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Herskind J, Ørtenblad N, Cheng AJ, Pedersen P, Overgaard K. Piperine enhances contractile force in slow- and fast-twitch muscle. J Physiol 2024; 602:2807-2822. [PMID: 38762879 DOI: 10.1113/jp285995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Piperine has been shown to bind to myosin and shift the distribution of conformational states of myosin molecules from the super-relaxed state to the disordered relaxed state. However, little is known about the implications for muscle force production and potential underlying mechanisms. Muscle contractility experiments were performed using isolated muscles and single fibres from rats and mice. The dose-response effect of piperine on muscle force was assessed at several stimulation frequencies. The potentiation of muscle force was also tested in muscles fatigued by eccentric contractions. Potential mechanisms of force potentiation were assessed by measuring Ca2+ levels during stimulation in enzymatically dissociated muscle fibres, while myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity was assessed in chemically skinned muscle fibres. Piperine caused a dose-dependent increase in low-frequency force with no effect on high-frequency force in both slow- and fast-twitch muscle, with similar relative increases in twitch force, rate of force development and relaxation rate. The potentiating effect of piperine on low-frequency force was reversible, and piperine partially recovered low-frequency force in fatigued muscle. Piperine had no effect on myoplasmic free [Ca2+] levels in mouse muscle fibres, whereas piperine substantially augmented the force response to submaximal levels of [Ca2+] in rat MyHCII fibres and MyHCI fibres along with a minor increase in maximum Ca2+-activated force. Piperine enhances low-frequency force production in both fast- and slow-twitch muscle. The effects are reversible and can counteract muscle fatigue. The primary underlying mechanism appears to be an increase in Ca2+ sensitivity. KEY POINTS: Piperine is a plant alkaloid derived from black pepper. It is known to bind to skeletal muscle myosin and enhance resting ATP turnover but its effects on contractility are not well known. We showed for the first time a piperine-induced force potentiation that was pronounced during low-frequency electrical stimulation of isolated muscles. The effect of piperine was observed in both slow and fast muscle types, was reversible, and could counteract the force decrements observed after fatiguing muscle contractions. Piperine treatment caused an increase in myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity in chemically skinned muscle fibres, while we observed no effect on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations during electrical stimulation in enzymatically dissociated muscle fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Herskind
- Exercise Biology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Ørtenblad
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Arthur J Cheng
- Muscle Health Research Centre, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Pedersen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristian Overgaard
- Exercise Biology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Claassen WJ, Baelde RJ, Galli RA, de Winter JM, Ottenheijm CAC. Small molecule drugs to improve sarcomere function in those with acquired and inherited myopathies. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C60-C68. [PMID: 37212548 PMCID: PMC10281779 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00047.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Muscle weakness is a hallmark of inherited or acquired myopathies. It is a major cause of functional impairment and can advance to life-threatening respiratory insufficiency. During the past decade, several small-molecule drugs that improve the contractility of skeletal muscle fibers have been developed. In this review, we provide an overview of the available literature and the mechanisms of action of small-molecule drugs that modulate the contractility of sarcomeres, the smallest contractile units in striated muscle, by acting on myosin and troponin. We also discuss their use in the treatment of skeletal myopathies. The first of three classes of drugs discussed here increase contractility by decreasing the dissociation rate of calcium from troponin and thereby sensitizing the muscle to calcium. The second two classes of drugs directly act on myosin and stimulate or inhibit the kinetics of myosin-actin interactions, which may be useful in patients with muscle weakness or stiffness.NEW & NOTEWORTHY During the past decade, several small molecule drugs that improve the contractility of skeletal muscle fibers have been developed. In this review, we provide an overview of the available literature and the mechanisms of action of small molecule drugs that modulate the contractility of sarcomeres, the smallest contractile units in striated muscle, by acting on myosin and troponin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wout J Claassen
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rianne J Baelde
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ricardo A Galli
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Josine M de Winter
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Coen A C Ottenheijm
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Vainshtein A, Slavin MB, Cheng AJ, Memme JM, Oliveira AN, Perry CGR, Abdul-Sater AA, Belcastro AN, Riddell MC, Triolo M, Haas TL, Roudier E, Hood DA. Scientific meeting report: International Biochemistry of Exercise 2022. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:1381-1393. [PMID: 36356257 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00475.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise is one of the only nonpharmacological remedies known to counteract genetic and chronic diseases by enhancing health and improving life span. Although the many benefits of regular physical activity have been recognized for some time, the intricate and complex signaling systems triggered at the onset of exercise have only recently begun to be uncovered. Exercising muscles initiate a coordinated, multisystemic, metabolic rewiring, which is communicated to distant organs by various molecular mediators. The field of exercise research has been expanding beyond the musculoskeletal system, with interest from industry to provide realistic models and exercise mimetics that evoke a whole body rejuvenation response. The 18th International Biochemistry of Exercise conference took place in Toronto, Canada, from May 25 to May 28, 2022, with more than 400 attendees. Here, we provide an overview of the most cutting-edge exercise-related research presented by 66 speakers, focusing on new developments in topics ranging from molecular and cellular mechanisms of exercise adaptations to exercise therapy and management of disease and aging. We also describe how the manipulation of these signaling pathways can uncover therapeutic avenues for improving human health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikhaela B Slavin
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arthur J Cheng
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan M Memme
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashley N Oliveira
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher G R Perry
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ali A Abdul-Sater
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelo N Belcastro
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael C Riddell
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Triolo
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara L Haas
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emilie Roudier
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David A Hood
- Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Cheng AJ, Ström J, Hwee DT, Malik FI, Westerblad H. Fast skeletal muscle troponin activator CK-2066260 mitigates skeletal muscle weakness independently of the underlying cause. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2020; 11:1747-1757. [PMID: 32954682 PMCID: PMC7749611 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness is a common symptom in numerous diseases and a regularly occurring problem associated with ageing. Prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD) is a form of exercise-induced skeletal muscle weakness observed after exercise. Three different intramuscular mechanisms underlying PLFFD have been identified: decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, decreased myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity, and myofibrillar dysfunction. We here used these three forms of PLFFD as models to study the effectiveness of a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator, CK-2066260, to mitigate muscle weakness. METHODS Experiments were performed on intact single muscle fibres or fibre bundles from mouse flexor digitorum brevis, which were stimulated with electrical current pulses, while force and the free cytosolic [Ca2+ ] ([Ca2+ ]i ) were measured. PLFFD was induced by three different stimulation protocols: (i) repeated isometric contractions at low intensity (350 ms tetani given every 5 s for 100 contractions); (ii) repeated isometric contractions at high intensity (250 ms tetani given every 0.5 s for 300 contractions); and (iii) repeated eccentric contractions (350 ms tetani with 20% length increase given every 20 s for 10 contractions). The extent and cause of PLFFD were assessed by comparing the force-[Ca2+ ]i relationship at low (30 Hz) and high (120 Hz) stimulation frequencies before (control) and 30 min after induction of PLFFD, and after an additional 5 min of rest in the presence of CK-2066260 (10 μM). RESULTS Prolonged low-frequency force depression following low-intensity and high-intensity fatiguing contractions was predominantly due to decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release and decreased myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity, respectively. CK-2066260 exposure resulted in marked increases in 30 Hz force from 52 ± 16% to 151 ± 13% and from 6 ± 4% to 98 ± 40% of controls with low-intensity and high-intensity contractions, respectively. Following repeated eccentric contractions, PLFFD was mainly due to myofibrillar dysfunction, and it was not fully reversed by CK-2066260 with 30 Hz force increasing from 48 ± 8% to 76 ± 6% of the control. CONCLUSIONS The fast skeletal muscle troponin activator CK-2066260 effectively mitigates muscle weakness, especially when it is caused by impaired activation of the myofibrillar contractile machinery due to either decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release or reduced myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer Ström
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Håkan Westerblad
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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