Effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells versus melatonin on skeletal muscle of reserpine-induced fibromyalgia in adult male albino rat model: Histological, behavioral, and biochemical studies.

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder marked by ongoing musculoskeletal pain and weakness, with only symptomatic treatments available. Reserpine, a natural alkaloid, can cause symptoms resembling FM. Melatonin is a hormone with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) represent a novel approach for treating various diseases.

AIM: This experimental study aimed to assess and compare the therapeutic capacity of melatonin and AD-MSCs in alleviating reserpine-induced FM changes in rats.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Eighty adult male albino rats were categorized equally into four groups: control group I; group II, which was subcutaneously injected with reserpine (1 mg/kg) once daily over the flank for three continuous days to induce FM; group III, which was induced for FM as in group II, then orally received melatonin (5 mg/kg) once daily for four weeks; and group IV, which was induced for FM as in group II, then IV injected once by AD-MSCs (1 ×106/rat). Behavioral tests were performed to assess motor, pain, and depressive-related behaviours. Blood and gastrocnemius muscle specimens were collected for biochemical, histological, morphometric, ultrastructural, and statistical studies.

RESULTS

Group II exhibited marked deterioration in the behavioral and biochemical profile and enormous structural changes, including splitting of muscle fibers and sarcoplasmic loss, confirmed by ultrastructural analysis. Collagen area percentage was significantly increased, together with a few myogenin immunostainings. These pathological alterations were markedly improved in Group IV in comparison to Group III.

CONCLUSION

AD-MSCs and melatonin revealed potential in reducing FM-induced muscle alterations, with AD-MSCs clarifying superior efficacy.