Functional muscle hypertrophy by increased insulin-like growth factor 1 does not require dysferlin

Introduction: Dysferlin loss-of-function mutations cause muscular dystrophy, accompanied by impaired membrane repair and muscle weakness. Growth promoting strategies including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) could provide benefit but may cause strength loss or be ineffective. The objective of this study was to determine whether locally increased IGF-1 promotes functional muscle hypertrophy in dysferlin-null (Dysf^−/−) mice. Methods: Muscle-specific transgenic expression and postnatal viral delivery of Igf1 were used in Dysf^−/− and control mice. Increased IGF-1 levels were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Testing for skeletal muscle mass and function was performed in male and female mice. Results: Muscle hypertrophy occurred in response to increased IGF-1 in mice with and without dysferlin. Male mice showed a more robust response compared with females. Increased IGF-1 did not cause loss of force per cross-sectional area in Dysf^−/− muscles. Discussion: We conclude that increased local IGF-1 promotes functional hypertrophy when dysferlin is absent and reestablishes IGF-1 as a potential therapeutic for dysferlinopathies.