Abstract

Oleic and linoleic acids control fibroblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation in vitro; however, there was no study in skeletal muscle in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of either oleic or linoleic acid on the fibrous tissue content (collagen deposition) of muscle and recovery of contractile function in rat gastrocnemius muscle after being severely injured by laceration. Rats were supplemented with either oleic or linoleic acid for 4weeks after laceration [0.44 g(kg body weight)(-1) day(-1)]. Muscle injury led to an increase in oleic-to-stearic acid and palmitoleic-to-palmitic acid ratios, suggesting an increase in (9) desaturase activity. Increased fibrous tissue deposition and reduced isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue were observed in the injured muscle. Supplementation with linoleic acid increased the content of eicosadienoic (20:2, n-6) and arachidonic (20:4, n-6) acids, reduced muscle mass and fibre cross-sectional areas, increased fibrous tissue deposition and further reduced the isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue induced by laceration. Supplementation with oleic acid increased the content of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, n-3) and abolished the increase in fibrous tissue area and the decrease in isotonic and tetanic specific forces and resistance to fatigue induced by muscle injury. We concluded that supplementation with linoleic acid impairs muscle regeneration and increases fibrous tissue deposition, resulting in impaired recovery of contractile function. Oleic acid supplementation reduced fibrous tissue deposition and improved recovery of contractile function, attenuating the tissue damage caused by muscle injury.