Echinacoside stimulates myogenesis and ATP-dependent thermogenesis in the skeletal muscle via the activation of D1-like dopaminergic receptors.

Recent studies have shown that some natural compounds from plants prevent obesity and related disorders, including the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. In this study, we investigated the effect of echinacoside (ECH), a caffeic acid glycoside from the phenylpropanoid class, on myogenesis and ATP-dependent thermogenesis in the skeletal muscle and its interaction with the dopaminergic receptors 1 and 5 (DRD1 and DRD5). We applied RT-PCR, immunoblot analysis, a staining method, and an assay kit to determine the effects of ECH on diverse target genes and proteins involved in skeletal muscle myogenesis and ATP-consuming futile processes. Our study demonstrated that ECH enhanced myogenic differentiation, glucose, and fatty acid uptake, as well as lipid catabolism, and induced ATP-dependent thermogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ECH upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis proteins, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes, and intracellular Ca2+ signaling as well as thermogenic proteins. These findings were further elucidated by mechanistic studies which showed that ECH mediates myogenesis via the DRD1/5 in C2C12 muscle cells. In addition, ECH stimulates α1-AR-mediated ATP-dependent thermogenesis via the DRD1/5/cAMP/SLN/SERCA1a pathway in C2C12 muscle cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates the myogenic and thermogenic potential of ECH activity through the dopaminergic receptors. Understanding the novel functions of ECH in terms of its ability to prevent skeletal muscle loss and energy expenditure via ATP-consuming futile processes could help to develop potential alternative strategies to address muscle-related diseases, including combating obesity.