Clin Pain.  2024 Dec;23(2):66-72. 10.35827/cp.2024.23.2.66.

Electroceuticals in Muscle Regeneration: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

• Kwon DR

• KMID: 2563771
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.35827/cp.2024.23.2.66

Abstract

Muscle regeneration is a complex process involving the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of muscle satellite cells following injury. Recent advancements in bioelectronic medicine have highlighted the potential of electroceuticals—therapies that use electrical stimulation to modulate biological systems—as a promising approach to enhance muscle repair and regeneration. In this review, we explore the mechanisms by which electrical stimulation influences muscle tissue regeneration, focusing on the modulation of cellular pathways such as myogenesis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. We also review the effects of various stimulation parameters, including frequency, intensity, and waveform, on muscle regeneration outcomes. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that electroceutical interventions can accelerate recovery following muscle injury, enhance muscle strength, and reduce fibrosis. However, challenges remain in optimizing the stimulation protocols for different injury models and in translating these findings into widespread clinical applications. Further research is necessary to establish standardized treatment regimens and to understand the long-term effects of electroceutical therapy on muscle health. This review provides insights into the current status of electroceuticals in muscle regeneration and discusses future directions for improving therapeutic efficacy.

Keyword

Muscle regeneration; Electroceuticals; Electrical stimulation; Satellite cells; Myogenesis