Effect of the Lipoxygenase Inhibitor Baicalein on Muscles in Ovariectomized Rats

Figure 4

M. soleus fibre diameter and area and their relation to body weight. The diameter of single fibres was increased in each baicalein C2 and baicalein C3 group versus the OVX group ((a), ), while OVX does not differ significantly from C1 or NON-OVX. Muscle fibre areas were measured after preparing muscle sections. Although the area in the OVX groups was decreased when compared with that in NON-OVX animals, baicalein treatment could prevent this effect ((d), ). As for the relation of diameter to muscle weight, no significant differences could be seen ((b), ). Compared to body weight, the fibre diameters in NON-OVX rats were significantly greater when compared with those in OVX rats. Besides, fibre to body weight ratio was higher in the baicalein C2 and C3 animals versus OVX animals ((c), ). NON-OVX versus OVX animals had no differences in area/muscle weight ratio ((e), ) but a significantly greater area to body weight ratio; the same was noted for each baicalein C2 and baicalein C3 group versus the OVX group ((f), ). , , and indicate significant difference.

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