heat treatment): The rats of this group were subcutaneously injected with 2 mg/kg dexamethasone in the lower back 6 days per week for four weeks. In addition, they were immersed in water at 42°C for 60 min as a heat treatment, once every 3 days for four weeks.