Fig. 3
Evaluation of MyHC and pro-myogenic protein expression in VML-injured muscles. (a) Protein expression in VML-injured and uninjured contralateral limbs were quantified for Type 2x (MyHC-2x), Type 2a (MyHC-2a), and Type 2b (MyHC-2b) fibers at 56 days post-injury. To evaluate the effects of biological sex and regenerative treatment on muscle fiber composition following VML, protein levels for each fast twitch fiber type were compared between injured limbs (n = 8–9 muscles/group). To evaluate changes in muscle fiber composition post-injury, protein levels between VML-injured and uninjured contralateral limbs were compared (n = 7–9 per group). (b) Protein markers indicative of muscle regeneration were evaluated from VML-injured muscles (n = 3–9 muscles/group). All protein values were normalized to total protein content prior to analysis. Females and males are represented by red and blue markers, respectively. Data are shown as mean ± SD. Statistical comparisons between VML-injured limbs was determined by two-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). Statistical comparisons between VML-injured and respective contralateral limbs was determined by Student’s T-test or non-parametric Mann-Whitney test (P < 0.05). NR = no repair; MMG = minced muscle graft.
