Mechanistic effects of percutaneous needle fasciotomy on immobilization-induced muscle atrophy in rats: focus on angiogenesis and the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway

Objective This study aims to investigate the effect of Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy intervention on angiogenesis in disuse-induced gastrocnemius muscle atrophy in rats and its relationship with the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. Methods : Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: blank, model, Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy, and stretching, with six rats in each group. Atrophy was induced by 4-week immobilization. The PNF group received a single fascial incision followed by dorsiflexion stretching; the stretching group received stretching alone. After the intervention, the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint and the hindlimb grip strength in each group of rats were assessed. Subsequently, the expression of proteins related to the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway was analyzed using molecular biology techniques. Results : Compared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in functional indicators (ankle ROM and grip strength), vascular markers (CD31, CD34, and related mRNAs), and key proteins of the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway (Tie-2, Ang-1, Src, VEGF) (P < 0.05), while HIF-1α expression was upregulated (P < 0.05). The stretching group showed no significant improvement versus the model group. In contrast, the PNF group exhibited a significant reversal of all these impairments (P < 0.05), with effects superior to the stretching group (P < 0.05). Conclusion : Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy intervention promotes angiogenesis and facilitates the recovery of atrophied muscle, potentially via the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.