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Zhu X, Chen W, Thirupathi A. Sprint Interval Training Improves Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor-Induced Benefits in Brain Health-A Possible Molecular Signaling Intervention. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:562. [PMID: 39194500 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Physical exercise can significantly impact our bodies, affecting our functional capacity, structure establishment, and molecular makeup. The magnitude of these changes depends on the specific exercise protocols used. For instance, low-to-moderate-intensity exercise can activate important molecular targets in the short term, such as BDNF-mediated signaling, while high-intensity exercise can maintain these signaling molecules in the active state for a longer term. This makes it challenging to recommend specific exercises for obtaining BDNF-induced benefits. Additionally, exercise-induced molecular signaling targets can have positive and negative effects, with some exercises blunting these targets and others activating them. For example, increasing BDNF concentration through exercise can be beneficial for brain health, but it may also have a negative impact on conditions such as bipolar disorder. Therefore, a deeper understanding of a specific exercise-mediated mechanistic approach is required. This review will delve into how the sprint exercise-mediated activation of BDNF could help maintain brain health and explore potential molecular interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqiang Zhu
- School of Competitive Sports, Shandong Sport University, Rizhao 276826, China
| | - Wenjia Chen
- School of Physical Education, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Anand Thirupathi
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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2
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Balanyà-Segura M, Polishchuk A, Just-Borràs L, Cilleros-Mañé V, Silvera C, Ardévol A, Tomàs M, Lanuza MA, Hurtado E, Tomàs J. Molecular Adaptations of BDNF/NT-4 Neurotrophic and Muscarinic Pathways in Ageing Neuromuscular Synapses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8018. [PMID: 39125587 PMCID: PMC11311581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158018] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related conditions, such as sarcopenia, cause physical disabilities for an increasing section of society. At the neuromuscular junction, the postsynaptic-derived neurotrophic factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 4 (NT-4) have neuroprotective functions and contribute to the correct regulation of the exocytotic machinery. Similarly, presynaptic muscarinic signalling plays a fundamental modulatory function in this synapse. However, whether or not these signalling pathways are compromised in ageing neuromuscular system has not yet been analysed. The present study analyses, through Western blotting, the differences in expression and activation of the main key proteins of the BDNF/NT-4 and muscarinic pathways related to neurotransmission in young versus ageing Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) rat muscles. The main results show an imbalance in several sections of these pathways: (i) a change in the stoichiometry of BDNF/NT-4, (ii) an imbalance of Tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor (TrkB)-FL/TrkB-T1 and neurotrophic receptor p 75 (p75NTR), (iii) no changes in the cytosol/membrane distribution of phosphorylated downstream protein kinase C (PKC)βI and PKCε, (iv) a reduction in the M2-subtype muscarinic receptor and P/Q-subtype voltage-gated calcium channel, (v) an imbalance of phosphorylated mammalian uncoordinated-18-1 (Munc18-1) (S313) and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) (S187), and (vi) normal levels of molecules related to the management of acetylcholine (Ach). Based on this descriptive analysis, we hypothesise that these pathways can be adjusted to ensure neurotransmission rather than undergoing negative alterations caused by ageing. However, further studies are needed to assess this hypothetical suggestion. Our results contribute to the understanding of some previously described neuromuscular functional age-related impairments. Strategies to promote these signalling pathways could improve the neuromuscular physiology and quality of life of older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Balanyà-Segura
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
| | - Aleksandra Polishchuk
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
| | - Laia Just-Borràs
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
| | - Víctor Cilleros-Mañé
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
| | - Carolina Silvera
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
| | - Anna Ardévol
- MoBioFood Research Group, Campus Sescelades, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - Marta Tomàs
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
| | - Maria A. Lanuza
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
| | - Erica Hurtado
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
| | - Josep Tomàs
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain; (M.B.-S.); (A.P.); (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (C.S.); (M.T.); (J.T.)
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Ragusa FS, Veronese N, Vernuccio L, Dominguez LJ, Smith L, Bolzetta F, Koyanagi A, Monastero R, Barbagallo M. Mild cognitive impairment predicts the onset of Sarcopenia: a longitudinal analysis from the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:129. [PMID: 38856870 PMCID: PMC11164776 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02781-z] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and sarcopenia are two common conditions in older people. It is not widely known if MCI could predict the onset of sarcopenia. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether MCI could predict the occurrence of sarcopenia in a population of older adults. METHODS In the ELSA (English Longitudinal Study on Ageing), MCI was defined as the absence of dementia, preserved functional capacity and low performance in three objective cognitive tests. Sarcopenia was diagnosed as having low handgrip strength and low skeletal muscle mass index during follow-up. The longitudinal association between MCI at the baseline and incident sarcopenia was assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model, reporting the data as adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS 3,106 participants (mean age of 63.1 years; 55.3% males) were included. People with MCI reported significantly lower mean handgrip strength values and Skeletal Mass Index (SMI), as well as a higher prevalence of obesity at baseline. At baseline, 729 people had MCI and during the ten years follow-up period, 12.1% of the initial population included had sarcopenia. On multivariate analysis, adjusted for 18 potential confounders, the presence of MCI (OR = 1.236; 95%CI: 1.090-1.596, p = 0.01) significantly predicted the onset of sarcopenia during follow-up. CONCLUSION The presence of MCI at baseline was associated with a higher incidence of sarcopenia at ten-years follow-up, demonstrating a likely role of MCI as a predictor of the onset of sarcopenia in older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saverio Ragusa
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 141, 90127,, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 141, 90127,, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Laura Vernuccio
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 141, 90127,, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ligia J Dominguez
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance, and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesco Bolzetta
- Azienda Unita Locale Socio Sanitaria 3 Serenissima, Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Section, Dolo-Mirano, Italy
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, 08830, Spain
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostic (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Barbagallo
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 141, 90127,, Palermo, Italy
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Mishra PS, Phaneuf D, Boutej H, Picher-Martel V, Dupre N, Kriz J, Julien JP. Inhibition of NF-κB with an Analog of Withaferin-A Restores TDP-43 Homeostasis and Proteome Profiles in a Model of Sporadic ALS. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1017. [PMID: 38790979 PMCID: PMC11118033 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The current knowledge on pathogenic mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has widely been derived from studies with cell and animal models bearing ALS-linked genetic mutations. However, it remains unclear to what extent these disease models are of relevance to sporadic ALS. Few years ago, we reported that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from sporadic ALS patients contains toxic factors for disease transmission in mice via chronic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion. Thus a 14-day i.c.v. infusion of pooled CSF samples from ALS cases in mice provoked motor impairment as well as ALS-like pathological features. This offers a unique paradigm to test therapeutics in the context of sporadic ALS disease. Here, we tested a new Withaferin-A analog (IMS-088) inhibitor of NF-κB that was found recently to mitigate disease phenotypes in mouse models of familial disease expressing TDP-43 mutant. Our results show that oral intake of IMS-088 ameliorated motor performance of mice infused with ALS-CSF and it alleviated pathological changes including TDP-43 proteinopathy, neurofilament disorganization, and neuroinflammation. Moreover, CSF infusion experiments were carried out with transgenic mice having neuronal expression of tagged ribosomal protein (hNfL-RFP mice), which allowed immunoprecipitation of neuronal ribosomes for analysis by mass spectrometry of the translational peptide signatures. The results indicate that treatment with IMS-088 prevented many proteomic alterations associated with exposure to ALS-CSF involving pathways related to cytoskeletal changes, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, mitochondria, UPS, and autophagy dysfunction. The effective disease-modifying effects of this drug in a mouse model based on i.c.v. infusion of ALS-CSF suggest that the NF-κB signaling pathway represents a compelling therapeutic target for sporadic ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Shree Mishra
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; (P.S.M.); (D.P.); (H.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Daniel Phaneuf
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; (P.S.M.); (D.P.); (H.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Hejer Boutej
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; (P.S.M.); (D.P.); (H.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Vincent Picher-Martel
- Division of Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (V.P.-M.); (N.D.)
| | - Nicolas Dupre
- Division of Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (V.P.-M.); (N.D.)
| | - Jasna Kriz
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; (P.S.M.); (D.P.); (H.B.); (J.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; (P.S.M.); (D.P.); (H.B.); (J.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Willows JW, Alshahal Z, Story NM, Alves MJ, Vidal P, Harris H, Rodrigo R, Stanford KI, Peng J, Reifsnyder PC, Harrison DE, David Arnold W, Townsend KL. Contributions of mouse genetic strain background to age-related phenotypes in physically active HET3 mice. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 136:58-69. [PMID: 38325031 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.01.010] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
We assessed aging hallmarks in skin, muscle, and adipose in the genetically diverse HET3 mouse, and generated a broad dataset comparing these to individual animal diagnostic SNPs from the 4 founding inbred strains of the HET3 line. For middle- and old-aged HET3 mice, we provided running wheel exercise to ensure our observations were not purely representative of sedentary animals, but age-related phenotypes were not improved with running wheel activity. Adipose tissue fibrosis, peripheral neuropathy, and loss of neuromuscular junction integrity were consistent phenotypes in older-aged HET3 mice regardless of physical activity, but aspects of these phenotypes were moderated by the SNP% contributions of the founding strains for the HET3 line. Taken together, the genetic contribution of founder strain SNPs moderated age-related phenotypes in skin and muscle innervation and were dependent on biological sex and chronological age. However, there was not a single founder strain (BALB/cJ, C57BL/6J, C3H/HeJ, DBA/2J) that appeared to drive more protection or disease-risk across aging in this mouse line, but genetic diversity in general was more protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake W Willows
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zahra Alshahal
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Naeemah M Story
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michele J Alves
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pablo Vidal
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hallie Harris
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rochelle Rodrigo
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kristin I Stanford
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Juan Peng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kristy L Townsend
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Matta L, Blaas L, Gibis C, Guerra J. Functions require junctions: endurance exercise protects from age-induced alterations of the neuromuscular system. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38530283 DOI: 10.1113/jp286232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Matta
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Blaas
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Gibis
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Joel Guerra
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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7
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Dai Y, Cheng Y, Ge R, Chen K, Yang L. Exercise-induced adaptation of neurons in the vertebrate locomotor system. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2024; 13:160-171. [PMID: 37914153 PMCID: PMC10980905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate neurons are highly dynamic cells that undergo several alterations in their functioning and physiologies in adaptation to various external stimuli. In particular, how these neurons respond to physical exercise has long been an area of active research. Studies of the vertebrate locomotor system's adaptability suggest multiple mechanisms are involved in the regulation of neuronal activity and properties during exercise. In this brief review, we highlight recent results and insights from the field with a focus on the following mechanisms: (a) alterations in neuronal excitability during acute exercise; (b) alterations in neuronal excitability after chronic exercise; (c) exercise-induced changes in neuronal membrane properties via modulation of ion channel activity; (d) exercise-enhanced dendritic plasticity; and (e) exercise-induced alterations in neuronal gene expression and protein synthesis. Our hope is to update the community with a cellular and molecular understanding of the recent mechanisms underlying the adaptability of the vertebrate locomotor system in response to both acute and chronic physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dai
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, School of Communication and Electronic Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Yi Cheng
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Renkai Ge
- School of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Key Laboratory of High Confidence Software Technologies of Ministry of Education, School of Computer Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Liming Yang
- Key Lab of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, College of Physical Education and Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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Yamaguchi T, Kouzaki K, Sasaki K, Nakazato K. Alterations in neuromuscular junction morphology with ageing and endurance training modulate neuromuscular transmission and myofibre composition. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38173183 DOI: 10.1113/jp285143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Both ageing and exercise training affect the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure. Morphological alterations in the NMJ have been considered to influence neuromuscular transmission and myofibre properties, but the direct link between the morphology and function has yet to be established. We measured the neuromuscular transmission, myofibre composition and NMJ structure of 5-month-old (young) and 24-month-old untrained (aged control) and trained (aged trained) mice. Aged trained mice were subjected to 2 months of endurance training before the measurement. Neuromuscular transmission was evaluated in vivo as the ratio of ankle plantar flexion torque evoked by the sciatic nerve stimulation to that by direct muscle stimulation. The torque ratio was significantly lower in aged mice than in young and aged trained mice at high-frequency stimulations, showing a significant positive correlation with voluntary grip strength. The degree of pre- to post-synaptic overlap of the NMJ was also significantly lower in aged mice and positively correlated with the torque ratio. We also found that the proportion of fast-twitch fibres in the soleus muscle decreased with age, and that age-related denervation occurred preferentially in fast-twitch fibres. Age-related denervation and a shift in myofibre composition were partially prevented by endurance training. These results suggest that age-related deterioration of the NMJ structure impairs neuromuscular transmission and alters myofibre composition, but these alterations can be prevented by structural amelioration of NMJ with endurance training. Our findings highlight the importance of the NMJ as a major determinant of age-related deterioration of skeletal muscles and the clinical significance of endurance training as a countermeasure. KEY POINTS: The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) plays an essential role in neuromuscular transmission and the maintenance of myofibre properties. We show that neuromuscular transmission is impaired with ageing but recovered by endurance training, which contributes to alterations in voluntary strength. Neuromuscular transmission is associated with the degree of pre- to post-synaptic overlap of the NMJ. Age-related denervation of fast-twitch fibres and a shift in myofibre composition toward a slower phenotype are partially prevented by endurance training. Our study provides substantial evidence that age-related and exercise-induced alterations in neuromuscular transmission and myofibre properties are associated with morphological changes in the NMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Karina Kouzaki
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushige Sasaki
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakazato
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Nakayama K, Ito K, Sanbongi C, Minegishi Y, Ota N, Tanaka Y, Furuichi K. Effects of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation Following Exercise Training on Physical Performance in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2024; 70:273-279. [PMID: 38945893 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.70.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine whether 4 wk of daily ingestion of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) combined with exercise training improves physical performance-muscle strength, agility and muscle power-in healthy young adults. The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. Twenty healthy young adults received either an MFGM powder containing 1.6 g of fat and 160 mg of sphingomyelin or an isocaloric placebo powder daily throughout 4 wk of power or agility training. Physical performance tests and body composition measurements were conducted before and after the 4-wk intervention. Ingestion of MFGM did not affect isometric or isokinetic muscle strength, but it was associated with a greater increase in vertical jump peak power compared with placebo. There were no significant changes in body weight or lean body mass during the intervention period in either group, and no significant differences between groups. We conclude that daily MFGM supplementation combined with exercise training has the potential to improve physical performance in young adults; however, further studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to obtain more evidence supporting achievement of improved physical performance through MFGM supplementation.
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10
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Yu D, Zeng X, Aljuboori ZS, Dennison R, Wu L, Anderson JA, Teng YD. T12-L3 Nerve Transfer-Induced Locomotor Recovery in Rats with Thoracolumbar Contusion: Essential Roles of Sensory Input Rerouting and Central Neuroplasticity. Cells 2023; 12:2804. [PMID: 38132124 PMCID: PMC10741684 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242804] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains an unmet challenge. Nerve transfer (NT), the connection of a functional/expendable peripheral nerve to a paralyzed nerve root, has long been clinically applied, aiming to restore motor control. However, outcomes have been inconsistent, suggesting that NT-induced neurological reinstatement may require activation of mechanisms beyond motor axon reinnervation (our hypothesis). We previously reported that to enhance rat locomotion following T13-L1 hemisection, T12-L3 NT must be performed within timeframes optimal for sensory nerve regrowth. Here, T12-L3 NT was performed for adult female rats with subacute (7-9 days) or chronic (8 weeks) mild (SCImi: 10 g × 12.5 mm) or moderate (SCImo: 10 g × 25 mm) T13-L1 thoracolumbar contusion. For chronic injuries, T11-12 implantation of adult hMSCs (1-week before NT), post-NT intramuscular delivery of FGF2, and environmentally enriched/enlarged (EEE) housing were provided. NT, not control procedures, qualitatively improved locomotion in both SCImi groups and animals with subacute SCImo. However, delayed NT did not produce neurological scale upgrading conversion for SCImo rats. Ablation of the T12 ventral/motor or dorsal/sensory root determined that the T12-L3 sensory input played a key role in hindlimb reanimation. Pharmacological, electrophysiological, and trans-synaptic tracing assays revealed that NT strengthened integrity of the propriospinal network, serotonergic neuromodulation, and the neuromuscular junction. Besides key outcomes of thoracolumbar contusion modeling, the data provides the first evidence that mixed NT-induced locomotor efficacy may rely pivotally on sensory rerouting and pro-repair neuroplasticity to reactivate neurocircuits/central pattern generators. The finding describes a novel neurobiology mechanism underlying NT, which can be targeted for development of innovative neurotization therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dou Yu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Zaid S. Aljuboori
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Rachel Dennison
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Liquan Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jamie A. Anderson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Yang D. Teng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Neurotrauma Recovery Research, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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11
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Ezaki O, Abe S. Medium-chain triglycerides (8:0 and 10:0) increase muscle mass and function in frail older adults: a combined data analysis of clinical trials. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1284497. [PMID: 38111605 PMCID: PMC10725933 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1284497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Three clinical trials have examined the chronic effects of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) on muscle mass and function in frail older adults (mean age 85 years old). However, significant increases in muscle mass and some muscle function relative to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) have yet to be shown, possibly due to the small number of participants in each trial. Objective We re-analyzed these previous clinical trials to clarify whether MCT supplementation can increase muscle mass and function. Analysis After adding post hoc tests to the original report, we compared changes in measurement between the MCT and LCT groups in the first 2 trials and conducted a combined data analysis. Methods In a combined data analysis, changes from baseline in measurements at the 3 months intervention in the MCTs- and LCTs-containing groups were assessed by analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline values of each measurement, age, sex, BMI, allocation to trial, habitual intakes in energy, protein, leucine, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, and vitamin D during the baseline period. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze data on right and left knee extension times. Results MCT supplementation for 3 months increased muscle function relative to LCT supplementation with and without an L-leucine (1.2 g) and vitamin D (cholecalciferol, 20 μg)-enriched supplement. In a combined data analysis (n = 29 in MCTs, n = 27 in LCTs), relative to supplementation with 6 g LCTs/day, supplementation with 6 g MCTs/day at dinner for 3 months significantly increased body weight (adjusted mean change from baseline: MCTs 1.2 vs. LCTs 0.2 kg, p = 0.023), right arm muscle area (MCTs 1.4 vs. LCTs-0.7 cm2, p = 0.002), left calf circumference (p = 0.015), right-hand grip strength (MCTs 1.6 vs. LCTs 0.3 kg, p = 0.017), right knee extension time (p = 0.021), left knee extension time (p = 0.034), walking speed (p = 0.002), and number of iterations in leg open and close test (p < 0.001) and decreased right triceps skinfold thickness (p = 0.016). Conclusion In frail older adults, supplementation for 3 months with a low dose (6 g/day) of MCTs (C8:0 and C10:0) increased muscle mass and function. These findings indicate the potential for the practical use of MCTs in daily life in treating sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Ezaki
- Institute of Women’s Health Science, Showa Women’s University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakiko Abe
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Contemporary Human Life Science, Tezukayama University, Nara, Japan
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Williams EK, Shea C, Gonzalez-Perez P. Agenesis of Pectoralis Major Muscle in Late-Onset GFPT1-Related Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome: A Case Report. Neurol Genet 2023; 9:e200102. [PMID: 38235042 PMCID: PMC10523285 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to expand the phenotypic spectrum of glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 1 (GFPT1)-related congenital myasthenia syndrome (CMS). Methods A 61-year-old man with agenesis of the left pectoralis major muscle presented with progressive muscle weakness for a decade that transiently improved after exertion. Results His examination revealed proximal and distal muscle weakness in upper extremities and proximal muscle weakness in lower extremities. Muscle enzymes were elevated. An electromyogram revealed a myopathic pattern; however, a muscle biopsy of deltoid muscle and genetic testing for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies were nondiagnostic. A 3-Hz repetitive nerve stimulation of the spinal accessory nerve recording from trapezius muscle demonstrated a >20% drop in amplitude of the 5th compound motor action potential relative to 1st at both baseline and after 45-second exercise. Acetylcholine receptor binding, lipoprotein-related protein 4, muscle-specific kinase, and voltage-gated calcium channel P/Q antibodies were negative. Genetic testing targeting CMS revealed 2 likely pathogenic variants within GFPT1: novel c.7+2T>G (intron 1) that was predicted to result in a null allele and known c*22 C>A (exon 19) associated with reduced GFPT1 expression. His muscle strength dramatically improved after pyridostigmine initiation. Discussion In addition to other reported neurodevelopmental abnormalities, pectoralis major muscle agenesis (or Poland syndrome) may be a clinical manifestation of GFPT1-related CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K Williams
- From the Department of Neurology (E.K.W., C.S., P.G.-P.), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Department of Neurology (E.K.W., C.S.), Brigham Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Cristina Shea
- From the Department of Neurology (E.K.W., C.S., P.G.-P.), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Department of Neurology (E.K.W., C.S.), Brigham Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Paloma Gonzalez-Perez
- From the Department of Neurology (E.K.W., C.S., P.G.-P.), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Department of Neurology (E.K.W., C.S.), Brigham Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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13
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Tibúrcio FC, Leite APS, Muller KS, Pinto CG, Valentino E, Castro PATDS, Matsumura CY, de Carvalho SF, Matheus SMM. Effects of Nandrolone Decanoate on Skeletal Muscle and Neuromuscular Junction of Sedentary and Exercised Rats. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1940. [PMID: 38003989 PMCID: PMC10673219 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59111940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is the most widely used among the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic substances derived from testosterone, to improve muscular and health gains associated with exercises. The AAS leads to physical performance enhancement and presents anti-aging properties, but its abuse is associated with several adverse effects. Supraphysiological doses of AAS with or without physical exercise can cause morphological and functional alterations in neuromuscular interactions. This study aims to investigate the effects of ND supraphysiological doses in neuromuscular interactions, focusing on the soleus muscle and its neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in rats, associated or not with physical exercise. Materials and Methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sedentary and exercised groups, with or without ND at the dose of 10 mg/kg/week. The animals were treated for eight weeks, with intramuscular injections, and the soleus muscle was collected for morphological analyses. Results: The supraphysiological doses of ND in the sedentary group caused muscle degeneration, evidenced by splitting fibers, clusters of small fibers, irregular myofibrils, altered sarcomeres, an increase in collagen deposition and in the number of type I muscle fibers (slow-twitch) and central nuclei, as well as a decrease in fibers with peripheral nuclei. On the other hand, in the ND exercise group, there was an increase in the NMJs diameter with scattering of its acetylcholine receptors, although no major morphological changes were found in the skeletal muscle. Thus, the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats were partially reversed by physical exercise. Conclusions: The supraphysiological ND exposure in the sedentary rats promoted an increase in muscle oxidative pattern and adverse morphological alterations in skeletal muscle, resulting from damage or post-injury regeneration. In the ND-exercised rats, no major morphological changes were found. Thus, the physical exercise partially reversed the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Cantore Tibúrcio
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil; (F.C.T.); (A.P.S.L.); (K.S.M.); (C.G.P.)
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil; (C.Y.M.)
| | - Ana Paula Silveira Leite
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil; (F.C.T.); (A.P.S.L.); (K.S.M.); (C.G.P.)
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil; (C.Y.M.)
| | - Kevin Silva Muller
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil; (F.C.T.); (A.P.S.L.); (K.S.M.); (C.G.P.)
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil; (C.Y.M.)
| | - Carina Guidi Pinto
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil; (F.C.T.); (A.P.S.L.); (K.S.M.); (C.G.P.)
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil; (C.Y.M.)
| | - Erick Valentino
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil; (C.Y.M.)
| | - Paula Aiello Tomé de Souza Castro
- Department of Physical Therapy, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil;
| | - Cintia Yuri Matsumura
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil; (C.Y.M.)
| | - Shelly Favorito de Carvalho
- Electron Microscopy Center, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil;
| | - Selma Maria Michelin Matheus
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil; (C.Y.M.)
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Li Y, Patel M, Baroudi J, Wu M, Gatti S, Liang M, Wipf P, Badawi Y, Meriney SD. A cross-sectional study of ageing at the mouse neuromuscular junction and effects of an experimental therapeutic approach for dynapenia. J Physiol 2023; 601:4135-4150. [PMID: 37606613 DOI: 10.1113/jp284749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite prior efforts to understand and target dynapenia (age-induced loss of muscle strength), this condition remains a major challenge that reduces the quality of life in the aged population. We have focused on the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) where changes in structure and function have rarely been systematically studied as a dynamic and progressive process. Our cross-sectional study found neurotransmission at the male mouse NMJ to be biphasic, displaying an early increase followed by a later decrease, and this phenotype was associated with structural changes to the NMJ. A cross-sectional characterization showed that age-induced alterations fell into four age groups: young adult (3-6 months), adult (7-18 months), early aged (19-24 months), and later aged (25-30 months). We then utilized a small molecule therapeutic candidate, GV-58, applied acutely during the later aged stage to combat age-induced reductions in transmitter release by increasing calcium influx during an action potential, which resulted in a significant increase in transmitter release. This comprehensive study of neuromuscular ageing at the NMJ will enable future research to target critical time points for therapeutic intervention. KEY POINTS: Age-induced frailty and falls are the leading causes of injury-related death and are caused by an age-induced loss of muscle strength due to a combination of neurological and muscular changes. A cross-sectional approach was used to study age-induced changes to the neuromuscular junction in a mouse model, and physiological changes that were biphasic over the ageing time course were found. Changes in physiology at the neuromuscular junction were correlated with alterations in neuromuscular junction morphology. An acutely applied positive allosteric gating modifier of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels was tested as a candidate therapeutic strategy that could increase transmitter release at aged neuromuscular junctions. These results provide a detailed time course of age-induced changes at the neuromuscular junction in a mouse model and test a candidate therapeutic strategy for weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Baroudi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S Gatti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M Liang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - P Wipf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Y Badawi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephen D Meriney
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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15
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Machamer JB, Vazquez-Cintron EJ, Stenslik MJ, Pagarigan KT, Bradford AB, Ondeck CA, McNutt PM. Neuromuscular recovery from botulism involves multiple forms of compensatory plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1226194. [PMID: 37650071 PMCID: PMC10463753 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1226194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) causes neuroparalytic disease and death by blocking neuromuscular transmission. There are no specific therapies for clinical botulism and the only treatment option is supportive care until neuromuscular function spontaneously recovers, which can take weeks or months after exposure. The highly specialized neuromuscular junction (NMJ) between phrenic motor neurons and diaphragm muscle fibers is the main clinical target of BoNT. Due to the difficulty in eliciting respiratory paralysis without a high mortality rate, few studies have characterized the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in diaphragm recovery from intoxication. Here, we develop a mouse model of botulism that involves partial paralysis of respiratory muscles with low mortality rates, allowing for longitudinal analysis of recovery. Methods and results Mice challenged by systemic administration of 0.7 LD50 BoNT/A developed physiological signs of botulism, such as respiratory depression and reduced voluntary running activity, that persisted for an average of 8-12 d. Studies in isolated hemidiaphragm preparations from intoxicated mice revealed profound reductions in nerve-elicited, tetanic and twitch muscle contraction strengths that recovered to baseline 21 d after intoxication. Despite apparent functional recovery, neurophysiological parameters remained depressed for 28 d, including end plate potential (EPP) amplitude, EPP success rate, quantal content (QC), and miniature EPP (mEPP) frequency. However, QC recovered more quickly than mEPP frequency, which could explain the discrepancy between muscle function studies and neurophysiological recordings. Hypothesizing that differential modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) contributed to the uncoupling of QC from mEPP frequency, pharmacological inhibition studies were used to study the contributions of different VGCCs to neurophysiological function. We found that N-type VGCC and P/Q-type VGCC partially restored QC but not mEPP frequency during recovery from paralysis, potentially explaining the accelerated recovery of evoked release versus spontaneous release. We identified additional changes that presumably compensate for reduced acetylcholine release during recovery, including increased depolarization of muscle fiber resting membrane potential and increased quantal size. Discussion In addition to identifying multiple forms of compensatory plasticity that occur in response to reduced NMJ function, it is expected that insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in recovery from neuromuscular paralysis will support new host-targeted treatments for multiple neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B. Machamer
- BASF, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | | | - Mallory J. Stenslik
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen T. Pagarigan
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Aaron B. Bradford
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
| | - Celinia A. Ondeck
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Patrick M. McNutt
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Gunpowder, MD, United States
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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16
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Arosio B, Calvani R, Ferri E, Coelho-Junior HJ, Carandina A, Campanelli F, Ghiglieri V, Marzetti E, Picca A. Sarcopenia and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: Targeting the Muscle-Brain Axis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081853. [PMID: 37111070 PMCID: PMC10142447 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Declines in physical performance and cognition are commonly observed in older adults. The geroscience paradigm posits that a set of processes and pathways shared among age-associated conditions may also serve as a molecular explanation for the complex pathophysiology of physical frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive decline. Mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, metabolic alterations, declines in cellular stemness, and altered intracellular signaling have been observed in muscle aging. Neurological factors have also been included among the determinants of sarcopenia. Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are synapses bridging nervous and skeletal muscle systems with a relevant role in age-related musculoskeletal derangement. Patterns of circulating metabolic and neurotrophic factors have been associated with physical frailty and sarcopenia. These factors are mostly related to disarrangements in protein-to-energy conversion as well as reduced calorie and protein intake to sustain muscle mass. A link between sarcopenia and cognitive decline in older adults has also been described with a possible role for muscle-derived mediators (i.e., myokines) in mediating muscle-brain crosstalk. Herein, we discuss the main molecular mechanisms and factors involved in the muscle-brain axis and their possible implication in cognitive decline in older adults. An overview of current behavioral strategies that allegedly act on the muscle-brain axis is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Evelyn Ferri
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Hélio José Coelho-Junior
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelica Carandina
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Campanelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghiglieri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- San Raffaele University, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Picca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, 70100 Casamassima, Italy
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17
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Flodin J, Juthberg R, Ackermann PW. Motor point heatmap guide for neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2023; 70:102771. [PMID: 37054655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2023.102771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To create an anatomical chart that indicates the probability of finding a motor point (MP) in different areas of the quadriceps muscle. METHODS On 31 healthy adults, the individual anatomy of the vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) was determined using ultrasound. Thereafter, a 3 Hz neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) MP-search with a MP-pen was performed. The thigh anatomy was normalized and divided into 112 (8x14) 3x3cm areas, and the probability of finding a MP in the different areas was calculated to create a MP heat-map. RESULTS The heat-map displayed the two best 3x3cm areas, over VL and VM respectively, each with a probability greater than 50% of finding a MP and a higher probability compared to all other areas (p <.05). RF exhibited two areas with a 29% probability of finding a MP. A higher number of MPs on the quadriceps, mean (±SD) 9.4 ± 1, was in regression analysis found to be significantly associated with two independent factors higher physical activity level and lower body fat (R2 = 0.42, p=<.0001). CONCLUSION Large inter-individual variations in location, and number of MPs were found, but the heat-map displayed areas with higher probability of finding a MP and can be used to facilitate NMES-application.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Flodin
- Integrative Orthopedic Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - R Juthberg
- Integrative Orthopedic Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - P W Ackermann
- Integrative Orthopedic Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Monti E, Sarto F, Sartori R, Zanchettin G, Löfler S, Kern H, Narici MV, Zampieri S. C-terminal agrin fragment as a biomarker of muscle wasting and weakness: a narrative review. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:730-744. [PMID: 36772862 PMCID: PMC10067498 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is accompanied by an inexorable loss of muscle mass and functionality and represents a major risk factor for numerous diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. This progressive loss of muscle mass and function may also result in the insurgence of a clinical syndrome termed sarcopenia, exacerbated by inactivity and disease. Sarcopenia and muscle weakness yield the risk of falls and injuries, heavily impacting on health and social costs. Thus, screening, monitoring and prevention of conditions inducing muscle wasting and weakness are essential to improve life quality in the ageing modern society. To this aim, the reliability of easily accessible and non-invasive blood-derived biomarkers is being evaluated. C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) has been widely investigated as a neuromuscular junction (NMJ)-related biomarker of muscle dysfunction. This narrative review summarizes and critically discusses, for the first time, the studies measuring CAF concentration in young and older, healthy and diseased individuals, cross-sectionally and in response to inactivity and physical exercise, providing possible explanations behind the discrepancies observed in the literature. To identify the studies investigating CAF in the above-mentioned conditions, all the publications found in PubMed, written in English and measuring this biomarker in blood from 2013 (when CAF was firstly measured in human serum) to 2022 were included in this review. CAF increases with age and in sarcopenic individuals when compared with age-matched, non-sarcopenic peers. In addition, CAF was found to be higher than controls in other muscle wasting conditions, such as diabetes, COPD, chronic heart failure and stroke, and in pancreatic and colorectal cancer cachectic patients. As agrin is also expressed in kidney glomeruli, chronic kidney disease and transplantation were shown to have a profound impact on CAF independently from muscle wasting. CAF concentration raises following inactivity and seems to be lowered or maintained by exercise training. Finally, CAF was reported to be cross-sectionally correlated to appendicular lean mass, handgrip and gait speed; whether longitudinal changes in CAF are associated with those in muscle mass or performance following physical exercise is still controversial. CAF seems a reliable marker to assess muscle wasting in ageing and disease, also correlating with measurements of appendicular lean mass and muscle function. Future research should aim at enlarging sample size and accurately reporting the medical history of each patient, to normalize for any condition, including chronic kidney disease, that may influence the circulating concentration of this biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyStanford School of MedicineStanfordCAUSA
| | - Fabio Sarto
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Roberta Sartori
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Veneto Institute of Molecular MedicinePadovaItaly
| | - Gianpietro Zanchettin
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and GastroenterologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Stefan Löfler
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation ResearchWienAustria
- Centre of Active AgeingSankt PoeltenAustria
| | - Helmut Kern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation ResearchWienAustria
- Centre of Active AgeingSankt PoeltenAustria
| | - Marco Vincenzo Narici
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and GastroenterologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation ResearchWienAustria
- Centre of Active AgeingSankt PoeltenAustria
- CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
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Bishop NC, Burton JO, Graham-Brown MPM, Stensel DJ, Viana JL, Watson EL. Exercise and chronic kidney disease: potential mechanisms underlying the physiological benefits. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:244-256. [PMID: 36650232 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00675-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that exercise has beneficial effects on chronic inflammation, cardiorespiratory function, muscle and bone strength and metabolic markers in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure or kidney transplants. However, the mechanisms that underlie these benefits have received little attention, and the available clinical evidence is mainly from small, short-duration (<12 weeks) exercise intervention studies. The available data, mainly from patients with CKD or on dialysis, suggest that exercise-mediated shifts towards a less inflammatory immune cell profile, enhanced activity of the NRF2 pathway and reduced monocyte infiltration into adipose tissue may underlie improvements in inflammatory biomarkers. Exercise-mediated increases in nitric oxide release and bioavailability, reduced angiotensin II accumulation in the heart, left ventricular remodelling and reductions in myocardial fibrosis may contribute to improvements in left ventricular hypertrophy. Exercise stimulates an anabolic response in skeletal muscle in CKD, but increases in mitochondrial mass and satellite cell activation seem to be impaired in this population. Exercise-mediated activation of the canonical wnt pathway may lead to bone formation and improvements in the levels of the bone-derived hormones klotho and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Longer duration studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these mechanisms in CKD, kidney failure and kidney transplant populations and provide evidence for targeted exercise interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette C Bishop
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
| | - James O Burton
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Matthew P M Graham-Brown
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - David J Stensel
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - João L Viana
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Emma L Watson
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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20
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Ohno K, Ohkawara B, Shen XM, Selcen D, Engel AG. Clinical and Pathologic Features of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes Caused by 35 Genes-A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043730. [PMID: 36835142 PMCID: PMC9961056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by impaired neuromuscular signal transmission due to germline pathogenic variants in genes expressed at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). A total of 35 genes have been reported in CMS (AGRN, ALG14, ALG2, CHAT, CHD8, CHRNA1, CHRNB1, CHRND, CHRNE, CHRNG, COL13A1, COLQ, DOK7, DPAGT1, GFPT1, GMPPB, LAMA5, LAMB2, LRP4, MUSK, MYO9A, PLEC, PREPL, PURA, RAPSN, RPH3A, SCN4A, SLC18A3, SLC25A1, SLC5A7, SNAP25, SYT2, TOR1AIP1, UNC13A, VAMP1). The 35 genes can be classified into 14 groups according to the pathomechanical, clinical, and therapeutic features of CMS patients. Measurement of compound muscle action potentials elicited by repetitive nerve stimulation is required to diagnose CMS. Clinical and electrophysiological features are not sufficient to identify a defective molecule, and genetic studies are always required for accurate diagnosis. From a pharmacological point of view, cholinesterase inhibitors are effective in most groups of CMS, but are contraindicated in some groups of CMS. Similarly, ephedrine, salbutamol (albuterol), amifampridine are effective in most but not all groups of CMS. This review extensively covers pathomechanical and clinical features of CMS by citing 442 relevant articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinji Ohno
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.O.); (A.G.E.)
| | - Bisei Ohkawara
- Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Xin-Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Duygu Selcen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Andrew G. Engel
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: (K.O.); (A.G.E.)
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21
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Monti E, Tagliaferri S, Zampieri S, Sarto F, Sirago G, Franchi MV, Ticinesi A, Longobucco Y, Adorni E, Lauretani F, Von Haehling S, Marzetti E, Calvani R, Bernabei R, Cesari M, Maggio M, Narici MV. Effects of a 2-year exercise training on neuromuscular system health in older individuals with low muscle function. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:794-804. [PMID: 36708273 PMCID: PMC10067485 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ageing is accompanied by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, potentially determining the insurgence of sarcopenia. Evidence suggests that motoneuron and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration contribute to sarcopenia pathogenesis. Seeking for strategies able to slow down sarcopenia insurgence and progression, we investigated whether a 2-year mixed-model training involving aerobic, strength and balance exercises would be effective for improving or preserving motoneuronal health and NMJ stability, together with muscle mass, strength and functionality in an old, sarcopenic population. METHODS Forty-five sarcopenic elderly (34 females; 11 males) with low dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) lean mass and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score <9 were randomly assigned to either a control group [Healthy Aging Lifestyle Education (HALE), n = 21] or an intervention group [MultiComponent Intervention (MCI), n = 24]. MCI trained three times per week for 2 years with a mix of aerobic, strength and balance exercises matched with nutritional advice. Before and after the intervention, ultrasound scans of the vastus lateralis (VL), SPPB and a blood sample were obtained. VL architecture [pennation angle (PA) and fascicle length (Lf)] and cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured. As biomarkers of neuronal health and NMJ stability status, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) concentrations were measured in serum. Differences in ultrasound parameters, NfL and CAF concentration and physical performance between baseline and follow-up were tested with mixed ANOVA or Wilcoxon test. The relationship between changes in physical performance and NfL or CAF concentration was assessed through correlation analyses. RESULTS At follow-up, MCI showed preserved VL architecture (PA, Lf) despite a reduced CSA (-8.4%, P < 0.001), accompanied by maintained CAF concentration and ameliorated overall SPPB performance (P = 0.007). Conversely, HALE showed 12.7% decrease in muscle CSA (P < 0.001), together with 5.1% and 5.5% reduction in PA and Lf (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), and a 6.2% increase in CAF (P = 0.009) but improved SPPB balance score (P = 0.007). NfL concentration did not change in either group. In the population, negative correlations between changes in CAF concentration and SPPB total score were found (P = 0.047), whereas no correlation between NfL and SPPB variations was observed. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that our 2-year mixed aerobic, strength and balance training seemed effective for preventing the age and sarcopenia-related increases in CAF concentration, preserving NMJ stability as well as muscle structure (PA and Lf) and improving physical performance in sarcopenic older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Tagliaferri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Sarto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sirago
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ticinesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Yari Longobucco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisa Adorni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Fulvio Lauretani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Clinical Geriatric Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stephan Von Haehling
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University of Goettingen Medical Centre, Goettingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Göttingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bernabei
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Cesari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Clinical Geriatric Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenzo Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia.,CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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22
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Franchi MV, Badiali F, Sarto F, Müller P, Müller NG, Rehfeld K, Monti E, Rankin D, Longo S, Lund J, Hökelmann A, Narici M. Neuromuscular Aging: A Case for the Neuroprotective Effects of Dancing. Gerontology 2023; 69:73-81. [PMID: 35605581 DOI: 10.1159/000524843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM We planned a cross-sectional investigation (study 1) and a longitudinal training intervention (study 2) to investigate whether recreational dancing affords greater neuroprotective effects against age-related neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration compared to general fitness exercise training. METHODS In study 1, we recruited 19 older volunteers regularly practising dancing (older dancers [OD]) and 15 recreationally physically active older individuals (OA) and physical performance, muscle morphology, muscle function, and NMJ stability (from serum C-terminal agrin fragment [CAF] concentration) were assessed. In study 2, employing a longitudinal study design in a different cohort (composed of 37 older adults), we aimed to study whether a 6-month dancing intervention decreased CAF concentration compared to general fitness exercise training in older adults. RESULTS Our findings show that OD had a lower CAF concentration (suggesting an increased NMJ stability) compared to OA. This result was accompanied by superior functional performance despite no differences in muscle size. In study 2, we observed a reduction in CAF concentration only in the dancing group. CONCLUSION Overall, these findings suggest that dancing is an effective training modality to promote neuroprotection and increase muscle function in healthy older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martino V Franchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy, .,MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK, .,CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy,
| | - Francesca Badiali
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Fabio Sarto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrick Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenrative Disseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Medical Care, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Notger G Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenrative Disseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Science (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Rehfeld
- Institute for Sport Science, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.,Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Science, University of Chieti "G. D'annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Debbie Rankin
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Stefano Longo
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jon Lund
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Anita Hökelmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Medical Care, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marco Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.,CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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23
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Sirago G, Pellegrino MA, Bottinelli R, Franchi MV, Narici MV. Loss of neuromuscular junction integrity and muscle atrophy in skeletal muscle disuse. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 83:101810. [PMID: 36471545 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity (PI) is a major risk factor of chronic diseases. A major aspect of PI is loss of muscle mass and strength. The latter phenomenon significantly impacts daily life and represent a major issue for global health. Understandably, skeletal muscle itself has been the major focus of studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying loss of mass and strength. Relatively lesser attention has been given to the contribution of alterations in somatomotor control, despite the fact that these changes can start very early and can occur at multiple levels, from the cortex down to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). It is well known that exposure to chronic inactivity or immobilization causes a disproportionate loss of force compared to muscle mass, i.e. a loss of specific or intrinsic whole muscle force. The latter phenomenon may be partially explained by the loss of specific force of individual muscle fibres, but several other players are very likely to contribute to such detrimental phenomenon. Irrespective of the length of the disuse period, the loss of force is, in fact, more than two-fold greater than that of muscle size. It is very likely that somatomotor alterations may contribute to this loss in intrinsic muscle force. Here we review evidence that alterations of one component of somatomotor control, namely the neuromuscular junction, occur in disuse. We also discuss some of the novel players in NMJ stability (e.g., homer, bassoon, pannexin) and the importance of new established and emerging molecular markers of neurodegenerative processes in humans such as agrin, neural-cell adhesion molecule and light-chain neurofilaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sirago
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy.
| | - Maria A Pellegrino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Roberto Bottinelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy; IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Martino V Franchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Marco V Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy; CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy.
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24
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Sarto F, Stashuk DW, Franchi MV, Monti E, Zampieri S, Valli G, Sirago G, Candia J, Hartnell LM, Paganini M, McPhee JS, De Vito G, Ferrucci L, Reggiani C, Narici MV. Effects of short-term unloading and active recovery on human motor unit properties, neuromuscular junction transmission and transcriptomic profile. J Physiol 2022; 600:4731-4751. [PMID: 36071599 PMCID: PMC9828768 DOI: 10.1113/jp283381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrophysiological alterations of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and motor unit potential (MUP) with unloading are poorly studied. We aimed to investigate these aspects and the underlying molecular mechanisms with short-term unloading and active recovery (AR). Eleven healthy males underwent a 10-day unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) period, followed by 21-day AR based on resistance exercise. Quadriceps femoris (QF) cross-sectional area (CSA) and isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were evaluated. Intramuscular electromyographic recordings were obtained during 10% and 25% MVC isometric contractions from the vastus lateralis (VL). Biomarkers of NMJ molecular instability (serum c-terminal agrin fragment, CAF), axonal damage (neurofilament light chain) and denervation status were assessed from blood samples and VL biopsies. NMJ and ion channel transcriptomic profiles were investigated by RNA-sequencing. QF CSA and MVC decreased with ULLS. Increased CAF and altered NMJ transcriptome with unloading suggested the emergence of NMJ molecular instability, which was not associated with impaired NMJ transmission stability. Instead, increased MUP complexity and decreased motor unit firing rates were found after ULLS. Downregulation of ion channel gene expression was found together with increased neurofilament light chain concentration and partial denervation. The AR period restored most of these neuromuscular alterations. In conclusion, the human NMJ is destabilized at the molecular level but shows functional resilience to a 10-day unloading period at least at relatively low contraction intensities. However, MUP properties are altered by ULLS, possibly due to alterations in ion channel dynamics and initial axonal damage and denervation. These changes are fully reversed by 21 days of AR. KEY POINTS: We used integrative electrophysiological and molecular approaches to comprehensively investigate changes in neuromuscular integrity and function after a 10-day unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS), followed by 21 days of active recovery in young healthy men, with a particular focus on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and motor unit potential (MUP) properties alterations. After 10-day ULLS, we found significant NMJ molecular alterations in the absence of NMJ transmission stability impairment. These findings suggest that the human NMJ is functionally resilient against insults and stresses induced by short-term disuse at least at relatively low contraction intensities, at which low-threshold, slow-type motor units are recruited. Intramuscular electromyography analysis revealed that unloading caused increased MUP complexity and decreased motor unit firing rates, and these alterations could be related to the observed changes in skeletal muscle ion channel pool and initial and partial signs of fibre denervation and axonal damage. The active recovery period restored these neuromuscular changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Sarto
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Daniel W. Stashuk
- Department of Systems Design EngineeringUniversity of WaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Martino V. Franchi
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Department of SurgeryOncology, and GastroenterologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Giacomo Valli
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Giuseppe Sirago
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Julián Candia
- Longitudinal Studies SectionTranslational Gerontology BranchNational Institute of AgingNational Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Lisa M. Hartnell
- Longitudinal Studies SectionTranslational Gerontology BranchNational Institute of AgingNational Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Matteo Paganini
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Jamie S. McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise SciencesManchester Metropolitan University Institute of SportManchesterUK
| | - Giuseppe De Vito
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies SectionTranslational Gerontology BranchNational Institute of AgingNational Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Carlo Reggiani
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Science and Research Center KoperInstitute for Kinesiology ResearchKoperSlovenia
| | - Marco V. Narici
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly,Science and Research Center KoperInstitute for Kinesiology ResearchKoperSlovenia
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25
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Liu S, Meng X, Li G, Gokulnath P, Wang J, Xiao J. Exercise Training after Myocardial Infarction Attenuates Dysfunctional Ventricular Remodeling and Promotes Cardiac Recovery. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2022; 23:148. [PMID: 39076229 PMCID: PMC11273682 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2304148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent evidences have shown that exercise training not only plays a necessary role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis, but also promotes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. Post-myocardial infarction, exercise training has been observed to effectively increase the maximum cardiac output, and protect myocardial cells against necrosis and apoptosis, thus leading to an improved quality of life of myocardial infarction patients. In fact, exercise training has received more attention as an adjunct therapeutic strategy for both treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction. This review summarizes the experimental evidence of the effects of exercise training in ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction, and tries to provide theoretical basis along with suitable references for the exercise prescription aimed at prevention and therapy of myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqing Liu
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 226011 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, 200444 Shanghai, China
| | - Xinxiu Meng
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 226011 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, 200444 Shanghai, China
| | - Guoping Li
- Cardiovascular Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Priyanka Gokulnath
- Cardiovascular Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 226011 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, 200444 Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Xiao
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 226011 Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, 200444 Shanghai, China
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26
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Deschenes MR, Flannery R, Hawbaker A, Patek L, Mifsud M. Adaptive Remodeling of the Neuromuscular Junction with Aging. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071150. [PMID: 35406714 PMCID: PMC8997609 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with gradual degeneration, in mass and function, of the neuromuscular system. This process, referred to as “sarcopenia”, is considered a disease by itself, and it has been linked to a number of other serious maladies such as type II diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even dementia. While the molecular causes of sarcopenia remain to be fully elucidated, recent findings have implicated the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as being an important locus in the development and progression of that malady. This synapse, which connects motor neurons to the muscle fibers that they innervate, has been found to degenerate with age, contributing both to senescent-related declines in muscle mass and function. The NMJ also shows plasticity in response to a number of neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Here, the structural and functional degradation of the NMJ associated with aging and disease is described, along with the measures that might be taken to effectively mitigate, if not fully prevent, that degeneration.
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27
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Lavin KM, Coen PM, Baptista LC, Bell MB, Drummer D, Harper SA, Lixandrão ME, McAdam JS, O’Bryan SM, Ramos S, Roberts LM, Vega RB, Goodpaster BH, Bamman MM, Buford TW. State of Knowledge on Molecular Adaptations to Exercise in Humans: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3193-3279. [PMID: 35578962 PMCID: PMC9186317 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
For centuries, regular exercise has been acknowledged as a potent stimulus to promote, maintain, and restore healthy functioning of nearly every physiological system of the human body. With advancing understanding of the complexity of human physiology, continually evolving methodological possibilities, and an increasingly dire public health situation, the study of exercise as a preventative or therapeutic treatment has never been more interdisciplinary, or more impactful. During the early stages of the NIH Common Fund Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) Initiative, the field is well-positioned to build substantially upon the existing understanding of the mechanisms underlying benefits associated with exercise. Thus, we present a comprehensive body of the knowledge detailing the current literature basis surrounding the molecular adaptations to exercise in humans to provide a view of the state of the field at this critical juncture, as well as a resource for scientists bringing external expertise to the field of exercise physiology. In reviewing current literature related to molecular and cellular processes underlying exercise-induced benefits and adaptations, we also draw attention to existing knowledge gaps warranting continued research effort. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3193-3279, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleen M. Lavin
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Human Health, Resilience, and Performance, Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| | - Paul M. Coen
- Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Advent Health, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Liliana C. Baptista
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Margaret B. Bell
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Devin Drummer
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sara A. Harper
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Manoel E. Lixandrão
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jeremy S. McAdam
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Samia M. O’Bryan
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sofhia Ramos
- Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Advent Health, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Lisa M. Roberts
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rick B. Vega
- Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Advent Health, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Bret H. Goodpaster
- Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Advent Health, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Marcas M. Bamman
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Human Health, Resilience, and Performance, Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas W. Buford
- Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Huang X, Jiang J, Xu J. Denervation-Related Neuromuscular Junction Changes: From Degeneration to Regeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:810919. [PMID: 35282655 PMCID: PMC8908450 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.810919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are the key interface between terminal nerves and targeted muscle, which undergo degeneration during denervation periods. Denervation-related NMJs changes limits the recovery level of nerve repair strategies. Insights into mechanisms behind neuromuscular junction degeneration and regeneration, following denervation and reinnervation, are of clinical value. Developing some therapies to maintain or protect structures and functions of NMJs may contribute to a better prognosis. Here, we reviewed previous studies of NMJs focusing on the morphological, functional, and molecular changes after denervation, and if those changes can be reversed after reinnervation. Also, we reviewed about the present probable strategies that have been applied clinically or could still be studied in targeting the neuromuscular junction protection or regeneration improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Huang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjian Jiang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Junjian Jiang,
| | - Jianguang Xu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
- Jianguang Xu,
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29
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Di Girolamo FG, Fiotti N, Milanović Z, Situlin R, Mearelli F, Vinci P, Šimunič B, Pišot R, Narici M, Biolo G. The Aging Muscle in Experimental Bed Rest: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Nutr 2021; 8:633987. [PMID: 34422875 PMCID: PMC8371327 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.633987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Maintaining skeletal muscle mass and function in aging is crucial for preserving the quality of life and health. An experimental bed rest (BR) protocol is a suitable model to explore muscle decline on aging during inactivity. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was, therefore, to carry out an up-to-date evaluation of bed rest, with a specific focus on the magnitude of effects on muscle mass, strength, power, and functional capacity changes as well as the mechanisms, molecules, and pathways involved in muscle decay. Design: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Data sources: We used PubMed, Medline; Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library, all of which were searched prior to April 23, 2020. A manual search was performed to cover bed rest experimental protocols using the following key terms, either singly or in combination: "Elderly Bed rest," "Older Bed rest," "Old Bed rest," "Aging Bed rest," "Aging Bed rest," "Bed-rest," and "Bedrest". Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: The inclusion criteria were divided into four sections: type of study, participants, interventions, and outcome measures. The primary outcome measures were: body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, leg lean mass, cross-sectional area, knee extension power, cytokine pattern, IGF signaling biomarkers, FOXO signaling biomarkers, mitochondrial modulation biomarkers, and muscle protein kinetics biomarkers. Results: A total of 25 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, while 17 of them were included in the meta-analysis. In total, 118 healthy elderly volunteers underwent 5-, 7-, 10-, or 14-days of BR and provided a brief sketch on the possible mechanisms involved. In the very early phase of BR, important changes occurred in the skeletal muscle, with significant loss of performance associated with a lesser grade reduction of the total body and muscle mass. Meta-analysis of the effect of bed rest on total body mass was determined to be small but statistically significant (ES = -0.45, 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.19, P < 0.001). Moderate, statistically significant effects were observed for total lean body mass (ES = -0.67, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.40, P < 0.001) after bed rest intervention. Overall, total lean body mass was decreased by 1.5 kg, while there was no relationship between bed rest duration and outcomes (Z = 0.423, p = 672). The meta-analyzed effect showed that bed rest produced large, statistically significant, effects (ES = -1.06, 95% CI: -1.37 to -0.75, P < 0.001) in terms of the knee extension power. Knee extension power was decreased by 14.65 N/s. In contrast, to other measures, meta-regression showed a significant relationship between bed rest duration and knee extension power (Z = 4.219, p < 0.001). Moderate, statistically significant, effects were observed after bed rest intervention for leg muscle mass in both old (ES = -0.68, 95% CI: -0.96 to -0.40, P < 0.001) and young (ES = -0.51, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.22, P < 0.001) adults. However, the magnitude of change was higher in older (MD = -0.86 kg) compared to younger (MD = -0.24 kg) adults. Conclusion: Experimental BR is a suitable model to explore the detrimental effects of inactivity in young adults, old adults, and hospitalized people. Changes in muscle mass and function are the two most investigated variables, and they allow for a consistent trend in the BR-induced changes. Mechanisms underlying the greater loss of muscle mass and function in aging, following inactivity, need to be thoroughly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Giorgio Di Girolamo
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,SC Assistenza Farmaceutica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola Fiotti
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Zoran Milanović
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia.,Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia.,Faculty of Sports Studies, Incubator of Kinanthropological Research, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Roberta Situlin
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Mearelli
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pierandrea Vinci
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Boštjan Šimunič
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Rado Pišot
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Marco Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianni Biolo
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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30
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Narici M, McPhee J, Conte M, Franchi MV, Mitchell K, Tagliaferri S, Monti E, Marcolin G, Atherton PJ, Smith K, Phillips B, Lund J, Franceschi C, Maggio M, Butler‐Browne GS. Age-related alterations in muscle architecture are a signature of sarcopenia: the ultrasound sarcopenia index. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:973-982. [PMID: 34060717 PMCID: PMC8350200 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of muscle mass is a key determinant of the diagnosis of sarcopenia. We introduce for the first time an ultrasound imaging method for diagnosing sarcopenia based on changes in muscle geometric proportions. METHODS Vastus lateralis muscle fascicle length (Lf) and thickness (Tm) were measured at 35% distal femur length by ultrasonography in a population of 279 individuals classified as moderately active elderly (MAE), sedentary elderly (SE) (n = 109), mobility impaired elderly (MIE) (n = 43), and in adult young controls (YC) (n = 60). The ratio of Lf/Tm was calculated to obtain an ultrasound index of the loss of muscle mass associated with sarcopenia (USI). In a subsample of elderly male individuals (n = 76) in which corresponding DXA measurements were available (MAE, n = 52 and SE, n = 24), DXA-derived skeletal muscle index (SMI, appendicular limb mass/height2 ) was compared with corresponding USI values. RESULTS For both young and older participants, USI values were found to be independent of sex, height and body mass. USI values were 3.70 ± 0.52 for YC, 4.50 ± 0.72 for the MAE, 5.05 ± 1.11 for the SE and 6.31 ± 1.38 for the MIE, all significantly different between each other (P < 0.0001). Based on the USI Z-scores, with reference to the YC population, the 219 elderly participants were stratified according to their muscle sarcopenic status. Individuals with USI values within a range of 3.70 < USI ≥ 4.23 were classified as non-sarcopenic (prevalence 23.7%), those with USI values within 4.23 < USI ≥ 4.76 were classified as pre-sarcopenic (prevalence 23.7%), those with USI values within 4.76 < USI ≥ 5.29 were classified as moderately sarcopenic (prevalence 15.1%), those with USI values within range 5.29 < USI ≥ 5.82 were classified as sarcopenic (prevalence 27.9%), and those with USI values >5.82 were classified as severely sarcopenic (prevalence 9.6%). The DXA-derived SMI was found to be significantly correlated with USI (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001). Notably, the USI cut-off value for moderate sarcopenia (4.76 a.u.) was found to coincide with the DXA cut-off value of sarcopenia (7.26 kg/m2 ). CONCLUSIONS We propose a novel, practical, and inexpensive imaging marker of the loss of muscle mass associated with sarcopenia, called the ultrasound sarcopenic index (USI), based on changes in muscle geometric proportions. These changes provide a useful 'signature of sarcopenia' and allow the stratification of individuals according to the presence and severity of muscle sarcopenia. We are convinced that the USI will be a useful clinical tool for confirming the diagnosis of sarcopenia, of which the assessment of muscle mass is a key-component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Narici
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- CIR‐MYO Myology CenterUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
| | - Jamie McPhee
- Department of Sport and Exercise SciencesManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Maria Conte
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty MedicineUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | | | - Kyle Mitchell
- Dorsey County Hospital NHS Foundation TrustDorchesterUK
| | | | - Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | | | - Philip J. Atherton
- MRC/Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of NottinghamDerbyUK
| | - Kenneth Smith
- MRC/Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of NottinghamDerbyUK
| | - Bethan Phillips
- MRC/Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of NottinghamDerbyUK
| | - Jonathan Lund
- Department of Surgery and University of Nottingham School of MedicineRoyal Derby HospitalDerbyUK
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty MedicineUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Marcello Maggio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Section of GeriatricsUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
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31
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Luttrell SM, Smith AST, Mack DL. Creating stem cell-derived neuromuscular junctions in vitro. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:388-403. [PMID: 34328673 PMCID: PMC9292444 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent development of novel therapies has improved mobility and quality of life for people suffering from inheritable neuromuscular disorders. Despite this progress, the majority of neuromuscular disorders are still incurable, in part due to a lack of predictive models of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) breakdown. Improvement of predictive models of a human NMJ would be transformative in terms of expanding our understanding of the mechanisms that underpin development, maintenance, and disease, and as a testbed with which to evaluate novel therapeutics. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are emerging as a clinically relevant and non‐invasive cell source to create human NMJs to study synaptic development and maturation, as well as disease modeling and drug discovery. This review will highlight the recent advances and remaining challenges to generating an NMJ capable of eliciting contraction of stem cell‐derived skeletal muscle in vitro. We explore the advantages and shortcomings of traditional NMJ culturing platforms, as well as the pioneering technologies and novel, biomimetic culturing systems currently in use to guide development and maturation of the neuromuscular synapse and extracellular microenvironment. Then, we will explore how this NMJ‐in‐a‐dish can be used to study normal assembly and function of the efferent portion of the neuromuscular arc, and how neuromuscular disease‐causing mutations disrupt structure, signaling, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M Luttrell
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alec S T Smith
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David L Mack
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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32
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The Neuromuscular Junction: Roles in Aging and Neuromuscular Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158058. [PMID: 34360831 PMCID: PMC8347593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized synapse that bridges the motor neuron and the skeletal muscle fiber and is crucial for conversion of electrical impulses originating in the motor neuron to action potentials in the muscle fiber. The consideration of contributing factors to skeletal muscle injury, muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia cannot be restricted only to processes intrinsic to the muscle, as data show that these conditions incur denervation-like findings, such as fragmented NMJ morphology and corresponding functional changes in neuromuscular transmission. Primary defects in the NMJ also influence functional loss in motor neuron disease, congenital myasthenic syndromes and myasthenia gravis, resulting in skeletal muscle weakness and heightened fatigue. Such findings underscore the role that the NMJ plays in neuromuscular performance. Regardless of cause or effect, functional denervation is now an accepted consequence of sarcopenia and muscle disease. In this short review, we provide an overview of the pathologic etiology, symptoms, and therapeutic strategies related to the NMJ. In particular, we examine the role of the NMJ as a disease modifier and a potential therapeutic target in neuromuscular injury and disease.
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33
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Gras S, Blasco A, Mòdol-Caballero G, Tarabal O, Casanovas A, Piedrafita L, Barranco A, Das T, Rueda R, Pereira SL, Navarro X, Esquerda JE, Calderó J. Beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with green tea catechins and cocoa flavanols on aging-related regressive changes in the mouse neuromuscular system. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:18051-18093. [PMID: 34319911 PMCID: PMC8351677 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Besides skeletal muscle wasting, sarcopenia entails morphological and molecular changes in distinct components of the neuromuscular system, including spinal cord motoneurons (MNs) and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs); moreover, noticeable microgliosis has also been observed around aged MNs. Here we examined the impact of two flavonoid-enriched diets containing either green tea extract (GTE) catechins or cocoa flavanols on age-associated regressive changes in the neuromuscular system of C57BL/6J mice. Compared to control mice, GTE- and cocoa-supplementation significantly improved the survival rate of mice, reduced the proportion of fibers with lipofuscin aggregates and central nuclei, and increased the density of satellite cells in skeletal muscles. Additionally, both supplements significantly augmented the number of innervated NMJs and their degree of maturity compared to controls. GTE, but not cocoa, prominently increased the density of VAChT and VGluT2 afferent synapses on MNs, which were lost in control aged spinal cords; conversely, cocoa, but not GTE, significantly augmented the proportion of VGluT1 afferent synapses on aged MNs. Moreover, GTE, but not cocoa, reduced aging-associated microgliosis and increased the proportion of neuroprotective microglial phenotypes. Our data indicate that certain plant flavonoids may be beneficial in the nutritional management of age-related deterioration of the neuromuscular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Gras
- Unitat de Neurobiologia Cel·lular, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Alba Blasco
- Unitat de Neurobiologia Cel·lular, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Guillem Mòdol-Caballero
- Grup de Neuroplasticitat i Regeneració, Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and CIBERNED, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Olga Tarabal
- Unitat de Neurobiologia Cel·lular, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Anna Casanovas
- Unitat de Neurobiologia Cel·lular, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Lídia Piedrafita
- Unitat de Neurobiologia Cel·lular, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Alejandro Barranco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Tapas Das
- Abbott Nutrition, Research and Development, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Ricardo Rueda
- Abbott Nutrition, Research and Development, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Xavier Navarro
- Grup de Neuroplasticitat i Regeneració, Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and CIBERNED, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Josep E. Esquerda
- Unitat de Neurobiologia Cel·lular, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Jordi Calderó
- Unitat de Neurobiologia Cel·lular, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida and Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
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34
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Barbosa GK, Jacob CDS, Rodrigues MP, Rocha LC, Pimentel Neto J, Ciena AP. Morphological Changes in the Motor Endplate and in the Belly Muscle Induced by Previous Static Stretching to the Climbing Protocol. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2021; 27:1-9. [PMID: 34294184 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927621012253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Static stretching provides benefits to the range of motion, modulates intramuscular connective tissue, and is incorporated into warm-up exercises. In this study, we present the effects in the motor endplate and belly muscle resulting from previous static stretching to climbing training. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 each): Sedentary (Sed), Climbing (Clb), Static stretching (Ss), and Static stretching prior to climbing (Ssc). The animals (Clb, Ss, and Ssc groups) were subjected to a training protocol 3×/week for 8 weeks, and the Ssc group was subjected to the Ss and Clb protocols in the same session. Samples from the animals were processed for immunostaining, histochemistry, and light microscopy. The Clb group presented a higher motor endplate; the Ss group presented no changes in the motor endplate; and the Ssc group demonstrated a higher compactness. We concluded that static stretching prior to the climbing protocol maintained the density of the motor endplate and increased the compactness of the neuromuscular junction structure. Also, there was a reduction in the myofibers’ diameter (Type I and IIa), an increase in myofibrillar densities (Type I and IIx, and total), and the reorganization of the myonuclei and the interstitium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela K Barbosa
- Department of Physical Activity, Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity - LAMAF, Institute of Biosciences (IB), São Paulo State University - UNESP, Rio Claro13506-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina Dos S Jacob
- Department of Physical Activity, Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity - LAMAF, Institute of Biosciences (IB), São Paulo State University - UNESP, Rio Claro13506-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana P Rodrigues
- Department of Physical Activity, Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity - LAMAF, Institute of Biosciences (IB), São Paulo State University - UNESP, Rio Claro13506-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Lara C Rocha
- Department of Physical Activity, Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity - LAMAF, Institute of Biosciences (IB), São Paulo State University - UNESP, Rio Claro13506-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Jurandyr Pimentel Neto
- Department of Physical Activity, Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity - LAMAF, Institute of Biosciences (IB), São Paulo State University - UNESP, Rio Claro13506-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriano P Ciena
- Department of Physical Activity, Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity - LAMAF, Institute of Biosciences (IB), São Paulo State University - UNESP, Rio Claro13506-900, SP, Brazil
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35
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Marcolin G, Franchi MV, Monti E, Pizzichemi M, Sarto F, Sirago G, Paoli A, Maggio M, Zampieri S, Narici M. Active older dancers have lower C-terminal Agrin fragment concentration, better balance and gait performance than sedentary peers. Exp Gerontol 2021; 153:111469. [PMID: 34246731 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Motor neuron degeneration, denervation, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) fragmentation and loss of motor units (MUs), play a key-role in the development of sarcopenia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of regular practice of dancing in physically active elders on concentration of C-terminal Agrin fragment (CAF), a marker of NMJ instability, muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in a group of 16 recreationally active older dancers (AOD; 70.1 ± 3.4 yr) compared to 15 age-matched sedentary peers (OS; 70.9 ± 6.2 yr). Circulating concentration of CAF was measured in serum, while morphology of the vastus lateralis and multifidus muscles was assessed by ultrasound imaging. In addition, the participants underwent two functional performance tests, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), a lower and upper limb isometric strength test, a static and a dynamic balance test. Although no statistically significant differences were detected for both muscle morphology and isometric strength, higher CAF concentration (20%, p < 0.01) was found in OS. AOD showed a better performance in TUG (22%, p < 0.001), 10-MWT (17%, p < 0.001) and dynamic balance (25%, p < 0.01) than OS. Notably, CAF concentration correlated with dynamic balance performance (r = 0.3711, p < 0.05). Our results provide evidence that the regular practice of dancing in older age, together with non-structured light aerobic physical activities, is associated to lower CAF concentration and improved walking and balance performance. Our findings also suggest that NMJ instability, as indicated by elevated CAF serum concentration, seems to precede the loss of muscle size and alterations in muscle architecture normally associated with sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marcolin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martino V Franchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Sarto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sirago
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Paoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Myology Center (CIR-Myo), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy.
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Allen MD, Dalton BH, Gilmore KJ, McNeil CJ, Doherty TJ, Rice CL, Power GA. Neuroprotective effects of exercise on the aging human neuromuscular system. Exp Gerontol 2021; 152:111465. [PMID: 34224847 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Human biological aging from maturity to senescence is associated with a gradual loss of muscle mass and neuromuscular function. It is not until very old age (>80 years) however, that these changes often manifest into functional impairments. A driving factor underlying the age-related loss of muscle mass and function is the reduction in the number and quality of motor units (MUs). A MU consists of a single motoneuron, located either in the spinal cord or the brain stem, and all of the muscle fibres it innervates via its peripheral axon. Throughout the adult lifespan, MUs are slowly, but progressively lost. The compensatory process of collateral reinnervation attempts to recapture orphaned muscle fibres following the death of a motoneuron. Whereas this process helps mitigate loss of muscle mass during the latter decades of adult aging, the neuromuscular system has fewer and larger MUs, which have lower quality connections between the axon terminal and innervated muscle fibres. Whether this process of MU death and degradation can be attenuated with habitual physical activity has been a challenging question of great interest. This review focuses on age-related alterations of the human neuromuscular system, with an emphasis on the MU, and presents findings on the potential protective effects of lifelong physical activity. Although there is some discrepancy across studies of masters athletes, if one considers all experimental limitations as well as the available literature in animals, there is compelling evidence of a protective effect of chronic physical training on human MUs. Our tenet is that high-levels of physical activity can mitigate the natural trajectory of loss of quantity and quality of MUs in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti D Allen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3, Canada; School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3, Canada
| | - Brian H Dalton
- School of Health and Exercise Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Kevin J Gilmore
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Chris J McNeil
- School of Health and Exercise Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Timothy J Doherty
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Charles L Rice
- School of Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Geoffrey A Power
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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McDermott MM, Dayanidhi S, Kosmac K, Saini S, Slysz J, Leeuwenburgh C, Hartnell L, Sufit R, Ferrucci L. Walking Exercise Therapy Effects on Lower Extremity Skeletal Muscle in Peripheral Artery Disease. Circ Res 2021; 128:1851-1867. [PMID: 34110902 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.318242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Walking exercise is the most effective noninvasive therapy that improves walking ability in peripheral artery disease (PAD). Biologic mechanisms by which exercise improves walking in PAD are unclear. This review summarizes evidence regarding effects of walking exercise on lower extremity skeletal muscle in PAD. In older people without PAD, aerobic exercise improves mitochondrial activity, muscle mass, capillary density, and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. However, walking exercise increases lower extremity ischemia in people with PAD, and therefore, mechanisms by which this exercise improves walking may differ between people with and without PAD. Compared with people without PAD, gastrocnemius muscle in people with PAD has greater mitochondrial impairment, increased reactive oxygen species, and increased fibrosis. In multiple small trials, walking exercise therapy did not consistently improve mitochondrial activity in people with PAD. In one 12-week randomized trial of people with PAD randomized to supervised exercise or control, supervised treadmill exercise increased treadmill walking time from 9.3 to 15.1 minutes, but simultaneously increased the proportion of angular muscle fibers, consistent with muscle denervation (from 7.6% to 15.6%), while angular myofibers did not change in the control group (from 9.1% to 9.1%). These findings suggest an adaptive response to exercise in PAD that includes denervation and reinnervation, an adaptive process observed in skeletal muscle of people without PAD during aging. Small studies have not shown significant effects of exercise on increased capillary density in lower extremity skeletal muscle of participants with PAD, and there are no data showing that exercise improves microcirculatory delivery of oxygen and nutrients in patients with PAD. However, the effects of supervised exercise on increased plasma nitrite abundance after a treadmill walking test in people with PAD may be associated with improved lower extremity skeletal muscle perfusion and may contribute to improved walking performance in response to exercise in people with PAD. Randomized trials with serial, comprehensive measures of muscle biology, and physiology are needed to clarify mechanisms by which walking exercise interventions improve mobility in PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M McDermott
- Department of Medicine and Preventive Medicine (M.M.M., J.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Sudarshan Dayanidhi
- Shirley Ryan Ability Laboratory (S.D.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Kate Kosmac
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky (K.K.)
| | - Sunil Saini
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, School of Biotechnology, New Delhi, India (S.S.)
| | - Joshua Slysz
- Department of Medicine and Preventive Medicine (M.M.M., J.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | | | - Lisa Hartnell
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Aging (L.H., L.F.)
| | - Robert Sufit
- Department of Neurology (R.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Aging (L.H., L.F.)
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Monti E, Reggiani C, Franchi MV, Toniolo L, Sandri M, Armani A, Zampieri S, Giacomello E, Sarto F, Sirago G, Murgia M, Nogara L, Marcucci L, Ciciliot S, Šimunic B, Pišot R, Narici MV. Neuromuscular junction instability and altered intracellular calcium handling as early determinants of force loss during unloading in humans. J Physiol 2021; 599:3037-3061. [PMID: 33881176 PMCID: PMC8359852 DOI: 10.1113/jp281365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Key points Few days of unloading are sufficient to induce a decline of skeletal muscle mass and function; notably, contractile force is lost at a faster rate than muscle mass. The reasons behind this disproportionate loss of muscle force are still poorly understood. We provide strong evidence of two mechanisms only hypothesized until now for the rapid muscle force loss in only 10 days of bed rest. Our results show that an initial neuromuscular junction instability, accompanied by alterations in the innervation status and impairment of single fibre sarcoplasmic reticulum function contribute to the loss of contractile force in front of a preserved myofibrillar function and central activation capacity. Early onset of neuromuscular junction instability and impairment in calcium dynamics involved in excitation–contraction coupling are proposed as eligible determinants to the greater decline in muscle force than in muscle size during unloading.
Abstract Unloading induces rapid skeletal muscle atrophy and functional decline. Importantly, force is lost at a much higher rate than muscle mass. We aimed to investigate the early determinants of the disproportionate loss of force compared to that of muscle mass in response to unloading. Ten young participants underwent 10 days of bed rest (BR). At baseline (BR0) and at 10 days (BR10), quadriceps femoris (QF) volume (VOL) and isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were assessed. At BR0 and BR10 blood samples and biopsies of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle were collected. Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) stability and myofibre innervation status were assessed, together with single fibre mechanical properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium handling. From BR0 to BR10, QFVOL and MVC decreased by 5.2% (P = 0.003) and 14.3% (P < 0.001), respectively. Initial and partial denervation was detected from increased neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM)‐positive myofibres at BR10 compared with BR0 (+3.4%, P = 0.016). NMJ instability was further inferred from increased C‐terminal agrin fragment concentration in serum (+19.2% at BR10, P = 0.031). Fast fibre cross‐sectional area (CSA) showed a trend to decrease by 15% (P = 0.055) at BR10, while single fibre maximal tension (force/CSA) was unchanged. However, at BR10 SR Ca2+ release in response to caffeine decreased by 35.1% (P < 0.002) and 30.2% (P < 0.001) in fast and slow fibres, respectively, pointing to an impaired excitation–contraction coupling. These findings support the view that the early onset of NMJ instability and impairment in SR function are eligible mechanisms contributing to the greater decline in muscle force than in muscle size during unloading. Few days of unloading are sufficient to induce a decline of skeletal muscle mass and function; notably, contractile force is lost at a faster rate than muscle mass. The reasons behind this disproportionate loss of muscle force are still poorly understood. We provide strong evidence of two mechanisms only hypothesized until now for the rapid muscle force loss in only 10 days of bed rest. Our results show that an initial neuromuscular junction instability, accompanied by alterations in the innervation status and impairment of single fibre sarcoplasmic reticulum function contribute to the loss of contractile force in front of a preserved myofibrillar function and central activation capacity. Early onset of neuromuscular junction instability and impairment in calcium dynamics involved in excitation–contraction coupling are proposed as eligible determinants to the greater decline in muscle force than in muscle size during unloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Carlo Reggiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.,Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, 6000, Slovenia
| | - Martino V Franchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Luana Toniolo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Marco Sandri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Orus 2, Padova, 35129, Italy
| | - Andrea Armani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Orus 2, Padova, 35129, Italy
| | - Sandra Zampieri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, 35124, Italy
| | - Emiliana Giacomello
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Strada di Fiume, 447, Trieste, 34149, Italy
| | - Fabio Sarto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sirago
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Marta Murgia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.,Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry Am Klopferspitz 18, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Leonardo Nogara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Marcucci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciciliot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Orus 2, Padova, 35129, Italy
| | - Boštjan Šimunic
- Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, 6000, Slovenia
| | - Rado Pišot
- Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, 6000, Slovenia
| | - Marco V Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.,Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, 6000, Slovenia.,CIR-MYO Myology Center, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
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Chugh D, Iyer CC, Bobbili P, Blatnik AJ, Kaspar BK, Meyer K, Burghes AH, Clark BC, Arnold WD. Voluntary wheel running with and without follistatin overexpression improves NMJ transmission but not motor unit loss in late life of C57BL/6J mice. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 101:285-296. [PMID: 33678425 PMCID: PMC8122043 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia, or pathological loss of muscle mass and strength during aging, is an important contributor to loss of physical function in older adults. Sarcopenia is a multifactorial syndrome associated with intrinsic muscle and upstream neurological dysfunction. Exercise is well-established as an effective intervention for sarcopenia, but less is known about the long-term neurobiological impact of exercise. The goals of this study were to investigate the effects of exercise, alone or in combination with follistatin (FST) overexpression (antagonist of myostatin), on neuromuscular junction transmission and motor unit numbers in mice between the age of 22 and 27 months, ages at which prior studies have demonstrated that some motor unit loss is already evident. C57BL/6J mice underwent baseline assessment and were randomized to housing with or without voluntary running wheels and injection with adeno-associated virus to overexpress FST or vehicle. Groups for comparison included sedentary and running with and without FST. Longitudinal assessments showed significantly increased muscle mass and contractility in the 'running plus FST' group, but running, with and without FST, showed no effect on motor unit degeneration. In contrast, running, with and without FST, demonstrated marked improvement of neuromuscular junction transmission stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Chugh
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chitra C Iyer
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Prameela Bobbili
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anton J Blatnik
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian K Kaspar
- The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Arthur Hm Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute & the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Athens, OH, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Just-Borràs L, Cilleros-Mañé V, Hurtado E, Biondi O, Charbonnier F, Tomàs M, Garcia N, Tomàs J, Lanuza MA. Running and Swimming Differently Adapt the BDNF/TrkB Pathway to a Slow Molecular Pattern at the NMJ. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4577. [PMID: 33925507 PMCID: PMC8123836 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise improves motor control and related cognitive abilities and reinforces neuroprotective mechanisms in the nervous system. As peripheral nerves interact with skeletal muscles at the neuromuscular junction, modifications of this bidirectional communication by physical activity are positive to preserve this synapse as it increases quantal content and resistance to fatigue, acetylcholine receptors expansion, and myocytes' fast-to-slow functional transition. Here, we provide the intermediate step between physical activity and functional and morphological changes by analyzing the molecular adaptations in the skeletal muscle of the full BDNF/TrkB downstream signaling pathway, directly involved in acetylcholine release and synapse maintenance. After 45 days of training at different intensities, the BDNF/TrkB molecular phenotype of trained muscles from male B6SJLF1/J mice undergo a fast-to-slow transition without affecting motor neuron size. We provide further knowledge to understand how exercise induces muscle molecular adaptations towards a slower phenotype, resistant to prolonged trains of stimulation or activity that can be useful as therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Just-Borràs
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNEUROB), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (E.H.); (M.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Víctor Cilleros-Mañé
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNEUROB), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (E.H.); (M.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Erica Hurtado
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNEUROB), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (E.H.); (M.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Olivier Biondi
- INSERM UMRS 1124, Université de Paris, CEDEX 06, F-75270 Paris, France; (O.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Frédéric Charbonnier
- INSERM UMRS 1124, Université de Paris, CEDEX 06, F-75270 Paris, France; (O.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Marta Tomàs
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNEUROB), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (E.H.); (M.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Neus Garcia
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNEUROB), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (E.H.); (M.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Josep Tomàs
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNEUROB), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (E.H.); (M.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Maria A. Lanuza
- Unitat d’Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNEUROB), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (L.J.-B.); (V.C.-M.); (E.H.); (M.T.); (N.G.)
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Starosta A, Konieczny P. Therapeutic aspects of cell signaling and communication in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4867-4891. [PMID: 33825942 PMCID: PMC8233280 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating chromosome X-linked disease that manifests predominantly in progressive skeletal muscle wasting and dysfunctions in the heart and diaphragm. Approximately 1/5000 boys and 1/50,000,000 girls suffer from DMD, and to date, the disease is incurable and leads to premature death. This phenotypic severity is due to mutations in the DMD gene, which result in the absence of functional dystrophin protein. Initially, dystrophin was thought to be a force transducer; however, it is now considered an essential component of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), viewed as a multicomponent mechanical scaffold and a signal transduction hub. Modulating signal pathway activation or gene expression through epigenetic modifications has emerged at the forefront of therapeutic approaches as either an adjunct or stand-alone strategy. In this review, we propose a broader perspective by considering DMD to be a disease that affects myofibers and muscle stem (satellite) cells, as well as a disorder in which abrogated communication between different cell types occurs. We believe that by taking this systemic view, we can achieve safe and holistic treatments that can restore correct signal transmission and gene expression in diseased DMD tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Starosta
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
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Martignon C, Ruzzante F, Giuriato G, Laginestra FG, Pedrinolla A, Di Vico IA, Saggin P, Stefanelli D, Tinazzi M, Schena F, Venturelli M. The key role of physical activity against the neuromuscular deterioration in patients with Parkinson's disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13630. [PMID: 33595917 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Decreased muscle strength has been frequently observed in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, this condition is still poorly examined in physically active patients. This study compared quadriceps (Q) maximal force and the contribution of central and peripheral components of force production during a maximal isometric task between physically active PD and healthy individuals. In addition, the correlation between force determinants and energy expenditure indices were investigated. METHODS Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), resting twitch (RT) force, pennation angle (θp), physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) and Q volume were assessed in 10 physically active PD and 10 healthy control (CTRL) individuals matched for age, sex and daily energy expenditure (DEE) profile. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between PD and CTRL in MVC (142 ± 85; 142 ± 47 N m), Q volume (1469 ± 379; 1466 ± 522 cm3 ), PCSA (206 ± 54; 205 ± 71 cm2 ), θp (14 ± 7; 13 ± 3 rad) and voluntary muscle-specific torque (MVC/PCSA [67 ± 35; 66 ± 19 N m cm-2 ]). Daily calories and MVC correlated (r = 0.56, P = .0099). However, PD displayed lower maximal voluntary activation (MVA) (85 ± 7; 95 ± 5%), rate of torque development (RTD) in the 0-0.05 (110 ± 70; 447 ± 461 N m s-1 ) and the 0.05-0.1 s (156 ± 135; 437 ± 371 N m s-1 ) epochs of MVCs, whereas RT normalized for PCSA was higher (35 ± 14; 20 ± 6 N m cm-2 ). CONCLUSION Physically active PDs show a preserved strength of the lower limb. This resulted by increasing skeletal muscle contractility, which counterbalances neuromuscular deterioration, likely due to their moderate level of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Martignon
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Federico Ruzzante
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Gaia Giuriato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Fabio G. Laginestra
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Anna Pedrinolla
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Ilaria A. Di Vico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Paolo Saggin
- Division of Radiology and Imaging San Francesco Clinical Diagnostic Center Verona Italy
| | - Donato Stefanelli
- Division of Radiology and Imaging San Francesco Clinical Diagnostic Center Verona Italy
| | - Michele Tinazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Massimo Venturelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement University of Verona Verona Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Utah Salt Lake City UT USA
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Huertas AM, Morton AB, Hinkey JM, Ichinoseki-Sekine N, Smuder AJ. Modification of Neuromuscular Junction Protein Expression by Exercise and Doxorubicin. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020; 52:1477-1484. [PMID: 31985575 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective antitumor agent widely used in cancer treatment. However, it is well established that DOX induces muscular atrophy and impairs force production. Although no therapeutic interventions exist to combat DOX-induced muscle weakness, endurance exercise training has been shown to reduce skeletal muscle damage caused by DOX administration. Numerous studies have attempted to identify molecular mechanisms responsible for exercise-induced protection against DOX myotoxicity. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which endurance exercise protects against DOX-induced muscle weakness remain elusive. In this regard, impairments to the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) are associated with muscle wasting, and studies indicate that physical exercise can rescue NMJ fragmentation. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that exercise protects against DOX-induced myopathy by preventing detrimental changes to key proteins responsible for maintenance of the NMJ. METHODS Female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to sedentary or exercise-trained groups. Exercise training consisted of a 5-d treadmill habituation period followed by 10 d of running (60 min·d, 30 m·min, 0% grade). After the last training bout, exercise-trained and sedentary animals were paired with either placebo (saline) or DOX (20 mg·kg i.p.) treatment. Two days after drug treatment, the soleus muscle was excised for subsequent analyses. RESULTS Our results indicate that endurance exercise training prevents soleus muscle atrophy and contractile dysfunction in DOX-treated animals. These adaptations were associated with the increased expression of the following neurotrophic factors: brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin-3. In addition, exercise enhanced the expression of receptor-associated protein of the synapse and the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunits AChRβ, AChRδ, and AChRγ in DOX-treated animals. CONCLUSION Therefore, upregulating neurotrophic factor and NMJ protein expression may be an effective strategy to prevent DOX-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Mor Huertas
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Aaron B Morton
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | | | - Ashley J Smuder
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Lovering RM, Iyer SR, Edwards B, Davies KE. Alterations of neuromuscular junctions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neurosci Lett 2020; 737:135304. [PMID: 32818587 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The focus of this review is on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is caused by the absence of the protein dystrophin and is characterized as a neuromuscular disease in which muscle weakness, increased susceptibility to muscle injury, and inadequate repair appear to underlie the pathology. Considerable attention has been dedicated to studying muscle fiber damage, but data show that both human patients and animal models for DMD present with fragmented neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology. In addition to pre- and post-synaptic abnormalities, studies indicate increased susceptibility of the NMJ to contraction-induced injury, with corresponding functional changes in neuromuscular transmission and nerve-evoked electromyographic activity. Such findings suggest that alterations in the NMJ of dystrophic muscle may play a role in muscle weakness via impairment of neuromuscular transmission. Further work is needed to fully understand the role of the NMJ in the weakness, susceptibility to injury, and progressive wasting associated with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Lovering
- Departments of Orthopaedics and Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Shama R Iyer
- Departments of Orthopaedics and Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Gorzi A, Jamshidi F, Rahmani A, Krause Neto W. Muscle gene expression of CGRP-α, CGRP receptor, nAchR-β, and GDNF in response to different endurance training protocols of Wistar rats. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5305-5314. [PMID: 32621116 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05610-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction underwent adaptations to meet the demands of muscles following increased muscle activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), endurance training (END), and mixed interval training (MIX) on the gene expression of the calcitonin gene-related peptide-α (CGRP-α), CGRP receptor, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchR)-β and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) among different muscle types. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control (n = 8), END (n = 8), HIIT (n = 8), and MIX (n = 8). The animals run each training protocol for 8 weeks (five sessions/week). Forty-eight hours after the last training session, the muscles gastrocnemius and soleus were excised under the sterilized situation. After collection, the material was prepared for RNA extraction, Reverse Transcriptase reaction, and qPCR assay. The HIIT training up-regulated the CGRP-α (p < 0.01), CGRP-Rec (p < 0.01), and GDNF (p < 0.01) in soleus as well as the nAchR-β (p < 0.01) and GDNF (p < 0.01) in gastrocnemius muscles. END training down-regulated the gene expression of CGRP-α (p < 0.01), and nAchR-β (p < 0.01) in gastrocnemius but up-regulated nAchR-β (p = 0.037) in soleus and GDNF (p < 0.01) in gastrocnemius muscles. MIX training did not show any significant up or down-regulation. The endurance performance of HIIT and MIX groups was higher than the END group (p < 0.01). All studied genes up-regulated by HIIT training in a muscle type-specific manner. It seems that the improvement of some synaptic indices induced by HIIT resulted in the improvement of endurance performance.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/genetics
- Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/metabolism
- Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics
- Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism
- Male
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal/methods
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Nicotinic/genetics
- Receptors, Nicotinic/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Gorzi
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Zanjan, P.O. Box: 45371-38791, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Firooz Jamshidi
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Zanjan, P.O. Box: 45371-38791, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Rahmani
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Zanjan, P.O. Box: 45371-38791, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Walter Krause Neto
- Department of Physical Education, Laboratory of Morphoquantitative Studies and Immunohistochemistry, Universidade São Judas Tadeu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Effects of low-dose milk protein supplementation following low-to-moderate intensity exercise training on muscle mass in healthy older adults: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Nutr 2020; 60:917-928. [PMID: 32524231 PMCID: PMC7900046 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-020-02302-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine whether long-term ingestion of low-dose milk protein supplementation causes a greater increase in muscle mass and strength of older adults during low-to-moderate intensity exercise training intervention than isocaloric carbohydrate. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled design, 122 healthy older adults (60-84 year) received either an acidified milk protein drink containing 10 g of milk protein (MILK; n = 61) or an isocaloric placebo drink (PLA; n = 61) daily throughout 6 months of body weight and medicine ball exercise training. Measurements before and after the intervention included body composition, physical performance and blood biochemistry. RESULTS Lean body mass significantly increased in the MILK group (+ 0.54 kg, p < 0.001), but did not change in the PLA group (- 0.10 kg, p = 0.534). The increases in the MILK group were significantly greater than in the PLA group (p = 0.004). Fat mass (- 0.77 kg) and plasma uric acid levels (- 0.3 mg/dL) significantly decreased only in the MILK group (p < 0.001), with a significant group difference (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Most of the physical performance tests significantly improved in both groups, but no group differences were found. CONCLUSION We conclude that low-dose milk protein supplementation (10 g of protein/day) combined with low-to-moderate intensity exercise training is associated with increased muscle mass, but not improved physical performance compared to carbohydrate combined with exercise in healthy older adults. This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000032189).
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Narici M, Vito GD, Franchi M, Paoli A, Moro T, Marcolin G, Grassi B, Baldassarre G, Zuccarelli L, Biolo G, di Girolamo FG, Fiotti N, Dela F, Greenhaff P, Maganaris C. Impact of sedentarism due to the COVID-19 home confinement on neuromuscular, cardiovascular and metabolic health: Physiological and pathophysiological implications and recommendations for physical and nutritional countermeasures. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:614-635. [PMID: 32394816 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1761076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented health crisis as entire populations have been asked to self-isolate and live in home-confinement for several weeks to months, which in itself represents a physiological challenge with significant health risks. This paper describes the impact of sedentarism on the human body at the level of the muscular, cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine and nervous systems and is based on evidence from several models of inactivity, including bed rest, unilateral limb suspension, and step-reduction. Data form these studies show that muscle wasting occurs rapidly, being detectable within two days of inactivity. This loss of muscle mass is associated with fibre denervation, neuromuscular junction damage and upregulation of protein breakdown, but is mostly explained by the suppression of muscle protein synthesis. Inactivity also affects glucose homeostasis as just few days of step reduction or bed rest, reduce insulin sensitivity, principally in muscle. Additionally, aerobic capacity is impaired at all levels of the O2 cascade, from the cardiovascular system, including peripheral circulation, to skeletal muscle oxidative function. Positive energy balance during physical inactivity is associated with fat deposition, associated with systemic inflammation and activation of antioxidant defences, exacerbating muscle loss. Importantly, these deleterious effects of inactivity can be diminished by routine exercise practice, but the exercise dose-response relationship is currently unknown. Nevertheless, low to medium-intensity high volume resistive exercise, easily implementable in home-settings, will have positive effects, particularly if combined with a 15-25% reduction in daily energy intake. This combined regimen seems ideal for preserving neuromuscular, metabolic and cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CIR-MYO Myology Center, Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Vito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CIR-MYO Myology Center, Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Martino Franchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Paoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Tatiana Moro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marcolin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Bruno Grassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianni Biolo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Fiotti
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Flemming Dela
- Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Geriatrics, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul Greenhaff
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research Versus Arthritis, National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Life Sciences, The Medical School, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Kravtsova VV, Bouzinova EV, Chibalin AV, Matchkov VV, Krivoi II. Isoform-specific Na,K-ATPase and membrane cholesterol remodeling in motor endplates in distinct mouse models of myodystrophy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1030-C1041. [PMID: 32293933 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00453.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Na,K-ATPase is a membrane transporter that is critically important for skeletal muscle function. Mdx and Bla/J mice are the experimental models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and dysferlinopathy that are known to differ in the molecular mechanism of the pathology. This study examines the function of α1- and α2-Na,K-ATPase isozymes in respiratory diaphragm and postural soleus muscles from mdx and Bla/J mice compared with control С57Bl/6 mice. In diaphragm muscles, the motor endplate structure was severely disturbed (manifested by defragmentation) in mdx mice only. The endplate membrane of both Bla/J and mdx mice was depolarized due to specific loss of the α2-Na,K-ATPase electrogenic activity and its decreased membrane abundance. Total FXYD1 subunit (modulates Na,K-ATPase activity) abundance was decreased in both mouse models. However, the α2-Na,K-ATPase protein content as well as mRNA expression were specifically and significantly reduced only in mdx mice. The endplate membrane cholesterol redistribution was most pronounced in mdx mice. Soleus muscles from Bla/J and mdx mice demonstrated reduction of the α2-Na,K-ATPase membrane abundance and mRNA expression similar to the diaphragm muscles. In contrast to diaphragm, the α2-Na,K-ATPase protein content was altered in both Bla/J and mdx mice; membrane cholesterol re-distribution was not observed. Thus, the α2-Na,K-ATPase is altered in both Bla/J and mdx mouse models of chronic muscle pathology. However, despite some similarities, the α2-Na,K-ATPase and cholesterol abnormalities are more pronounced in mdx mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta V Kravtsova
- Department of General Physiology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Igor I Krivoi
- Department of General Physiology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Key Components of Human Myofibre Denervation and Neuromuscular Junction Stability are Modulated by Age and Exercise. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040893. [PMID: 32268508 PMCID: PMC7226801 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline in muscle mass and function with age is partly caused by a loss of muscle fibres through denervation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of exercise to influence molecular targets involved in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) stability in healthy elderly individuals. Participants from two studies (one group of 12 young and 12 elderly females and another group of 25 elderly males) performed a unilateral bout of resistance exercise. Muscle biopsies were collected at 4.5 h and up to 7 days post exercise for tissue analysis and cell culture. Molecular targets related to denervation and NMJ stability were analysed by immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition to a greater presence of denervated fibres, the muscle samples and cultured myotubes from the elderly individuals displayed altered gene expression levels of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunits. A single bout of exercise induced general changes in AChR subunit gene expression within the biopsy sampling timeframe, suggesting a sustained plasticity of the NMJ in elderly individuals. These data support the role of exercise in maintaining NMJ stability, even in elderly inactive individuals. Furthermore, the cell culture findings suggest that the transcriptional capacity of satellite cells for AChR subunit genes is negatively affected by ageing.
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50
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Saeidikhoo S, Ezi S, Khatmi A, Aghajanpour F, Soltani R, Abdollahifar MA, Jahanian A, Aliaghaei A. Effect of Sertoli Cell Transplantation on Reducing Neuroinflammation-Induced Necroptosis and Improving Motor Coordination in the Rat Model of Cerebellar Ataxia Induced by 3-Acetylpyridine. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:1153-1163. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01522-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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