Effects of α-dicarbonyl Compounds on the Differentiation of Chicken Embryonic Myoblasts

Glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) are highly reactive alpha-dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) generated through multiple pathways of glucose metabolism. Both GO and MGO are cytotoxic to mammalian cells, and are implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including diabetes. In mammalian systems, MGO reduces myoblast viability, and inhibits their differentiation. Conversely, we previously demonstrated that GO and MGO do not induce cell death in chicken myoblasts; however, their effects on myoblasts differentiation remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of GO and MGO on cell differentiation in chicken embryonic myoblasts. First, we analyzed the temporal expression patterns of key myogenic regulatory factors, including paired box 7, myoblast determination protein 1, myogenin, and myomaker, during the differentiation of chicken embryonic myoblasts. Exposure to GO or MGO significantly decreased the mRNA levels of key myogenic regulatory factors. Furthermore, both α-DCs suppressed myoblast fusion, a process necessary for myotube formation. Collectively, these findings revealed that α-DCs suppress cell differentiation in chicken embryonic myoblasts.