Effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on miRNA expression in differentiating equine satellite cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle injury activates satellite cells to initiate processes of proliferation, differentiation, and hypertrophy in order to regenerate muscle fibers. The number of microRNAs and their target genes are engaged in satellite cell activation. β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is known to prevent exercise-induced muscle damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of HMB on miRNA and relevant target gene expression in differentiating equine satellite cells exposed to H(2)O(2). We hypothesized that HMB may regulate satellite cell activity, proliferation, and differentiation, hence attenuate the pathological processes induced during an in vitro model of H(2)O(2)-related injury by changing the expression of miRNAs. METHODS: Equine satellite cells (ESC) were isolated from the samples of skeletal muscle collected from young horses. ESC were treated with HMB (24 h) and then exposed to H(2)O(2) (1 h). For the microRNA and gene expression assessment microarrays, technique was used. Identified miRNAs and genes were validated using real-time qPCR. Cell viability, oxidative stress, and cell damage were measured using colorimetric method and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Analysis of miRNA and gene profile in differentiating ESC pre-incubated with HMB and then exposed to H(2)O(2) revealed difference in the expression of 27 miRNAs and 4740 genes, of which 344 were potential target genes for identified miRNAs. Special attention was focused on differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes involved in processes related to skeletal muscle injury. Western blot analysis showed protein protection in HMB-pre-treated group compared to control. The viability test confirmed that HMB enhanced cell survival after the hydrogen peroxide exposition. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ESC pre-incubated with HMB and exposed to H(2)O(2) could affect expression on miRNA levels responsible for skeletal muscle development, cell proliferation and differentiation, and activation of tissue repair after injury. Enrichment analyses for targeted genes revealed that a large group of genes was associated with the regulation of signaling pathways crucial for muscle tissue development, protein metabolism, muscle injury, and regeneration, as well as with oxidative stress response. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12263-018-0598-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.