N-acetylcysteine inhibits muscle fatigue in humans

Exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans: cause and consequences

The observation that muscular exercise is associated with oxidative stress in humans was first reported over 30 years ago. Since this initial report, numerous studies have confirmed that prolonged or high-intensity exercise results in oxidative damage to macromolecules in both blood and skeletal muscle. Although the primary tissue(s) responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during exercise remains a topic of debate, compelling evidence indicates that muscular activity promotes oxidant production in contracting skeletal muscle fibers. Mitochondria, NADPH oxidase, PLA₂-dependent processes, and xanthine oxidase have all been postulated to contribute to contraction-induced ROS production in muscle but the primary site of contraction-induced ROS production in muscle fibers remains unclear. Nonetheless, contraction-induced ROS generation has been shown to play an important physiological function in the regulation of both muscle force production and contraction-induced adaptive responses of muscle fibers to exercise training. Although knowledge in the field of exercise and oxidative stress has grown markedly during the past 30 years, this area continues to expand and there is much more to be learned about the role of ROS as signaling molecules in skeletal muscle.

Antioxidant and Vitamin D supplements for athletes: sense or nonsense?

The idea that dietary supplements can improve athletic performance is popular among athletes. The use of antioxidant supplements is widespread among endurance athletes because of evidence that free radicals contribute to muscle fatigue during prolonged exercise. Furthermore, interest in vitamin D supplementation is increasing in response to studies indicating that vitamin D deficiency exists in athletic populations. This review explores the rationale for supplementation with both antioxidants and vitamin D and discusses the evidence to support and deny the benefits of these dietary supplements. The issue of whether athletes should use antioxidant supplements remains highly controversial. Nonetheless, at present there is limited scientific evidence to recommend antioxidant supplements to athletes or other physically active individuals. Therefore, athletes should consult with their health care professional and/or nutritionist when considering antioxidant supplementation. The issue of whether athletes should supplement with vitamin D is also controversial. While arguments for and against vitamin D supplementation exist, additional research is required to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial to athletes. Nevertheless, based upon the growing evidence that many athletic populations are vitamin D deficient or insufficient, it is recommended that athletes monitor their serum vitamin D concentration and consult with their health care professional and/or nutritionist to determine if they would derive health benefits from vitamin D supplementation.

Interactive processes link the multiple symptoms of fatigue in sport competition

Muscle physiologists often describe fatigue simply as a decline of muscle force and infer this causes an athlete to slow down. In contrast, exercise scientists describe fatigue during sport competition more holistically as an exercise-induced impairment of performance. The aim of this review is to reconcile the different views by evaluating the many performance symptoms/measures and mechanisms of fatigue. We describe how fatigue is assessed with muscle, exercise or competition performance measures. Muscle performance (single muscle test measures) declines due to peripheral fatigue (reduced muscle cell force) and/or central fatigue (reduced motor drive from the CNS). Peak muscle force seldom falls by >30% during sport but is often exacerbated during electrical stimulation and laboratory exercise tasks. Exercise performance (whole-body exercise test measures) reveals impaired physical/technical abilities and subjective fatigue sensations. Exercise intensity is initially sustained by recruitment of new motor units and help from synergistic muscles before it declines. Technique/motor skill execution deviates as exercise proceeds to maintain outcomes before they deteriorate, e.g. reduced accuracy or velocity. The sensation of fatigue incorporates an elevated rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during submaximal tasks, due to a combination of peripheral and higher CNS inputs. Competition performance (sport symptoms) is affected more by decision-making and psychological aspects, since there are opponents and a greater importance on the result. Laboratory based decision making is generally faster or unimpaired. Motivation, self-efficacy and anxiety can change during exercise to modify RPE and, hence, alter physical performance. Symptoms of fatigue during racing, team-game or racquet sports are largely anecdotal, but sometimes assessed with time-motion analysis. Fatigue during brief all-out racing is described biomechanically as a decline of peak velocity, along with altered kinematic components. Longer sport events involve pacing strategies, central and peripheral fatigue contributions and elevated RPE. During match play, the work rate can decline late in a match (or tournament) and/or transiently after intense exercise bursts. Repeated sprint ability, agility and leg strength become slightly impaired. Technique outcomes, such as velocity and accuracy for throwing, passing, hitting and kicking, can deteriorate. Physical and subjective changes are both less severe in real rather than simulated sport activities. Little objective evidence exists to support exercise-induced mental lapses during sport. A model depicting mind-body interactions during sport competition shows that the RPE centre-motor cortex-working muscle sequence drives overall performance levels and, hence, fatigue symptoms. The sporting outputs from this sequence can be modulated by interactions with muscle afferent and circulatory feedback, psychological and decision-making inputs. Importantly, compensatory processes exist at many levels to protect against performance decrements. Small changes of putative fatigue factors can also be protective. We show that individual fatigue factors including diminished carbohydrate availability, elevated serotonin, hypoxia, acidosis, hyperkalaemia, hyperthermia, dehydration and reactive oxygen species, each contribute to several fatigue symptoms. Thus, multiple symptoms of fatigue can occur simultaneously and the underlying mechanisms overlap and interact. Based on this understanding, we reinforce the proposal that fatigue is best described globally as an exercise-induced decline of performance as this is inclusive of all viewpoints.

Reactive oxygen species formation during tetanic contractions in single isolated Xenopus myofibers

Contracting skeletal muscle produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that have been shown to affect muscle function and adaptation. However, real-time measurement of ROS in contracting myofibers has proven to be difficult. We used amphibian (Xenopus laevis) muscle to test the hypothesis that ROS are formed during contractile activity in isolated single skeletal muscle fibers and that this contraction-induced ROS formation affects fatigue development. Single myofibers were loaded with 5 μM dihydrofluorescein-DA (Hfluor-DA), a fluorescent probe that reacts with ROS and results in the formation of fluorescein (Fluor) to precisely monitor ROS generation within single myofibers in real time using confocal miscroscopy. Three identical periods of maximal tetanic contractions (1 contraction/3 s for 2 min, separated by 60 min of rest) were conducted by each myofiber (n = 6) at 20°C. Ebselen (an antioxidant) was present in the perfusate (10 μM) during the second contractile period. Force was reduced by ∼30% during each of the three contraction periods, with no significant difference in fatigue development among the three periods. The Fluor signal, indicative of ROS generation, increased significantly above baseline in both the first (42 ± 14%) and third periods (39 ± 10%), with no significant difference in the increase in fluorescence between the first and third periods. There was no increase of Fluor in the presence of ebselen during the second contractile period. These results demonstrated that, in isolated intact Xenopus myofibers, 1) ROS can be measured in real time during tetanic contractions, 2) contractile activity induced a significant increase above resting levels of ROS production, and 3) ebselen treatment reduced ROS generation to baseline levels but had no effect on myofiber contractility and fatigue development.

Reactive oxygen species: impact on skeletal muscle

It is well established that contracting muscles produce both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Although the sources of oxidant production during exercise continue to be debated, growing evidence suggests that mitochondria are not the dominant source. Regardless of the sources of oxidants in contracting muscles, intense and prolonged exercise can result in oxidative damage to both proteins and lipids in the contracting myocytes. Further, oxidants regulate numerous cell signaling pathways and modulate the expression of many genes. This oxidant-mediated change in gene expression involves changes at transcriptional, mRNA stability, and signal transduction levels. Furthermore, numerous products associated with oxidant-modulated genes have been identified and include antioxidant enzymes, stress proteins, and mitochondrial electron transport proteins. Interestingly, low and physiological levels of reactive oxygen species are required for normal force production in skeletal muscle, but high levels of reactive oxygen species result in contractile dysfunction and fatigue. Ongoing research continues to explore the redox-sensitive targets in muscle that are responsible for both redox regulation of muscle adaptation and oxidant-mediated muscle fatigue.

N-acetylcysteine in handgrip exercise: plasma thiols and adverse reactions

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol donor with antioxidant properties that has potential use as an ergogenic aid. However, NAC is associated with adverse reactions that limit its use in humans.

PURPOSE

The authors evaluated NAC efficacy as a thiol donor before handgrip exercise, measuring changes in serum cysteine and glutathione status and recording adverse reactions in adult subjects across a range of doses.

METHODS

Healthy individuals ingested NAC capsules (9 ± 2 or 18 ± 4 mg/kg) or solution (0, 35, 70, or 140 mg/kg). Venous blood samples were collected and subjects answered a questionnaire about adverse reactions.

RESULTS

Low doses of NAC (capsules) did not affect plasma cysteine or glutathione or cause adverse reactions. Adverse reactions to NAC solution were predominantly mild and gastrointestinal (GI). Intensity of GI reactions to 140 mg/kg NAC was significantly higher than placebo (in a.u., 0.67 ± 0.16 vs. 0.07 ± 0.04; p < .05). Plasma cysteine concentration increased with NAC dose from 9.3 ± 0.7 μM (placebo) to 65.3 ± 6.7 μM (140 mg/kg); however, there was no difference (p > .05) in plasma cysteine for 70 mg/kg vs. 140 mg/kg. Similar increases were observed for the ratio of cysteine to total cysteine, which was directly related to handgrip exercise performance. Plasma glutathione was elevated and oxidized glutathione diminished (p < .05) with NAC 140 mg/kg vs. placebo.

CONCLUSION

NAC effects on plasma thiols are maximized by oral administration of 70 mg/kg, a dose that does not cause significant adverse reactions.

Does Vitamin E and C Supplementation Improve the Recovery From Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery?

Muscular (quadriceps) weakness is a predominant impairment that follows anterior cruciate ligament injury and surgery. This continued weakness impairs activities of daily living and could predispose patients to adverse conditions later in life, such as knee osteoarthritis. Vitamins E and C have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Herein, the authors summarize the state-of-the science and suggest directions for future research endeavors regarding the therapeutic influence of vitamins E and C, or other antioxidants, on the recovery from anterior cruciate ligament injury and surgery.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on markers of skeletal muscle injury after fatiguing contractile activity

The effects of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an unspecific antioxidant, on fatiguing contractile activity-induced injury were investigated. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups. The placebo group (N=12) received one injection of phosphate buffer (PBS) 1 h prior to contractile activity induced by electrical stimulation. The NAC group (NAC; N=12) received electrical stimulation for the same time period and NAC (500 mg/kg, i.p.) dissolved in PBS 1 h prior to electrical stimulation. The contralateral hindlimb was used as a control, except in the analysis of plasma enzyme activities, when a control group (rats placebo group not electrically stimulated and not treated) was included. The following parameters were measured: tetanic force, muscle fatigue, plasma activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), changes in muscle vascular permeability using Evans blue dye (EBD), muscle content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Muscle fatigue was delayed and tetanic force was preserved in NAC-treated rats. NAC treatment decreased plasma CK and LDH activities. The content of muscle-derived ROS, TBARS, EBD and MPO activity in both gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were also decreased by NAC pre-treatment. Thus, NAC has a protective effect against injury induced by fatiguing contractile activity in skeletal muscle.

Local hindlimb antioxidant infusion does not affect muscle glucose uptake during in situ contractions in rat

There is evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the regulation of skeletal muscle glucose uptake during highly fatiguing ex vivo contraction conditions via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In this study we investigated the role of ROS in the regulation of glucose uptake and AMPK signaling during low-moderate intensity in situ hindlimb muscle contractions in rats, which is a more physiological protocol and preparation. Male hooded Wistar rats were anesthetized, and then N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was infused into the epigastric artery (125 mg·kg−1·h−1) of one hindlimb (contracted leg) for 15 min before this leg was electrically stimulated (0.1-ms impulse at 2 Hz and 35 V) to contract at a low-moderate intensity for 15 min. The contralateral leg did not receive stimulation or local NAC infusion (rest leg). NAC infusion increased ( P < 0.05) plasma cysteine and cystine (by ∼360- and 1.4-fold, respectively) and muscle cysteine (by 1.5-fold, P = 0.001). Although contraction did not significantly alter muscle tyrosine nitration, reduced (GSH) or oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content, S-glutathionylation of protein bands at ∼250 and 150 kDa was increased ( P < 0.05) ∼1.7-fold by contraction, and this increase was prevented by NAC. Contraction increased ( P < 0.05) skeletal muscle glucose uptake 20-fold, AMPK phosphorylation 6-fold, ACCβ phosphorylation 10-fold, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation 60-fold, and the muscle fatigued by ∼30% during contraction and NAC infusion had no significant effect on any of these responses. This was despite NAC preventing increases in S-glutathionylation with contraction. In conclusion, unlike during highly fatiguing ex vivo contractions, local NAC infusion during in situ low-moderate intensity hindlimb contractions in rats, a more physiological preparation, does not attenuate increases in skeletal muscle glucose uptake or AMPK signaling.

Effects of a flavonoid extract from Cynomorium songaricum on the swimming endurance of rats

The present study investigated the effects of a flavonoid extract from Cynomorium songaricum on the swimming endurance of rats by measuring changes of free radical scavenging enzymes, such as CuZn-SOD (copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase) and GSH-px (glutathione peroxidase), and body weights. Significant and dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects of flavonoids (rutin, catechin and isoquercitrin) on swimming rats were observed during 10 days of swimming exercise. After treatment with the flavonoid extract at doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg body weight, the CuZn-SOD and GSH-px activities in swimming rats were increased by 1.4%, 3.3%, 4.1% and 112.2%, 208.7%, 261.7%, respectively, while the levels of MDA (malondialdehyde) were decreased by 64.7%, 79.4%, and 86.4% respectively. Furthermore, the average body weight and the total swimming time were increased by 3.1%, 8.8%, 10.6%, and 7.7%, 34.5%, 61.5%, respectively. Our experimental results suggest that flavonoid supplementation could not only reduce free radical formation and scavenge free radicals, but also enhance endurance exercise performance by reducing muscle fatigue.

Selenoproteins and protection against oxidative stress: selenoprotein N as a novel player at the crossroads of redox signaling and calcium homeostasis

Healthy cells continually produce low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are buffered by multiple antioxidant systems. Imbalance between ROS production and elimination results in oxidative stress, which has been implicated in aging and in numerous human diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Selenoproteins are a family of proteins that contain the amino acid selenocysteine, encoded by an in-frame UGA. Those selenoproteins whose function is identified are catalytically active in redox processes, representing one of the main enzymatic antioxidant systems and important mediators of the beneficial role of selenium in human health. Nevertheless, the function of most selenoproteins remains unknown; this included Selenoprotein N (SelN), the only selenoprotein directly associated with a human genetic disease. Mutations of the SelN gene cause SEPN1-related myopathy, a particular early-onset muscle disorder. Recent studies have identified SelN as a key protein in cell protection against oxidative stress and redox-related calcium homeostasis. Furthermore, an effective ex vivo treatment of SelN deficiency has been identified, paving the way to a clinical therapy. In this review we discuss the physiological and pathophysiological role of SelN and the interest of SEPN1-related myopathy as a model paradigm to understand and target therapeutically other selenoproteins involved in human health and disease.

Aerobic exercise training improves Ca2+ handling and redox status of skeletal muscle in mice

Exercise training is known to promote relevant changes in the properties of skeletal muscle contractility toward powerful fibers. However, there are few studies showing the effect of a well-established exercise training protocol on Ca2+ handling and redox status in skeletal muscles with different fiber-type compositions. We have previously standardized a valid and reliable protocol to improve endurance exercise capacity in mice based on maximal lactate steady-state workload (MLSSw). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise training, performed at MLSSw, on the skeletal muscle Ca2+ handling-related protein levels and cellular redox status in soleus and plantaris. Male C57BL/6J mice performed treadmill training at MLSSw over a period of eight weeks. Muscle fiber-typing was determined by myosin ATPase histochemistry, citrate synthase activity by spectrophotometric assay, Ca2+ handling-related protein levels by Western blot and reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH:GSSG) by high-performance liquid chromatography. Trained mice displayed higher running performance and citrate synthase activity compared with untrained mice. Improved running performance in trained mice was paralleled by fast-to-slow fiber-type shift and increased capillary density in both plantaris and soleus. Exercise training increased dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) α2 subunit, ryanodine receptor and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger levels in plantaris and soleus. Moreover, exercise training elevated DHPR β1 subunit and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) 1 levels in plantaris and SERCA2 levels in soleus of trained mice. Skeletal muscle GSH content and GSH:GSSG ratio was increased in plantaris and soleus of trained mice. Taken together, our findings indicate that MLSSw exercise-induced better running performance is, in part, due to increased levels of proteins involved in skeletal muscle Ca2+ handling, whereas this response is partially dependent on specificity of skeletal muscle fiber-type composition. Finally, we demonstrated an augmented cellular redox status and GSH antioxidant capacity in trained mice.

Modulatory effect of N-acetylcysteine on pro-antioxidant status and haematological response in healthy men

The aim of this study was to follow up whether the modification of pro-antioxidant status by 8-day oral application of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in healthy men affects the haematological response, whether there is a direct relationship between antioxidant defences and erythropoietin (EPO) secretion and whether NAC intake enhances exercise performance. Fifteen healthy men were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control or NAC (1,200 mg d(-1) for 8 days prior to and 600 mg on the day of exercise trial). To measure the ergogenic effectiveness of NAC, subjects performed incremental cycle exercise until exhaustion. NAC administration significantly influenced the resting and post-exercise level of glutathione (+31%) as well as the resting activity of glutathione enzymes (glutathione reductase, -22%; glutathione peroxidase, -18%). The oxidative damage markers, i.e., protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) were reduced by NAC by more than 30%. NAC noticeably affected the plasma level of EPO (+26%), haemoglobin (+9%), haematocrit (+9%) and erythrocytes (-6%) at rest and after exercise. The mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin increased by more than 12%. Plasma total thiols increased by 17% and directly correlated with EPO level (r = 0.528, P < 0.05). NAC treatment, contrary to expectations, did not significantly affect exercise performance. Our study has shown that 8-day NAC intake at a daily dose of 1,200 mg favours a pro-antioxidant status and affects haematological indices but does not enhance exercise performance.

Intramuscular adaptations to eccentric exercise and antioxidant supplementation

Prophylactic supplementation of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was studied for physiological and cellular changes in skeletal muscle after eccentric muscle contractions. Thirty healthy, active males (20.0 +/- 1.8 years, 160 +/- 7.1 cm, 76.1 +/- 17.0 kg) ingested for 14 days either 1,800 mg of NAC, 1,800 mg of EGCG, or 1,000 mg of fiber (glucomannan) placebo (PLC) in a double blind, prophylactic fashion. Subjects completed one eccentric exercise bout (100 repetitions at 30 degrees /s) using the dominant knee extensors. Strength and soreness were assessed, and blood and muscle samples obtained before and 6, 24, 48, and 72 h with no muscle sample being collected at 72 h. Separate mixed factorial repeated measures ANOVA (P < 0.05) were used for all statistical analysis. All groups experienced significantly reduced peak torque production after 6 and 24 h, increased soreness at all time points from baseline [with even greater soreness levels 24 h after exercise in PLC when compared to EGCG and NAC (P < 0.05)], increased lactate dehydrogenase at 6 h, and increased creatine kinase 6, 24 and 48 h after exercise. No significant group x time interaction effects were found for serum cortisol, neutrophil counts, and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio; although, all values experienced significant changes 6 h after exercise (P < 0.05), but at no other time points. At 48 h after the exercise bout the Neu:Lym ratio in EGCG was significantly less than NAC (P < 0.05), whereas there was a trend (P = 0.08) for the EGCG values to be less when compared to PLC at this time point. Markers of intramuscular mitochondrial and cytosolic apoptosis were assessed (e.g., bax, bcl-2, cytochrome C, caspase-3 content/enzyme activity, and total DNA content). Significant increases (P < 0.05) in muscle levels of bax and bcl-2 were observed in all groups with no significant differences between groups, whereas no changes (P > 0.05) were reported for cytochrome C, caspase-3 content, caspase-3 enzyme activity, and total DNA. Caspase-3 enzyme activity was significantly greater in all groups 48 h after exercise when compared to baseline (P < 0.05) and 6 h (P < 0.05) after exercise. An eccentric bout of muscle contractions appears to significantly increase muscle damage, markers of mitochondrial apoptosis, apoptotic enzyme activity, and whole-blood cell markers of inflammation with no changes in oxidative stress. While soreness ratings were blunted in the two supplementation groups 24 h after exercise when compared to PLC values, more research is needed to determine the potential impact of EGCG and NAC supplementation on changes related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and eccentric exercise.

The effects of antioxidants on microvascular oxygenation and blood flow in skeletal muscle of young rats

Alterations of skeletal muscle redox state via antioxidant supplementation have the potential to impact contractile function and vascular smooth muscle tone. The effects of antioxidants on the regulation of muscle O(2) delivery-O(2) utilization (Q(O(2)m/V(O(2)m)) matching (which sets the microvascular partial pressure of O(2); P(O(2)mv)) in young healthy muscle are not known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the effects of acute antioxidant supplementation on rat spinotrapezius muscle force production, blood flow, V(O(2)m) and P(O(2)mv) (phosphorescence quenching). Anaesthetized male Fischer 344 x Brown Norway rats (6-8 months old) had their right spinotrapezius muscles either exposed for measurement of blood flow and (n = 13) or exteriorized for measurement of muscle force production (n = 6). Electrically stimulated 1 Hz twitch contractions (approximately 7-9 V) were elicited for 180 s, and measurements were made before and after acute intra-arterial antioxidant supplementation (76 mg kg(-1) ascorbic acid, 52 mg kg(-1) tempol) dissolved in saline and infused over 30 min. The principal effects of antioxidants were a approximately 25% decrease (P < 0.05) in contracting spinotrapezius muscle force production concurrent with reductions in muscle blood flow and V(O(2)m) at rest and during contractions (P < 0.05 for both). Antioxidant supplementation reduced the resting baseline P(O(2)mv) (before, 29.9 +/- 1.2 mmHg; after, 25.6 +/- 1.3 mmHg; P < 0.05), and this magnitude of depression was sustained throughout the rest-to-exercise transition (steady-state value before, 16.4 +/- 0.7 mmHg; after, 13.6 +/- 0.9 mmHg; P < 0.05). In addition, the time constant of the P(O(2)mv) decrease was reduced after antioxidant supplementation (before, 23.4 +/- 4.3 s; after, 15.6 +/- 2.7 s; P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that antioxidant supplementation significantly impacts the control of (Q(O(2)m/V(O(2)m)) in young rats at rest and during contractions.

L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate reverses glutathione oxidation and delays fatigue of skeletal muscle in vitro

Fatiguing exercise promotes oxidation of intracellular thiols, notably glutathione. Interventions that oppose or reverse thiol oxidation can inhibit fatigue. The reduced cysteine donor l-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (OTC) supports glutathione synthesis and is approved for use in humans but has not been evaluated for effects on skeletal muscle. We tested the hypotheses that OTC would 1) increase reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and decrease oxidized glutathione, and 2) inhibit functional indexes of fatigue. Diaphragm fiber bundles from adult male ICR mice were incubated for 1 or 2 h at 37 degrees C with buffer (control, C) or OTC (10 mM). N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 10 mM) was used as a positive control. We measured GSH metabolites and fatigue characteristics. We found that muscle GSH content was increased after 1-h incubation with OTC or NAC but was not altered after 2-h incubation. One-hour treatment with OTC or NAC slowed the decline in force with repetitive stimulation [mean (SD) fatigue index at 300 s: OTC = 34 +/- 6% vs. C = 50 +/- 8%, P < 0.05; NAC = 55 +/- 4% vs. C = 65 +/- 8%, P < 0.05] as did the 2-h OTC treatment (OTC = 38 +/- 9% vs. C = 51 +/- 9%, P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that OTC modulates the muscle GSH pool and opposes fatigue under the current experimental conditions.

Exercise-induced oxidative stress: cellular mechanisms and impact on muscle force production

The first suggestion that physical exercise results in free radical-mediated damage to tissues appeared in 1978, and the past three decades have resulted in a large growth of knowledge regarding exercise and oxidative stress. Although the sources of oxidant production during exercise continue to be debated, it is now well established that both resting and contracting skeletal muscles produce reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. Importantly, intense and prolonged exercise can result in oxidative damage to both proteins and lipids in the contracting myocytes. Furthermore, oxidants can modulate a number of cell signaling pathways and regulate the expression of multiple genes in eukaryotic cells. This oxidant-mediated change in gene expression involves changes at transcriptional, mRNA stability, and signal transduction levels. Furthermore, numerous products associated with oxidant-modulated genes have been identified and include antioxidant enzymes, stress proteins, DNA repair proteins, and mitochondrial electron transport proteins. Interestingly, low and physiological levels of reactive oxygen species are required for normal force production in skeletal muscle, but high levels of reactive oxygen species promote contractile dysfunction resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue. Ongoing research continues to probe the mechanisms by which oxidants influence skeletal muscle contractile properties and to explore interventions capable of protecting muscle from oxidant-mediated dysfunction.

A SNO storm in skeletal muscle

Dysregulated S-nitrosylation of proteins characterizes a broad array of human disorders, but its role in disease etiology is not well understood. Two new studies (Durham et al., 2008; Bellinger et al., 2008) now show that hyper-S-nitrosylation of the ryanodine receptor calcium release channel (RyR1) in skeletal muscle disrupts calcium ion flux. This disruption underlies the impaired contractility and cellular damage of skeletal muscle during strenuous exercise and in a spectrum of congenital muscle disorders including malignant hyperthermia.

Muscle-derived ROS and thiol regulation in muscle fatigue

Muscles produce oxidants, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), from a variety of intracellular sources. Oxidants are detectable in muscle at low levels during rest and at higher levels during contractions. RNS depress force production but do not appear to cause fatigue of healthy muscle. In contrast, muscle-derived ROS contribute to fatigue because loss of function can be delayed by ROS-specific antioxidants. Thiol regulation appears to be important in this biology. Fatigue causes oxidation of glutathione, a thiol antioxidant in muscle fibers, and is reversed by thiol-specific reducing agents. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a drug that supports glutathione synthesis, has been shown to lessen oxidation of cellular constituents and delay muscle fatigue. In humans, NAC pretreatment improves performance of limb and respiratory muscles during fatigue protocols and extends time to task failure during volitional exercise. These findings highlight the importance of ROS and thiol chemistry in fatigue, show the feasibility of thiol-based countermeasures, and identify new directions for mechanistic and translational research.

Regulação metabólica e produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio durante a contração muscular: efeito do glicogênio na manutenção do estado redox intracelular

O exercício físico prolongado reduz os estoques de glicogênio muscular. Nessas condições, os processos de fadiga muscular são estimulados coincidindo com um aumento na produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio. A suplementação de carboidratos ou de antioxidantes isoladamente contribui para a melhora da performance muscular, sugerindo um efeito importante da depleção de substrato (glicose) e do aumento da produção de EROs no desenvolvimento da fadiga muscular durante a atividade física. Embora o mecanismo seja desconhecido, estamos propondo neste estudo que uma maior disponibilidade de glicogênio poderia favorecer uma maior atividade da via das pentoses fosfato, aumentando a disponibilidade de NADPH e GSH no tecido muscular esquelético. Uma maior capacidade antioxidante aumentaria a capacidade do tecido muscular em atividade, mantendo o equilíbrio redox durante atividade física prolongada e melhorando o desempenho. Neste processo, o ciclo glicose-ácido graxo pode ser importante aumentando a oxidação de lipídio e reduzindo o consumo de glicogênio durante a atividade prolongada. Além disso, um aumento na produção de EROs pode reduzir a atividade de enzimas importantes do metabolismo celular incluindo a aconitase e a a-cetoglutarato desidrogenase, comprometendo a produção de energia oxidativa, via predominante na produção de ATP durante a atividade muscular prolongada.

Free radicals and muscle fatigue: Of ROS, canaries, and the IOC

Skeletal muscle fibers continually generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) at a slow rate that increases during muscle contraction. This activity-dependent increase in ROS production contributes to fatigue of skeletal muscle during strenuous exercise. Existing data suggest that muscle-derived ROS primarily act on myofibrillar proteins to inhibit calcium sensitivity and depress force. Decrements in calcium sensitivity and force are acutely reversible by dithiothreitol, a thiol-selective reducing agent. These observations suggest that thiol modifications on one or more regulatory proteins are responsible for oxidant-induced losses during fatigue. More intense ROS exposure leads to losses in calcium regulation that mimic pathologic changes and are not reversible. Studies in humans, quadrupeds, and isolated muscle preparations indicate that antioxidant pretreatment can delay muscle fatigue. In humans, this phenomenon is best defined for N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a reduced thiol donor that supports glutathione resynthesis. NAC has been shown to inhibit fatigue in healthy adults during electrical muscle activation, inspiratory resistive loading, handgrip exercise, and intense cycling. These findings identify ROS as endogenous mediators of muscle fatigue and highlight the importance of future research to (a) define the cellular mechanism of ROS action and (b) develop antioxidants as novel therapeutic interventions for treating fatigue.

Moderate exercise is an antioxidant: upregulation of antioxidant genes by training

Exercise causes oxidative stress only when exhaustive. Strenuous exercise causes oxidation of glutathione, release of cytosolic enzymes, and other signs of cell damage. However, there is increasing evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) not only are toxic but also play an important role in cell signaling and in the regulation of gene expression. Xanthine oxidase is involved in the generation of superoxide associated with exhaustive exercise. Allopurinol (an inhibitor of this enzyme) prevents muscle damage after exhaustive exercise, but also modifies cell signaling pathways associated with both moderate and exhaustive exercise in rats and humans. In gastrocnemius muscle from rats, exercise caused an activation of MAP kinases. This in turn activated the NF-kappaB pathway and consequently the expression of important enzymes associated with defense against ROS (superoxide dismutase) and adaptation to exercise (eNOS and iNOS). All these changes were abolished when ROS production was prevented by allopurinol. Thus ROS act as signals in exercise because decreasing their formation prevents activation of important signaling pathways that cause useful adaptations in cells. Because these signals result in an upregulation of powerful antioxidant enzymes, exercise itself can be considered an antioxidant. We have found that interfering with free radical metabolism with antioxidants may hamper useful adaptations to training.

Skeletal Muscle Fatigue: Cellular Mechanisms

Repeated, intense use of muscles leads to a decline in performance known as muscle fatigue. Many muscle properties change during fatigue including the action potential, extracellular and intracellular ions, and many intracellular metabolites. A range of mechanisms have been identified that contribute to the decline of performance. The traditional explanation, accumulation of intracellular lactate and hydrogen ions causing impaired function of the contractile proteins, is probably of limited importance in mammals. Alternative explanations that will be considered are the effects of ionic changes on the action potential, failure of SR Ca2+release by various mechanisms, and the effects of reactive oxygen species. Many different activities lead to fatigue, and an important challenge is to identify the various mechanisms that contribute under different circumstances. Most of the mechanistic studies of fatigue are on isolated animal tissues, and another major challenge is to use the knowledge generated in these studies to identify the mechanisms of fatigue in intact animals and particularly in human diseases.

Vitamin C and e supplementation effects in professional soccer players under regular training

Exercise training is known to induce an increase in free radical production potentially leading to enhanced muscle injury. Vitamins C and E are well known antioxidants that may prevent muscle cell damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of these supplemental antioxidant vitamins on markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage and performance of elite soccer players. Ten male young soccer players were divided into two groups. Supplementation group (n = 5) received vitamins C and E supplementation daily during the pre-competitive season (S group), while the placebo group (PL group, n = 5) received a pill containing maltodextrin. Both groups performed the same training load during the three-month pre-season training period. Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase, catalase and plasma carbonyl derivatives did not show any significant variation among the experimental groups. Similarly, fitness level markers did not differ among the experimental groups. However, S group demonstrated lower lipid peroxidation and muscle damage levels (p < 0.05) compared to PL group at the final phase of pre-competitive season. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that vitamin C and E supplementation in soccer players may reduce lipid peroxidation and muscle damage during high intensity efforts, but did not enhance performance.

Energy restriction but not protein source affects antioxidant capacity in athletes

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of energy restriction on antioxidant capacity in trained athletes. Secondly, our study determined whether dietary protein source influenced the antioxidant response, performance, and immunity. Twenty male cyclists consumed either whey or casein supplement (40 g/day) in addition to their diet for 17 days. All subjects subsequently underwent 4 days of energy restriction using a formula diet (20 kcal/kg) while continuing protein supplementation. Energy restriction caused 2.7 +/- 0.3 kg weight loss, increased lymphocyte total glutathione (tGSH) 37%, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase 48%, plasma cysteine 12%, and decreased whole blood reduced to oxidized GSH (rGSH/GSSG) ratio by 52%. The only immunity factor altered by energy restriction was an increase in stimulated phagocytosis (65%). Acute submaximal exercise reduced blood tGSH but increased glutathione peroxidase. Performance of a high intensity cycle test following 45 min of moderate exercise tended to be reduced by energy restriction (P = 0.06) but was unaffected by protein source. Energy restriction caused a negative nitrogen balance with no difference from dietary protein source. In conclusion, acute energy restriction increased plasma cysteine and several markers of the glutathione antioxidant system in trained athletes. A high cysteine dietary protein source did not influence these responses.

Dietary antioxidants for the athlete

Physical exercise induces oxidative stress and tissue damage. Although a basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is required to drive redox signaling and numerous physiologic processes, excess ROS during exercise may have adverse implications on health and performance. Antioxidant nutrients may be helpful in that regard. Caution should be exercised against excess antioxidant supplements, however. This article presents a digest for sports practitioners. The following three recommendations are made: 1) it is important to determine the individual antioxidant need of each athlete performing a specific sport; 2) multinutrient preparations, as opposed to megadoses of any single form of nutrient, seem to be a more prudent path to choose; and 3) for outcomes of antioxidant supplementation, performance should not be the only criteria. Overall well being of the athlete, faster recovery, and minimization of injury time could all be affected by antioxidant therapy.

Exercise-induced oxidative stress:myths, realities and physiological relevance

Although assays for the most popular markers of exercise-induced oxidative stress may experience methodological flaws, there is sufficient credible evidence to suggest that exercise is accompanied by an increased generation of free radicals, resulting in a measurable degree of oxidative modifications to various molecules. However, the mechanisms responsible are unclear. A common assumption that increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption leads per se to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is not supported by in vitro and in vivo data. The specific contributions of other systems (xanthine oxidase, inflammation, haem protein auto-oxidation) are poorly characterised. It has been demonstrated that ROS have the capacity to contribute to the development of muscle fatigue in situ, but there is still a lack of convincing direct evidence that ROS impair exercise performance in vivo in humans. It remains unclear whether exercise-induced oxidative modifications have little significance, induce harmful oxidative damage, or are an integral part of redox regulation. It is clear that ROS play important roles in numerous physiological processes at rest; however, the detailed physiological functions of ROS in exercise remain to be elucidated.

Extrahepatic manifestations of cholestatic liver diseases: pathogenesis and therapy

Pruritus, fatigue, and metabolic bone disease are frequent complications of cholestatic liver diseases, which can be quite distressing for the patient and can considerably reduce the quality of life. The molecular pathogenesis of these extrahepatic manifestations of cholestasis is poorly understood, and hypotheses to explain these symptoms are being discussed. This article provides treatment recommendations for the complications of cholestasis based on putative pathomechanisms and summarizes recent experimental and clinical data involving management options.

Extrahepatic manifestations of cholestatic liver diseases: pathogenesis and therapy

Pruritus, fatigue, and metabolic bone disease are frequent complications of cholestatic liver diseases, which can be quite distressing for the patient and can considerably reduce the quality of life. The molecular pathogenesis of these extrahepatic manifestations of cholestasis is poorly understood, and hypotheses to explain these symptoms are being discussed. This article provides treatment recommendations for the complications of cholestasis based on putative pathomechanisms and summarizes recent experimental and clinical data involving management options.

Redox modulation of contractile function in respiratory and limb skeletal muscle

For the last half century, scientists have studied the biological importance of free radicals in respiratory and limb muscles. We now know that muscle fibers continually produce both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) and that both cascades play critical roles in contractile regulation. Under basal conditions, muscle-derived ROS and NO exert opposing effects. Low-level ROS activity is an essential part of the homeostatic milieu and is required for normal force production whereas NO derivatives function as a brake on the system, limiting force. The modulatory effects of ROS and NO are disrupted by conditions that exaggerate production including mechanical unloading, inflammatory disease, and strenuous exercise. Marked increases in ROS or NO levels cause contractile dysfunction, resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue. These principles provide a foundation for ongoing research to identify the mechanisms of ROS and NO action and develop interventions that protect muscle function.

Respiratory loading intensity and diaphragm oxidative stress:N-acetyl-cysteine effects

We hypothesized that resistive breathing of moderate to high intensity might increase diaphragm oxidative stress, which could be partially attenuated by antioxidants. Our objective was to assess the levels of oxidative stress in the dog diaphragm after respiratory muscle training of a wide range of intensities and whether N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) might act as an antioxidant. Twelve Beagle dogs were anesthetized with 1% propophol, tracheostomized, and subjected to continuous inspiratory resistive breathing (IRB) (2 h/day for 2 wk). They were further divided into two groups ( n = 6): NAC group (oral NAC administration/24 h for 14 days) and control group (placebo). Diaphragm biopsies were obtained before (baseline biopsy) and after (contralateral hemidiaphragm) IRB and NAC vs. placebo treatment. Oxidative stress was evaluated in all diaphragm biopsies through determination of 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity, protein carbonylation, hydroxynoneal protein adducts, Mn-SOD, and catalase, using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Both protein tyrosine nitration and protein carbonylation were directly related to the amount of the respiratory loads, and NAC treatment abrogated this proportional rise in these two indexes of oxidative stress in response to increasing inspiratory loads. A post hoc analysis revealed that only the diaphragms of dogs subjected to high-intensity loads showed a significant increase in both protein tyrosine nitration and carbonylation, which were also significantly reduced by NAC treatment. These results suggest that high-intensity respiratory loading-induced oxidative stress may be neutralized by NAC treatment during IRB in the canine diaphragm.

Oxidation of myosin heavy chain and reduction in force production in hyperthyroid rat soleus

We tested the hypothesis that a force reduction in hyperthyroid rat soleus muscle would be associated with oxidative modification in myosin heavy chain (MHC). Daily injection of thyroid hormone [3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3)] for 21 days depressed isometric forces of whole soleus muscle across a range of stimulus frequencies (P < 0.01). In fiber bundles, hyperthyroidism also led to pronounced reductions (P < 0.01) in both K+ - and 4-chloro-m-cresol-induced contracture forces. The degrees of the reductions were similar between these two contractures that were induced by distinct reagents. Treatment with T3 elicited a significant decrease ( approximately 14%; P < 0.05) in the relative content of MHC contained in myofibrillar proteins. The content of carbonyl groups in myofibrillar protein extracts was elevated (P < 0.05) by approximately 50% in T3-treated muscles. Immunoblot analyses on T3-treated muscles showed a greater increase (106%; P < 0.05) of the carbonyl content in MHC than in myofibrillar protein extracts. These data suggest that in hyperthyroidism the decrease in force production of skeletal muscles may stem primarily from failure in myofibrillar protein function resulting from oxidative modification of MHC.

Role of N-acetylcysteine in the management of COPD

The importance of the underlying local and systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has long been established. In view of the lack of therapy that might inhibit the progress of the disease, there is an urgent need for a successful therapeutic approach that, through affecting the pathological processes, will influence the subsequent issues in COPD management such as lung function, airway clearance, dyspnoea, exacerbation, and quality of life. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic and antioxidant drug that may also influence several inflammatory pathways. It provides the sulfhydryl groups and acts both as a precursor of reduced glutathione and as a direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, hence regulating the redox status in the cells. The changed redox status may, in turn, influence the inflammation-controlling pathways. Moreover, as a mucolytic drug, it may, by means of decreasing viscosity of the sputum, clean the bronchi leading to a decrease in dyspnoea and improved lung function. Nevertheless, as successful as it is in the in vitro studies and in vivo studies with high dosage, its actions at the dosages used in COPD management are debatable. It seems to influence exacerbation rate and limit the number of hospitalization days, however, with little or no influence on the lung function parameters. Despite these considerations and in view of the present lack of effective therapies to inhibit disease progression in COPD, NAC and its derivatives with their multiple molecular modes of action remain promising medication once doses and route of administration are optimized.

The antioxidant role of glutathione and N-acetyl-cysteine supplements and exercise-induced oxidative stress

An increase in exercise intensity is one of the many ways in which oxidative stress and free radical production has been shown to increase inside our cells. Effective regulation of the cellular balance between oxidation and antioxidation is important when considering cellular function and DNA integrity as well as the signal transduction of gene expression. Many pathological states, such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease have been shown to be related to the redox state of cells. In an attempt to minimize the onset of oxidative stress, supplementation with various known antioxidants has been suggested. Glutathione and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are antioxidants which are quite popular for their ability to minimize oxidative stress and the downstream negative effects thought to be associated with oxidative stress. Glutathione is largely known to minimize the lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes and other such targets that is known to occur with oxidative stress. N-acetyl-cysteine is a by-product of glutathione and is popular due to its cysteine residues and the role it has on glutathione maintenance and metabolism. The process of oxidative stress is a complicated, inter-twined series of events which quite possibly is related to many other cellular processes. Exercise enthusiasts and researchers have become interested in recent years to identify any means to help minimize the detrimental effects of oxidative stress that are commonly associated with intense and unaccustomed exercise. It is possible that a decrease in the amount of oxidative stress a cell is exposed to could increase health and performance.

The activity-induced reduction of myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity in mouse skeletal muscle is reversed by dithiothreitol

The aim of this study was to further characterize the reduction of myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity in mouse muscle which has been observed after fatigue at 37 degrees C. Muscle bundles and single fibres were isolated from mouse flexor digitorum brevis muscle and studied at 37 degrees C. The single fibres were injected with the Ca2+ indicator indo-1. Muscle fatigue was produced by 0.4 s tetani repeated at 4 s intervals until force had fallen to less than 50% of initial. Excitation-contraction coupling was assessed by measuring the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) during tetani, and the maximum Ca2+-activated force and the myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity were estimated from a series of tetani at different stimulation frequencies. Two main results were found. (i) The reduction of Ca2+ sensitivity only occurred when the muscle was intensely stimulated leading to fatigue. When the muscle was rested for 10 min at 37 degrees C there was no significant change in Ca2+ sensitivity. (ii) If the membrane-permeant thiol-specific reducing agent dithiothreitol (0.5 mm) was applied to the muscle for 2 min following the fatigue protocol, the reduction in Ca2+ sensitivity was reversed. Dithiothreitol had no effect on Ca2+ sensitivity in unfatigued preparations. There was no effect of fatigue or dithiothreitol on tetanic [Ca2+]i or on the maximum Ca2+-activated force. These results suggest that intense activity of skeletal muscle at 37 degrees C causes the production of reactive oxygen species which oxidize a target protein. We propose that critical sulphydryl groups on the target protein(s) are converted to disulphide bonds and this reaction reduces Ca2+ sensitivity.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on glutathione oxidation and fatigue during handgrip exercise

Fatigue of hand and forearm muscle groups can limit task performance by astronauts wearing space suits. Countermeasures to delay fatigue would therefore be useful to the space program. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to inhibit fatigue during other tasks so we tested its effects during handgrip exercise. Volunteers practiced isometric handgrip maneuvers until performance was reproducible over three successive sessions (baseline). Performance then was retested after ingesting NAC (150 mg.kg(-1)) or saline. Drug administration increased NAC and cysteine blood levels (P < 0.001). Performance of sustained maximal efforts was unaffected. During repetitive submaximal efforts, NAC delayed fatigue (130% baseline) and inhibited glutathione oxidation. Saline did not alter glutathione status or performance of sustained maneuvers; repetitive task performance was increased by 15% (P < 0.05), a placebo effect. These data indicate that NAC supports glutathione homeostasis in exercising humans and may delay muscle fatigue during repetitive handgrip exercise. Our findings support oxidative stress as a causal factor in human muscle fatigue and argue for larger translational studies to define NAC effects on human performance.

Spinal cord injury and contractile properties of the human tibialis anterior

The purpose of this study was to evaluate contractile properties of the tibialis anterior of paralyzed and non-paralyzed subjects. The contractile properties and the fatigability of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) were tested in 8 spinal cord injured (SCI) and 8 control individuals. The TA was stimulated at frequencies from 10 to 100 Hz to determine a force-frequency curve. A fatigue bout was also performed by stimulating the muscle at 40 Hz every two seconds for three minutes. The SCI muscles produced lower forces overall, but higher forces relative to maximal force at lower frequencies, shifting the force-frequency curve of the SCI group to the left. The half-relaxation time and rate of relaxation at 40 Hz was slower in the SCI muscles than in the control muscles (127 ± 18.4 ms vs. 78 ± 8.7 ms, 6 ± 1.5 kg·s(-1) 20 ± 4.1 kg·s(-1) respectively). In addition, force loss and slowing of relaxation during the fatigue protocol were not significantly different between the two groups due to high variability in the SCI group. The TA of the SCI group had slower contractile properties than the control group and fatigability was not significantly different between the SCI and control group. The protocol may be useful to assess training effects during rehabilitation of paralyzed muscle. Key PointsStimulated contractions were tested on controls and spinal cord injured subjects to determine differences in contractile characteristics of the tibialis anterior (ta) muscle.Forces were lower in the ta of the spinal cord injured subjects compared to the controls.All indices of contractile speed were slower in the spinal cord injured subjects than in the controls.The reason for possible differences in contractile capabilities and other biochemical indices of contractile speed in disused muscle need to be further evaluated.

Reactive oxygen species contribute to the presynaptic action of extracellular ATP at the frog neuromuscular junction

During normal cell metabolism the production of intracellular ATP is associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which appear to be important signalling molecules. Both ATP and ROS can be released extracellularly by skeletal muscle during intense activity. Using voltage clamp recording combined with imaging and biochemical assay of ROS, we tested the hypothesis that at the neuromuscular junction extracellular ATP generates ROS to inhibit transmitter release from motor nerve endings. We found that ATP produced the presynaptic inhibitory action on multiquantal end-plate currents. The inhibitory action of ATP (but not that of adenosine) was significantly reduced by several antioxidants or extracellular catalase, which breaks down H2O2. Consistent with these data, the depressant effect of ATP was dramatically potentiated by the pro-oxidant Fe2+. Exogenous H2O2 reproduced the depressant effects of ATP and showed similar sensitivity to anti- and pro-oxidants. While NO also inhibited synaptic transmission, inhibitors of the NO-producing cascade did not prevent the depressant action of ATP. The ferrous oxidation in xylenol orange assay showed the increase of ROS production by ATP and 2-MeSADP but not by adenosine. Suramin, a non-selective antagonist of P2 receptors, and pertussis toxin prevented the action of ATP on ROS production. Likewise, imaging with the ROS-sensitive dye carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein revealed increased production of ROS in the muscle treated with ATP or ADP while UTP or adenosine had no effect. Thus, generation of ROS contributed to the ATP-mediated negative feedback mechanism controlling quantal secretion of ACh from the motor nerve endings.

Green tea extract improves endurance capacity and increases muscle lipid oxidation in mice

Green tea contains a high level of polyphenolic compounds known as catechins. We investigated the effects of green tea extract (GTE), which is rich in catechins, on endurance capacity, energy metabolism, and fat oxidation in BALB/c mice over a 10-wk period. Swimming times to exhaustion for mice fed 0.2–0.5% (wt/wt) GTE were prolonged by 8–24%. The effects were dose dependent and accompanied by lower respiratory quotients and higher rates of fat oxidation as determined by indirect calorimetry. In addition, feeding with GTE increased the level of β-oxidation activity in skeletal muscle. Plasma lactate concentrations in mice fed GTE were significantly decreased after exercise, concomitant with increases in free fatty acid concentrations in plasma, suggesting an increased lipid use as an energy source in GTE-fed mice. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of tea catechins, also enhanced endurance capacity, suggesting that the endurance-improving effects of GTE were mediated, at least in part, by EGCG. The β-oxidation activity and the level of fatty acid translocase/CD36 mRNA in the muscle was higher in GTE-fed mice compared with control mice. These results indicate that GTE are beneficial for improving endurance capacity and support the hypothesis that the stimulation of fatty acid use is a promising strategy for improving endurance capacity.

Reactive oxygen species reduce myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity in fatiguing mouse skeletal muscle at 37 degrees C

The mechanisms of muscle fatigue were studied in small muscle bundles and single fibres isolated from the flexor digitorum brevis of the mouse. Fatigue caused by repeated isometric tetani was accelerated at body temperature (37 degrees C) when compared to room temperature (22 degrees C). The membrane-permeant reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, Tiron (5 mM), had no effect on the rate of fatigue at 22 degrees C but slowed the rate of fatigue at 37 degrees C to that observed at 22 degrees C. Single fibres were microinjected with indo-1 to measure intracellular calcium. In the accelerated fatigue at 37 degrees C the tetanic [Ca2+](i) did not change significantly and the decline of maximum Ca2+-activated force was similar to that observed at 22 degrees C. The cause of the greater rate of fatigue at 37 degrees C was a large fall in myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity. In the presence of Tiron, the large fall in Ca2+ sensitivity was abolished and the usual decline in tetanic [Ca2+](i) was observed. This study confirms the importance of ROS in fatigue at 37 degrees C and shows that the mechanism of action of ROS is a decline in myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity.