Protein carbonylation in skeletal muscles: impact on function

Post-Myocardial Infarction Rehabilitation: The Absence in the Rehabilitation Process of the Diaphragm Muscle

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. There can be many reasons that cause MI, such as a sedentary lifestyle, a disordered diet, harmful habits such as smoking and alcoholism, concomitant congenital or acquired systemic pathologies. Patients who survive the acute event suffer a functional alteration of multiple body systems. The various cardiology associations recommend starting a rehabilitation process, pursuing the main objective of improving the patient's health status. A negative consequence that can be linked to MI is the dysfunction of the main breathing muscle, the diaphragm. The diaphragm is essential not only for respiratory mechanisms but also for adequate production of cardiac pressures. Post-MI patients present a reduction in the performance of the diaphragm muscle, and this condition can become a risk factor for further relapses or for the onset of heart failure. The article reviews the rehabilitation path for post-MI patients, to highlight the absence given to the diaphragm in the recovery of the patient's health status. The text reviews the post-MI diaphragmatic adaptation to highlight the importance of including targeted training for the diaphragm muscle in the rehabilitation process.

The Impact of Vitamin D and L-Cysteine Co-Supplementation on Upregulating Glutathione and Vitamin D-Metabolizing Genes and in the Treatment of Circulating 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D receptors are expressed in many organs and tissues, which suggests that vitamin D (VD) affects physiological functions beyond its role in maintaining bone health. Deficiency or inadequacy of 25(OH)VD is widespread globally. Population studies demonstrate that a positive association exists between a high incidence of VD deficiency and a high incidence of chronic diseases, including dementia, diabetes, and heart disease. However, many subjects have difficulty achieving the required circulating levels of 25(OH)VD even after high-dose VD supplementation, and randomized controlled clinical trials have reported limited therapeutic success post-VD supplementation. Thus, there is a discordance between the benefits of VD supplementation and the prevention of chronic diseases in those with VD deficiency. Why this dissociation exists is currently under debate and is of significant public interest. This review discusses the downregulation of VD-metabolizing genes needed to convert consumed VD into 25(OH)VD to enable its metabolic action exhibited by subjects with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and other chronic diseases. Research findings indicate a positive correlation between the levels of 25(OH)VD and glutathione (GSH) in both healthy and diabetic individuals. Cell culture and animal experiments reveal a novel mechanism through which the status of GSH can positively impact the expression of VD metabolism genes. This review highlights that for better success, VD deficiency needs to be corrected at multiple levels: (i) VD supplements and/or VD-rich foods need to be consumed to provide adequate VD, and (ii) the body needs to be able to upregulate VD-metabolizing genes to convert VD into 25(OH)VD and then to 1,25(OH)2VD to enhance its metabolic action. This review outlines the association between 25(OH)VD deficiency/inadequacy and decreased GSH levels, highlighting the positive impact of combined VD+LC supplementation on upregulating GSH, VD-metabolizing genes, and VDR. These effects have the potential to enhance 25(OH)VD levels and its therapeutic efficacy.

Evaluation of skeletal muscle function in male rats with doxorubicin-induced myopathy following various exercise techniques: the significant role of glucose transporter 4

A common anthracycline antibiotic used to treat cancer patients is doxorubicin (DOX). One of the effects of DOX therapy is skeletal muscle fatigue. Our goal in this research was to study the beneficial effect of exercise on DOX-induced damaged muscle fibers and compare the effect of different exercise strategies (prophylactic, post- toxicity and combined) on DOX toxicity. Five groups were created from 40 male rats: group I, control group; group II, DOX was administered intraperitoneally for 2 weeks over 6 equal injections (each 2.5 mg/kg); group III, rats trained for 3 weeks before DOX; group IV, rats trained for 8 weeks after DOX; and group V, rats were trained for 3 weeks before DOX followed by 8 weeks after. Measures of oxidative damage (H2O2, catalase), inflammation (TNF-α), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression on skeletal muscle were assessed. Also, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was estimated. Skeletal performance was evaluated by contraction time (CT), half relaxation time (1/2 RT), and force-frequency relationship by the end of this research. The current study demonstrated a detrimental effect of DOX on skeletal performance as evidenced by a significant increase in CT and 1/2 RT compared to control; in addition, H2O2, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR were significantly increased with a significant decrease in GLUT4 expression and catalase activity. Combined exercise therapy showed a remarkable improvement in skeletal muscle performance, compared to DOX, CT, and 1/2 RT which were significantly decreased; H2O2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased unlike catalase antioxidant activity that significantly increased; in addition, skeletal muscle glucose metabolism was significantly improved as GLUT4 expression significantly increased and HOMA-IR was significantly decreased. Exercise therapy showed significant improvement in all measured parameters relative to DOX. However, combined exercise therapy showed the best improvement relative to both pre-exercise and post-exercise groups.

Mitochondria and Reactive Oxygen Species: The Therapeutic Balance of Powers for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic progressive muscle-wasting disorder that leads to rapid loss of mobility and premature death. The absence of functional dystrophin in DMD patients reduces sarcolemma stiffness and increases contraction damage, triggering a cascade of events leading to muscle cell degeneration, chronic inflammation, and deposition of fibrotic and adipose tissue. Efforts in the last decade have led to the clinical approval of novel drugs for DMD that aim to restore dystrophin function. However, combination therapies able to restore dystrophin expression and target the myriad of cellular events found impaired in dystrophic muscle are desirable. Muscles are higher energy consumers susceptible to mitochondrial defects. Mitochondria generate a significant source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and they are, in turn, sensitive to proper redox balance. In both DMD patients and animal models there is compelling evidence that mitochondrial impairments have a key role in the failure of energy homeostasis. Here, we highlighted the main aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in DMD and discussed the recent findings linked to mitochondria/ROS-targeted molecules as a therapeutic approach. In this respect, dual targeting of both mitochondria and redox homeostasis emerges as a potential clinical option in DMD.

Main Pathogenic Mechanisms and Recent Advances in COPD Peripheral Skeletal Muscle Wasting

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide prevalent respiratory disease mainly caused by tobacco smoke exposure. COPD is now considered as a systemic disease with several comorbidities. Among them, skeletal muscle dysfunction affects around 20% of COPD patients and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Although the histological alterations are well characterized, including myofiber atrophy, a decreased proportion of slow-twitch myofibers, and a decreased capillarization and oxidative phosphorylation capacity, the molecular basis for muscle atrophy is complex and remains partly unknown. Major difficulties lie in patient heterogeneity, accessing patients' samples, and complex multifactorial process including extrinsic mechanisms, such as tobacco smoke or disuse, and intrinsic mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, hypoxia, or systemic inflammation. Muscle wasting is also a highly dynamic process whose investigation is hampered by the differential protein regulation according to the stage of atrophy. In this review, we report and discuss recent data regarding the molecular alterations in COPD leading to impaired muscle mass, including inflammation, hypoxia and hypercapnia, mitochondrial dysfunction, diverse metabolic changes such as oxidative and nitrosative stress and genetic and epigenetic modifications, all leading to an impaired anabolic/catabolic balance in the myocyte. We recapitulate data concerning skeletal muscle dysfunction obtained in the different rodent models of COPD. Finally, we propose several pathways that should be investigated in COPD skeletal muscle dysfunction in the future.

Melatonin decreases plasma TNF-α and improves nonenzymatic antioxidant defence and insulin sensitivity in rats with apical periodontitis fed a high-fat diet

AIM

To analyse the effects of melatonin (ME) treatment on oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) in rats with apical periodontitis (AP) fed a high-fat diet (HFD).

METHODOLOGY

Eighty 60-day-old rats were divided into eight groups: control (CN), AP, HFD with AP (HFDAP), control with ME (CNME), AP with ME (APME), HFD with ME (HFDME) and HFD with AP+ME (HFDAPME). The animals from the HFD groups were fed a HFD throughout the experimental period. On day 7, the animals from the AP groups were subjected to experimental AP, and after 70 days, the ME groups were treated for 30 days. Glycaemia, insulinaemia, homeostatic model assessment for IR index, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 were analysed in plasma using biochemical tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl protein (CP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) were analysed in the gastrocnemius muscle.

RESULTS

(1) Association of AP and HDF exacerbated IR, and ME treatment improved this alteration; (2) AP and HFD and their association showed increased TNF-α, and ME reversed it; (3) TBARS increased in the AP and HFDAP groups, and ME reversed only in the group with the association of disease and diet; (4) CP increased in all HFD groups and improved in the ME groups; (5) GSH activity decreased in all experimental groups, and ME increased this parameter only in the CN and AP groups; (6) FRAP did not change between the groups, but ME treatment increased its activity in the AP and HFD groups; (7) ME increased SOD in the CN and AP groups.

CONCLUSION

Apical periodontitis and HFD promoted IR, and the association of AP with diet promoted IR exacerbation; this resistance might have been caused by an increase in TNF-α. AP promoted more intense changes in lipid oxidative damage than in protein oxidative damage. In non-enzymatic antioxidant defence, it was observed that both AP and HFD and their association promoted a decrease in GSH levels. Overall, ME treatment reversed changes such as oxidative stress and IR.

Effect of starvation and refeeding on reactive oxygen species, autophagy and oxidative stress in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) muscle growth

In skeletal muscle, autophagy regulates the development and growth of muscle fibres and maintains the normal muscle metabolism. Under starvation and refeeding conditions, the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels on skeletal muscle autophagy is still unclear, although the excessive accumulation of ROS has been shown to increase autophagy in cells. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of starvation and diet after starvation on the autophagy of adult Chinese perch muscle, and to determine the level of ROS in the muscle. We performed zero (Normal control), three and seven starvation treatments on adult Chinese perch, and returned to normal feeding for 3 days after starvation for 7 days. In the muscles of the adult Chinese perch muscle after 3 days of starvation, the autophagy marker protein LC3 and the number of autophagosomes remained basically the same as in the normal feeding situation. However, on starvation for 7 days, the mitochondrial autophagy was sensitive and the number of autophagosomes increased, but the antioxidant-related molecules (malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione and anti-superoxide anion) decreased and the accumulation of ROS was obvious. In addition, the extended starvation time also increased the level of LC3 protein. However, by refeeding after starvation this nutritional stress resulted in a decrease in ROS levels and a partial restoration of antioxidant enzyme activity. Our data show that in the adult Chinese perch muscle, starvation could reduce the antioxidant activity through the accumulation of ROS, and that the number of autophagosomes continues to increase. Refeeding after starvation could effectively compensate for the level of ROS, and restore the mRNA abundance of antioxidant genes and the activity of antioxidant enzymes to reduce autophagy and improve feed efficiency. Further research should optimize starvation conditions to reduce autophagy in muscles and maintain normal muscle metabolism.

A higher mitochondrial content is associated with greater oxidative damage, oxidative defenses, protein synthesis and ATP turnover in resting skeletal muscle

An unavoidable consequence of aerobic metabolism is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria have historically been considered the primary source of ROS; however, recent literature has highlighted the uncertainty in primary ROS production sites and it is unclear how variation in mitochondrial density influences ROS-induced damage and protein turnover. Fish skeletal muscle is composed of distinct, highly aerobic red muscle and anaerobic white muscle, offering an excellent model system in which to evaluate the relationship of tissue aerobic capacity and ROS-induced damage under baseline conditions. The present study used a suite of indices to better understand potential consequences of aerobic tissue capacity in red and white muscle of the pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides. Red muscle had a 7-fold greater mitochondrial volume density than white muscle, and more oxidative damage despite also having higher activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. The dominant protein degradation system appears to be tissue dependent. Lysosomal degradation markers and autophagosome volume density were greater in white muscle, while ubiquitin expression and 20S proteasome activity were significantly greater in red muscle. However, ubiquitin ligase expression was significantly higher in white muscle. Red muscle had a more than 2-fold greater rate of translation and total ATP turnover than white muscle, results that may be due in part to the higher mitochondrial density and the associated increase in oxidative damage. Together, these results support the concept that an elevated aerobic capacity is associated with greater oxidative damage and higher costs of protein turnover.

The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Infections Including COVID-19: Any Hopes?

Vitamin D is proposed to have a potential role in the pathogenicity, clinical presentation, prognosis, complications, and treatment of several diseases. In addition to its well-known role in calcium metabolism, vitamin D regulates both innate and adaptive immunity, and subsequently modulates the antiviral and antibacterial inflammatory immune responses. In view of the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, searching for potential therapeutic and protective strategies is of urgent interest, and vitamin D is one of the promising agents in this field. In this review, we present data from literature that supports the promising role of vitamin D in treatment and/or prevention of several infections including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This review summarizes vitamin D metabolism and its role in inflammation, thrombosis and immune regulation. It also reviews, in short, the role of vitamin D and the impact of its deficiency in several infections namely tuberculosis, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and SARS-CoV-2. Considering the roles of vitamin D on immune modulation, controlling of thrombosis, and attacking several microorganisms, the current review will elaborate on the association between these salient roles of vitamin D and the pathogenicity of various infectious agents including COVID-19. Consequently, the comprehensive finding of the current review shows a possible significant impact of vitamin D supplement as a hope in preventing, treating, and/or improving the progression of certain infections, specifically during the worldwide attempts to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize the severity of health complications encountered accordingly. In addition, avoiding a status of vitamin D deficiency to obtain its positive effects on the immune system and its protective mechanism during infections will be a general benefit overall.

Emerging role of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) was clinically exploited for decades, as most modern diuretics were obtained considering as lead molecule acetazolamide, the prototypical CA inhibitor (CAI). The discovery and characterization of multiple human CA (hCA) isoforms, 15 of which being known today, led to new applications of their inhibitors. They include widely clinically used antiglaucoma, antiepileptic and antiobesity agents, antitumor drugs in clinical development, as well as drugs for the management of acute mountain sickness and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Emerging roles of several CA isoforms in areas not generally connected to these enzymes were recently documented, such as in neuropathic pain, cerebral ischemia, rheumatoid arthritis, oxidative stress and Alzheimer's disease. Proof-of-concept studies thus emerged by using isoform-selective inhibitors, which may lead to new clinical applications in such areas. Relevant preclinical models are available for these pathologies due to the availability of isoform-selective CAIs for all human isoforms, belonging to novel classes of compounds, such as coumarins, sulfocoumarins, dithiocarbamates, benzoxaboroles, apart the classical sulfonamide inhibitors. The inhibition of CAs from pathogenic bacteria, fungi, protozoans or nematodes started recently to be considered for obtaining anti-infectives with a new mechanism of action.

Calpain activation mediates microgravity-induced myocardial abnormalities in mice via p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways

The human cardiovascular system has adapted to function optimally in Earth's 1G gravity, and microgravity conditions cause myocardial abnormalities, including atrophy and dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms linking microgravity and cardiac anomalies are incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated whether and how calpain activation promotes myocardial abnormalities under simulated microgravity conditions. Simulated microgravity was induced by tail suspension in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of Capns1, which disrupts activity and stability of calpain-1 and calpain-2, and their WT littermates. Tail suspension time-dependently reduced cardiomyocyte size, heart weight, and myocardial function in WT mice, and these changes were accompanied by calpain activation, NADPH oxidase activation, and oxidative stress in heart tissues. The effects of tail suspension were attenuated by deletion of Capns1 Notably, the protective effects of Capns1 deletion were associated with the prevention of phosphorylation of Ser-345 on p47 phox and attenuation of ERK1/2 and p38 activation in hearts of tail-suspended mice. Using a rotary cell culture system, we simulated microgravity in cultured neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes and observed decreased total protein/DNA ratio and induced calpain activation, phosphorylation of Ser-345 on p47 phox , and activation of ERK1/2 and p38, all of which were prevented by calpain inhibitor-III. Furthermore, inhibition of ERK1/2 or p38 attenuated phosphorylation of Ser-345 on p47 phox in cardiomyocytes under simulated microgravity. This study demonstrates for the first time that calpain promotes NADPH oxidase activation and myocardial abnormalities under microgravity by facilitating p47 phox phosphorylation via ERK1/2 and p38 pathways. Thus, calpain inhibition may be an effective therapeutic approach to reduce microgravity-induced myocardial abnormalities.

Oleuropein Aglycone Peracetylated (3,4-DHPEA-EA(P)) Attenuates H2O2-Mediated Cytotoxicity in C2C12 Myocytes via Inactivation of p-JNK/p-c-Jun Signaling Pathway

Oleuropein, a glycosylated secoiridoid present in olive leaves, is known to be an important antioxidant phenolic compound. We studied the antioxidant effect of low doses of oleuropein aglycone (3,4-DHPEA-EA) and oleuropein aglycone peracetylated (3,4-DHPEA-EA(P)) in murine C2C12 myocytes treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Both compounds were used at a concentration of 10 μM and were able to inhibit cell death induced by the H2O2 treatment, with 3,4-DHPEA-EA(P) being more. Under our experimental conditions, H2O2 efficiently induced the phosphorylated-active form of JNK and of its downstream target c-Jun. We demonstrated, by Western blot analysis, that 3,4-DHPEA-EA(P) was efficient in inhibiting the phospho-active form of JNK. This data suggests that the growth arrest and cell death of C2C12 proceeds via the JNK/c-Jun pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated that 3,4-DHPEA-EA(P) affects the myogenesis of C2C12 cells; because MyoD mRNA levels and the differentiation process are restored with 3,4-DHPEA-EA(P) after treatment. Overall, the results indicate that 3,4-DHPEA-EA(P) prevents ROS-mediated degenerative process by functioning as an efficient antioxidant.

Progress in the development of human carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and their pharmacological applications: Where are we today?

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are widely distributed metalloenzymes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They efficiently catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and H⁺  ions and play a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes. CAs are well-studied drug target for various disorders such as glaucoma, epilepsy, sleep apnea, and high altitude sickness. In the past decades, a large category of diverse families of CA inhibitors (CAIs) have been developed and many of them showed effective inhibition toward specific isoforms, and effectiveness in pathological conditions in preclinical and clinical settings. The discovery of isoform-selective CAIs in the last decade led to diminished side effects associated with off-target isoforms inhibition. The many new classes of such compounds will be discussed in the review, together with strategies for their development. Pharmacological advances of the newly emerged CAIs in diseases not usually associated with CA inhibition (neuropathic pain, arthritis, cerebral ischemia, and cancer) will also be discussed.

Type III intermediate filaments as targets and effectors of electrophiles and oxidants

Intermediate filaments (IFs) play key roles in cell mechanics, signaling and homeostasis. Their assembly and dynamics are finely regulated by posttranslational modifications. The type III IFs, vimentin, desmin, peripherin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), are targets for diverse modifications by oxidants and electrophiles, for which their conserved cysteine residue emerges as a hot spot. Pathophysiological examples of these modifications include lipoxidation in cell senescence and rheumatoid arthritis, disulfide formation in cataracts and nitrosation in endothelial shear stress, although some oxidative modifications can also be detected under basal conditions. We previously proposed that cysteine residues of vimentin and GFAP act as sensors for oxidative and electrophilic stress, and as hinges influencing filament assembly. Accumulating evidence indicates that the structurally diverse cysteine modifications, either per se or in combination with other posttranslational modifications, elicit specific functional outcomes inducing distinct assemblies or network rearrangements, including filament stabilization, bundling or fragmentation. Cysteine-deficient mutants are protected from these alterations but show compromised cellular performance in network assembly and expansion, organelle positioning and aggresome formation, revealing the importance of this residue. Therefore, the high susceptibility to modification of the conserved cysteine of type III IFs and its cornerstone position in filament architecture sustains their role in redox sensing and integration of cellular responses. This has deep pathophysiological implications and supports the potential of this residue as a drug target.

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Type III intermediate filaments can be modified by many oxidants and electrophiles.

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Oxidative modifications of type III IFs occur in normal and pathological conditions.

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The conserved cysteine residue acts as a hub for redox/electrophilic modifications.

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Cysteine modifications elicit structure-dependent type III IF rearrangements.

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Type III intermediate filaments act as sensors for oxidative and electrophilic stress.

Cellular Senescence: The Trojan Horse in Chronic Lung Diseases

Senescence is a cell fate decision characterized by irreversible arrest of proliferation accompanied by a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Traditionally, cellular senescence has been recognized as a beneficial physiological mechanism during development and wound healing and in tumor suppression. However, in recent years, evidence of negative consequences of cellular senescence has emerged, illuminating its role in several chronic pathologies. In this context, senescent cells persist or accumulate and have detrimental consequences. In this review, we discuss the possibility that in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, persistent senescence impairs wound healing in the lung caused by secretion of proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors and exhaustion of progenitor cells. In contrast, in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic senescence in alveolar epithelial cells exacerbates the accumulation of senescent fibroblasts together with production of extracellular matrix. We review how cellular senescence may contribute to lung disease pathology.

Redox Proteomes in Human Physiology and Disease Mechanisms

Redox proteomics is a field of proteomics that is concerned with the characterization of the oxidation state of proteins to gain information about their modulated structure, function, activity, and involvement in different physiological pathways. Oxidative modifications of proteins have been shown to be implicated in normal physiological processes of cells as well as in pathomechanisms leading to the development of cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and some rare hereditary metabolic diseases, like classic galactosemia. Reactive oxygen species generate a variety of reversible and irreversible modifications in amino acid residue side chains and within the protein backbone. These oxidative post-translational modifications (Ox-PTMs) can participate in the activation of signal transduction pathways and mediate the toxicity of harmful oxidants. Thus the application of advanced redox proteomics technologies is important for gaining insights into molecular mechanisms of diseases. Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics is one of the most powerful methods that can be used to give detailed qualitative and quantitative information on protein modifications and allows us to characterize redox proteomes associated with diseases. This Review illustrates the role and biological consequences of Ox-PTMs under basal and oxidative stress conditions by focusing on protein carbonylation and S-glutathionylation, two abundant modifications with an impact on cellular pathways that have been intensively studied during the past decade.

Administration of losartan preserves cardiomyocyte size and prevents myocardial dysfunction in tail-suspended mice by inhibiting p47phox phosphorylation, NADPH oxidase activation and MuRF1 expression

Background

Spaceflight or microgravity conditions cause myocardial atrophy and dysfunction, contributing to post-flight orthostatic intolerance. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood and preventive approaches are limited. This study investigated whether and how losartan, a blocker of angiotensin-II receptor, preserved cardiomyocyte size and prevented myocardial dysfunction during microgravity.

Method

Adult male mice were suspended with their tails to simulate microgravity. Echocardiography was performed to assess myocardial function. Heart weight and cardiomyocyte size were measured. NADPH oxidase activation was determined by analyzing membrane translocation of its cytosolic subunits including p47^phox, p67^phox and Rac1. Heart tissues were also assayed for oxidative stress, p47^phox phosphorylation (Ser345), MuRF1 protein levels and angiotensin-II production.

Results

Tail-suspension for 28 days increased angiotensin-II production in hearts, decreased cardiomyocyte size and heart weight, and induced myocardial dysfunction. Administration of losartan preserved cardiomyocyte size and heart weight, and prevented myocardial dysfunction in tail-suspended mice. These cardioprotective effects of losartan were associated with inhibition of p47^phox phosphorylation (Ser345), NADPH oxidase and oxidative stress in tail-suspended mouse hearts. Additionally, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin, also reduced oxidative stress, preserved cardiomyocyte size and heart weight, and improved myocardial function in tail-suspended mice. Furthermore, losartan but not apocynin attenuated tail-suspension-induced up-regulation of MuRF1 protein in mouse hearts.

Conclusions

Administration of losartan preserves cardiomyocyte size and prevents myocardial dysfunction under microgravity by blocking p47^phox phosphorylation and NADPH oxidase activation, and by inhibiting MuRF1 expression. Thus, losartan may be a useful drug to prevent microgravity-induced myocardial abnormalities.

Mitochondria as a Target for Mitigating Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function that is characteristic of aging. The progression of sarcopenia is gradual but may be accelerated by periods of muscle loss during physical inactivity secondary to illness or injury. The loss of mobility and independence and increased comorbidities associated with sarcopenia represent a major healthcare challenge for older adults. Mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired proteostatic mechanisms are important contributors to the complex etiology of sarcopenia. As such, interventions that target improving mitochondrial function and proteostatic maintenance could mitigate or treat sarcopenia. Exercise is currently the only effective option to treat sarcopenia and does so, in part, by improving mitochondrial energetics and protein turnover. Exercise interventions also serve as a discovery tool to identify molecular targets for development of alternative therapies to treat sarcopenia. In summary, we review the evidence linking mitochondria and proteostatic maintenance to sarcopenia and discuss the therapeutic potential of interventions addressing these two factors to mitigate sarcopenia.

Glutathione Stimulates Vitamin D Regulatory and Glucose-Metabolism Genes, Lowers Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Levels in Blood: A Novel Approach to Treat 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency

AIMS

25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)VD] deficiency/inadequacy is a major public health issue affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. A convincing association exists between low levels of circulating 25(OH)VD and the poor health outcomes associated with chronic diseases. However, high supraphysiological doses of VD are needed to achieve the required 25(OH)VD levels in the blood, because many subjects respond poorly to supplementation.

RESULTS

This study reports a link between 25(OH)VD deficiency and a reduction in glutathione (GSH) in obese adolescents. The improvement in GSH status that results from cosupplementation with VD and l-cysteine (LC; a GSH precursor) significantly reduced oxidative stress in a mouse model of 25(OH)VD deficiency. It also positively upregulated VD regulatory genes (VDBP/VD-25-hydroxylase/VDR) in the liver and glucose metabolism genes (PGC-1α/VDR/GLUT-4) in muscle, boosted 25(OH)VD, and reduced inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) levels in the blood compared with supplementation with VD alone. In vitro GSH deficiency caused increased oxidative stress and downregulation of VDBP/VD-25-hydroxylase/VDR and upregulation of CYP24a1 in hepatocytes and downregulation of PGC-1α/VDR/GLUT-4 in myotubes. This study demonstrates that improvement in the GSH status exerts beneficial effects on the blood levels of 25(OH)VD, as well as on the inflammation and IR in a VD-deficient mouse model. Thus, the VD supplements widely consumed by the public are unlikely to be successful unless the GSH status is also corrected.

INNOVATION

These studies demonstrate a previously undiscovered mechanism by which GSH status positively upregulates the bioavailability of 25(OH)VD.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with a combination of VD and LC or GSH precursor, rather than supplementation with VD alone, is beneficial and helps achieve more successful VD supplementation. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Role of defective Ca2+ signaling in skeletal muscle weakness: Pharmacological implications

The misbehaving attitude of Ca²⁺ signaling pathways could be the probable reason in many muscular disorders such as myopathies, systemic disorders like hypoxia, sepsis, cachexia, sarcopenia, heart failure, and dystrophy. The present review throws light upon the calcium flux regulating signaling channels like ryanodine receptor complex (RyR1), SERCA (Sarco-endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase), DHPR (Dihydropyridine Receptor) or Cav1.1 and Na+/Ca²⁺ exchange pump in detail and how remodelling of these channels contribute towards disturbed calcium homeostasis. Understanding these pathways will further provide an insight for establishing new therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy under stress conditions, targeting calcium ion channels and associated regulatory proteins.

Insulin treatment reverses the increase in atrogin-1 expression in atrophied skeletal muscles of diabetic rats with acute joint inflammation

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in biomarkers of skeletal muscle proteolysis (atrogin-1, muscle RING finger-1 protein [MuRF-1]) and inflammation (nuclear factor kappa-B) in skeletal muscles of rats under two catabolic conditions, diabetes mellitus (DM) and acute joint inflammation, and the effects of insulin therapy.

Materials and methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into groups without diabetes – normal (N), saline (NS), or ι-carrageenan (NCa) injection into the tibiotarsal joint – and groups with diabetes – diabetes (D), plus insulin (DI), saline (DS), or ι-carrageenan (DCa) injection into the tibiotarsal joint, or ι-carrageenan injection and treatment with insulin (DCaI). Three days after ι-carrageenan injection (17 days after diabetes induction), tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SO) skeletal muscles were used for analysis.

Results

DM alone caused a significant decrease in the mass of TA and SO muscles, even with low levels of atrogenes (atrogin-1, MuRF-1), which could be interpreted as an adaptive mechanism to spare muscle proteins under this catabolic condition. The loss of muscle mass was exacerbated when ι-carrageenan was administered in the joints of diabetic rats, in association with increased expression of atrogin-1, MuRF-1, and nuclear factor kappa-B. Treatment with insulin prevented the increase in atrogin-1 (TA, SO) and the loss of muscle mass (SO) in diabetic-carrageenan rats; in comparison with TA, SO muscle was more responsive to the anabolic actions of insulin.

Conclusion

Acute joint inflammation overcame the adaptive mechanism in diabetic rats to prevent excessive loss of muscle mass, worsening the catabolic state. The treatment of diabetic-carrageenan rats with insulin prevented the loss of skeletal muscle mass mainly via atrogin-1 inhibition. Under the condition of DM and inflammation, muscles with the prevalence of slow-twitch, type 1 fibers were more responsive to insulin treatment, recovering the ability to grow.

Adipose triglyceride lipase decrement affects skeletal muscle homeostasis during aging through FAs-PPARα-PGC-1α antioxidant response

During aging skeletal muscle shows an accumulation of oxidative damage as well as intramyocellular lipid droplets (IMLDs). However, although the impact of these modifications on muscle tissue physiology is well established, the direct effectors critical for their occurrence are poorly understood. Here we show that during aging the main lipase of triacylglycerols, ATGL, significantly declines in gastrocnemius and its downregulation in C2C12 myoblast leads to the accumulation of lipid droplets. Indeed, we observed an increase of oxidative damage to proteins in terms of carbonylation, S-nitrosylation and ubiquitination that is dependent on a defective antioxidant cell response mediated by ATGL-PPARα-PGC-1α. Overall our findings describe a pivotal role for ATGL in the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory response of muscle cells highlighting this lipase as a therapeutic target for fighting the progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength.

Targeting mitochondrial function and proteostasis to mitigate dynapenia

Traditionally, interventions to treat skeletal muscle aging have largely targeted sarcopenia-the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass. Dynapenia refers to the age-related loss in skeletal muscle function due to factors outside of muscle mass, which helps to inform treatment strategies for aging skeletal muscle. There is evidence that mechanisms to maintain protein homeostasis and proteostasis, deteriorate with age. One key mechanism to maintain proteostasis is protein turnover, which is an energetically costly process. When there is a mismatch between cellular energy demands and energy provision, inelastic processes related to metabolism are maintained, but there is competition for the remaining energy between the elastic processes of somatic maintenance and growth. With aging, mitochondrial dysfunction reduces ATP generation capacity, constraining the instantaneous supply of energy, thus compromising growth and somatic maintenance processes. Further, with age the need for somatic maintenance increases because of the accumulation of protein damage. In this review, we highlight the significant role mitochondria have in maintaining skeletal muscle proteostasis through increased energy provision, protein turnover, and substrate flux. In addition, we provide evidence that improving mitochondrial function could promote a cellular environment that is conducive to somatic maintenance, and consequently for mitigating dynapenia. Finally, we highlight interventions, such as aerobic exercise, that could be used to improve mitochondrial function and improve outcomes related to dynapenia.

Redox Control of Skeletal Muscle Regeneration

Skeletal muscle shows high plasticity in response to external demand. Moreover, adult skeletal muscle is capable of complete regeneration after injury, due to the properties of muscle stem cells (MuSCs), the satellite cells, which follow a tightly regulated myogenic program to generate both new myofibers and new MuSCs for further needs. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have long been associated with skeletal muscle physiology, their implication in the cell and molecular processes at work during muscle regeneration is more recent. This review focuses on redox regulation during skeletal muscle regeneration. An overview of the basics of ROS/RNS and antioxidant chemistry and biology occurring in skeletal muscle is first provided. Then, the comprehensive knowledge on redox regulation of MuSCs and their surrounding cell partners (macrophages, endothelial cells) during skeletal muscle regeneration is presented in normal muscle and in specific physiological (exercise-induced muscle damage, aging) and pathological (muscular dystrophies) contexts. Recent advances in the comprehension of these processes has led to the development of therapeutic assays using antioxidant supplementation, which result in inconsistent efficiency, underlying the need for new tools that are aimed at precisely deciphering and targeting ROS networks. This review should provide an overall insight of the redox regulation of skeletal muscle regeneration while highlighting the limits of the use of nonspecific antioxidants to improve muscle function. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 276-310.

Oxidative protein modification alters proteostasis under acute hypobaric hypoxia in skeletal muscles: a comprehensive in vivo study

While numerous maladies are associated with hypobaric hypoxia, muscle protein loss is an important under studied topic. Hence, the present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of muscle protein loss at HH. SD rats were divided into normoxic rats, while remaining rats were exposed to simulated hypoxia equivalent to 282-torr pressure (equal to an altitude of 7620 m, 8% oxygen), at 25 °C for 6, 12, and 24 h. Post-exposure rats were sacrificed and analysis was performed. Ergo, muscle loss-related changes were observed at 12 and 24 h post-HH exposure. An increased reactive oxygen species production and decreased thiol content was observed in HH-exposed rats. This disturbance caused substantial protein oxidative modification in the form of protein carbonyl content and advanced oxidation protein products. The analysis showed increase levels of bityrosine, oxidized tryptophan, lysine conjugate, lysine conjugate with MDA, protein hydroperoxide, and protein-MDA product. These changes were also in agreement with increase in lipid hydroperoxides and MDA content. HSP-70 and HSP-60 were upregulated significantly, and this finding is corroborated with increase in ER stress biomarker, GRP-78. Overloading of cells with misfolded proteins further activated degradative machinery. Consequently, pro-apoptotic signaling cascade, caspase-3, and C/EBP homologous protein were also activated in 24-h HH exposure. Release of tryptophan and tyrosine was also increased with 24-h HH exposure, indicated protein degradation. Elevation in resting intracellular calcium ion, [Ca2+]i, was also observed at 12- and 24-h HH exposure. The present study provides a detailed mechanistic representation of muscle protein loss during HH exposure.

In situ visualization of carbonylation and its co-localization with proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA in Caenorhabditis elegans

All key biological macromolecules are susceptible to carbonylation - an irreparable oxidative damage with deleterious biological consequences. Carbonyls in proteins, lipids and DNA from cell extracts have been used as a biomarker of oxidative stress and aging, but formation of insoluble aggregates by carbonylated proteins precludes quantification. Since carbonylated proteins correlate with and become a suspected cause of morbidity and mortality in some organisms, there is a need for their accurate quantification and localization. Using appropriate fluorescent probes, we have developed an in situ detection of total proteins, DNA, RNA, lipids and carbonyl groups at the level of the whole organism. In C. elegans, we found that after UV irradiation carbonylation co-localizes mainly with proteins and, to a lesser degree, with DNA, RNA and lipids. The method efficiency was illustrated by carbonylation induction assessment over 5 different UV doses. The procedure enables the monitoring of carbonylation in the nematode C. elegans during stress, aging and disease along its life cycle including the egg stage.

Hyperammonaemia-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction results in cataplerosis and oxidative stress

KEY POINTS

Hyperammonaemia occurs in hepatic, cardiac and pulmonary diseases with increased muscle concentration of ammonia. We found that ammonia results in reduced skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration, electron transport chain complex I dysfunction, as well as lower NAD⁺ /NADH ratio and ATP content. During hyperammonaemia, leak of electrons from complex III results in oxidative modification of proteins and lipids. Tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates are decreased during hyperammonaemia, and providing a cell-permeable ester of αKG reversed the lower TCA cycle intermediate concentrations and increased ATP content. Our observations have high clinical relevance given the potential for novel approaches to reverse skeletal muscle ammonia toxicity by targeting the TCA cycle intermediates and mitochondrial ROS.

ABSTRACT

Ammonia is a cytotoxic metabolite that is removed primarily by hepatic ureagenesis in humans. Hyperammonaemia occurs in advanced hepatic, cardiac and pulmonary disease, and in urea cycle enzyme deficiencies. Increased skeletal muscle ammonia uptake and metabolism are the major mechanism of non-hepatic ammonia disposal. Non-hepatic ammonia disposal occurs in the mitochondria via glutamate synthesis from α-ketoglutarate resulting in cataplerosis. We show skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction during hyperammonaemia in a comprehensive array of human, rodent and cellular models. ATP synthesis, oxygen consumption, generation of reactive oxygen species with oxidative stress, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates were quantified. ATP content was lower in the skeletal muscle from cirrhotic patients, hyperammonaemic portacaval anastomosis rat, and C2C12 myotubes compared to appropriate controls. Hyperammonaemia in C2C12 myotubes resulted in impaired intact cell respiration, reduced complex I/NADH oxidase activity and electron leak occurring at complex III of the electron transport chain. Consistently, lower NAD⁺ /NADH ratio was observed during hyperammonaemia with reduced TCA cycle intermediates compared to controls. Generation of reactive oxygen species resulted in increased content of skeletal muscle carbonylated proteins and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances during hyperammonaemia. A cell-permeable ester of α-ketoglutarate reversed the low TCA cycle intermediates and ATP content in myotubes during hyperammonaemia. However, the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoTEMPO did not reverse the lower ATP content during hyperammonaemia. We provide for the first time evidence that skeletal muscle hyperammonaemia results in mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Use of anaplerotic substrates to reverse ammonia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is a novel therapeutic approach.

Human skeletal muscle fibre contractile properties and proteomic profile: adaptations to 3 weeks of unilateral lower limb suspension and active recovery

KEY POINTS

It is generally assumed that muscle fibres go through atrophy following disuse with a loss of specific force and an increase in unloaded shortening velocity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. Most studies have focused on events taking place during the development of disuse, whereas the subsequent recovery phase, which is equally important, has received little attention. Our findings support the hypotheses that the specific force of muscle fibres decreased following unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) and returned to normal after 3 weeks of active recovery as a result of a loss and recovery of myosin and actin content. Furthermore, muscle fibres went through extensive qualitative changes in muscle protein pattern following ULLS, and these were reversed by active recovery. Resistance training was very effective in restoring both muscle mass and qualitative muscle changes, indicating that long-term ULLS did not prevent the positive effect of exercise on human muscle.

ABSTRACT

Following disuse, muscle fibre function goes through adaptations such as a loss of specific force (PO /CSA) and an increase in unloaded shortening velocity, which could be a result of both quantitative changes (i.e. atrophy) and qualitative changes in protein pattern. The underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. In addition, little is known about the recovery of muscle mass and strength following disuse. In the present study, we report an extensive dataset describing, in detail,the functional and protein content adaptations of skeletal muscle in response to both disuse and re-training. Eight young healthy subjects were subjected to 3 weeks of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS), a widely used human model of disuse skeletal muscle atrophy. Needle biopsies samples were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle Pre-ULLS, Post-ULLS and after 3 weeks of recovery during which heavy resistance training was performed. After disuse, cross-sectional area (CSA), PO /CSA and myosin concentration (MC) decreased in both type 1 and 2A skinned muscle fibres. After recovery, CSA and MC returned to levels comparable to those observed before disuse, whereas Po/CSA and unloaded shortening velocity reached a higher level. Myosin heavy chain isoform composition of muscle samples did not differ among the experimental groups. To study the mechanisms underlying such adaptations, a two-dimensional proteomic analysis was performed. ULLS induced a reduction of myofibrillar, metabolic (glycolytic and oxidative) and anti-oxidant defence system protein content. Resistance training was very effective in counteracting ULLS-induced alterations, indicating that long-term ULLS did not prevent the positive effect of exercise on human muscle.

High-intensity interval training prevents oxidant-mediated diaphragm muscle weakness in hypertensive mice

Hypertension is a key risk factor for heart failure, with the latter characterized by diaphragm muscle weakness that is mediated in part by increased oxidative stress. In the present study, we used a deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt mouse model to determine whether hypertension could independently induce diaphragm dysfunction and further investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Sham-treated (n = 11), DOCA-salt-treated (n = 11), and DOCA-salt+HIIT-treated (n = 15) mice were studied over 4 wk. Diaphragm contractile function, protein expression, enzyme activity, and fiber cross-sectional area and type were subsequently determined. Elevated blood pressure confirmed hypertension in DOCA-salt mice independent of HIIT (P < 0.05). Diaphragm forces were impaired by ∼15-20% in DOCA-salt vs. sham-treated mice (P < 0.05), but this effect was prevented after HIIT. Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein expression tended to decrease (∼30%; P = 0.06) in DOCA-salt vs. sham- and DOCA-salt+HIIT mice, whereas oxidative stress increased (P < 0.05). Enzyme activity of NADPH oxidase was higher, but superoxide dismutase was lower, with MyHC oxidation elevated by ∼50%. HIIT further prevented direct oxidant-mediated diaphragm contractile dysfunction (P < 0.05) after a 30 min exposure to H₂O-₂ (1 mM). Our data suggest that hypertension induces diaphragm contractile dysfunction via an oxidant-mediated mechanism that is prevented by HIIT.-Bowen, T. S., Eisenkolb, S., Drobner, J., Fischer, T., Werner, S., Linke, A., Mangner, N., Schuler, G., Adams, V. High-intensity interval training prevents oxidant-mediated diaphragm muscle weakness in hypertensive mice.

Profiling Carbonylated Proteins in Heart and Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria from Trained and Untrained Mice

Understanding the relationship between physical exercise, reactive oxygen species, and skeletal muscle modification is important in order to better identify the benefits or the damages that appropriate or inappropriate exercise can induce. Heart and skeletal muscles have a high density of mitochondria with robust energetic demands, and mitochondria plasticity has an important role in both the cardiovascular system and skeletal muscle responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of regular physical activity on the oxidation profiles of mitochondrial proteins from heart and tibialis anterior muscles. To this end, we used the mouse as animal model. Mice were divided into two groups: untrained and regularly trained. The carbonylated protein pattern was studied by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by Western blot with anti-dinitrophenyl hydrazone antibodies. Mass spectrometry analysis allowed the identification of several different protein oxidation sites, including methionine, cysteine, proline, and leucine residues. A large number of oxidized proteins were found in both untrained and trained animals. Moreover, mitochondria from skeletal muscles and heart showed almost the same carbonylation pattern. Interestingly, exercise training seems to increase the carbonylation level mainly of mitochondrial proteins from skeletal muscle.

Going retro: Oxidative stress biomarkers in modern redox biology

The field of redox biology is inherently intertwined with oxidative stress biomarkers. Oxidative stress biomarkers have been utilized for many different objectives. Our analysis indicates that oxidative stress biomarkers have several salient applications: (1) diagnosing oxidative stress, (2) pinpointing likely redox components in a physiological or pathological process and (3) estimating the severity, progression and/or regression of a disease. On the contrary, oxidative stress biomarkers do not report on redox signaling. Alternative approaches to gain more mechanistic insights are: (1) measuring molecules that are integrated in pathways linking redox biochemistry with physiology, (2) using the exomarker approach and (3) exploiting -omics techniques. More sophisticated approaches and large trials are needed to establish oxidative stress biomarkers in the clinical setting.

Muscle biopsies from human muscle diseases with myopathic pathology reveal common alterations in mitochondrial function

Muscle diseases are clinically and genetically heterogeneous and manifest as dystrophic, inflammatory and myopathic pathologies, among others. Our previous study on the cardiotoxin mouse model of myodegeneration and inflammation linked muscle pathology with mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether human muscle diseases display mitochondrial changes. Muscle biopsies from muscle disease patients, represented by dysferlinopathy (dysfy) (dystrophic pathology; n = 43), polymyositis (PM) (inflammatory pathology; n = 24), and distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles (DMRV) (distal myopathy; n = 31) were analyzed. Mitochondrial damage (ragged blue and COX-deficient fibers) was revealed in dysfy, PM, and DMRV cases by enzyme histochemistry (SDH and COX-SDH), electron microscopy (vacuolation and altered cristae) and biochemical assays (significantly increased ADP/ATP ratio). Proteomic analysis of muscle mitochondria from all three muscle diseases by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation labeling and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis demonstrated down-regulation of electron transport chain (ETC) complex subunits, assembly factors and Krebs cycle enzymes. Interestingly, 80 of the under-expressed proteins were common among the three pathologies. Assay of ETC and Krebs cycle enzyme activities validated the MS data. Mitochondrial proteins from muscle pathologies also displayed higher tryptophan (Trp) oxidation and the same was corroborated in the cardiotoxin model. Molecular modeling predicted Trp oxidation to alter the local structure of mitochondrial proteins. Our data highlight mitochondrial alterations in muscle pathologies, represented by morphological changes, altered mitochondrial proteome and protein oxidation, thereby establishing the role of mitochondrial damage in human muscle diseases. We investigated whether human muscle diseases display mitochondrial changes. Muscle biopsies from dysferlinopathy (Dysfy), polymyositis (PM), and distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles (DMRV) displayed morphological and biochemical evidences of mitochondrial dysfunction. Proteomic analysis revealed down-regulation of electron transport chain (ETC) subunits, assembly factors, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes, with 80 proteins common among the three pathologies. Mitochondrial proteins from muscle pathologies also displayed higher Trp oxidation that could alter the local structure. Cover image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13324.

Molecular and biological pathways of skeletal muscle dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will be a major leading cause of death worldwide in the near future. Weakness and atrophy of the quadriceps are associated with a significantly poorer prognosis and increased mortality in COPD. Despite that skeletal muscle dysfunction may affect both respiratory and limb muscle groups in COPD, the latter are frequently more severely affected. Therefore, muscle dysfunction in COPD is a common systemic manifestation that should be evaluated on routine basis in clinical settings. In the present review, several aspects of COPD muscle dysfunction are being reviewed, with special emphasis on the underlying biological mechanisms. Figures on the prevalence of COPD muscle dysfunction and the most relevant etiologic contributors are also provided. Despite that ongoing research will shed light into the contribution of additional mechanisms to COPD muscle dysfunction, current knowledge points toward the involvement of a wide spectrum of cellular and molecular events that are differentially expressed in respiratory and limb muscles. Such mechanisms are thoroughly described in the article. The contribution of epigenetic events on COPD muscle dysfunction is also reviewed. We conclude that in view of the latest discoveries, from now, on new avenues of research should be designed to specifically target cellular mechanisms and pathways that impair muscle mass and function in COPD using pharmacological strategies and/or exercise training modalities.

Dietary flavonoids advance timing of moult but do not affect redox status of juvenile blackbirds (Turdus merula)

Flavonoids are the most abundant plant polyphenols, widely occurring in fruits and berries, and show a strong antioxidant activity in vitro. Studies of avian species feeding on berries suggest that dietary flavonoids have health-promoting effects and may enhance the expression of melanin-based plumage traits. These effects are likely mediated by the antioxidant activity of flavonoids. However, the effect of dietary flavonoids on oxidative status has never been investigated in any bird species. We analysed the effects of dietary flavonoids on blood non-enzymatic antioxidants and protein oxidative damage of juvenile European blackbirds (Turdus merula). In addition, we analysed the effects of the flavonoid-enriched diet on body condition and on timing of moult from juvenile to adult plumage. Dietary flavonoids did not significantly affect the redox status but significantly advanced the onset of moult, hastening plumage development. Moulting birds showed higher protein oxidative damage compared to those that had not yet started moulting. The probability to initiate moult after 40 days of dietary treatment was higher for birds with low circulating levels of oxidizing agents and high glutathione concentration. The metabolization of flavonoids could have altered their redox potential, resulting in not net effects on redox status. However, flavonoid consumption before and during moult may contribute to enhance plumage development. Moreover, our findings suggest that moulting feathers may result in redox imbalance. Given their effect on moult and growth of melanin-rich feathers, fruit flavonoids may have contributed to the evolution of plant fruiting time in relation to fruit consumption preferences by birds.

Protein Oxidation in the Lungs of C57BL/6J Mice Following X-Irradiation

Damage to normal lung tissue is a limiting factor when ionizing radiation is used in clinical applications. In addition, radiation pneumonitis and fibrosis are a major cause of mortality following accidental radiation exposure in humans. Although clinical symptoms may not develop for months after radiation exposure, immediate events induced by radiation are believed to generate molecular and cellular cascades that proceed during a clinical latent period. Oxidative damage to DNA is considered a primary cause of radiation injury to cells. DNA can be repaired by highly efficient mechanisms while repair of oxidized proteins is limited. Oxidized proteins are often destined for degradation. We examined protein oxidation following 17 Gy (0.6 Gy/min) thoracic X-irradiation in C57BL/6J mice. Seventeen Gy thoracic irradiation resulted in 100% mortality of mice within 127-189 days postirradiation. Necropsy findings indicated that pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis were the leading cause of mortality. We investigated the oxidation of lung proteins at 24 h postirradiation following 17 Gy thoracic irradiation using 2-D gel electrophoresis and OxyBlot for the detection of protein carbonylation. Seven carbonylated proteins were identified using mass spectrometry: serum albumin, selenium binding protein-1, alpha antitrypsin, cytoplasmic actin-1, carbonic anhydrase-2, peroxiredoxin-6, and apolipoprotein A1. The carbonylation status of carbonic anhydrase-2, selenium binding protein, and peroxiredoxin-6 was higher in control lung tissue. Apolipoprotein A1 and serum albumin carbonylation were increased following X-irradiation, as confirmed by OxyBlot immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Our findings indicate that the profile of specific protein oxidation in the lung is altered following radiation exposure.

TLR2 deficiency attenuates skeletal muscle atrophy in mice

Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with skeletal muscle atrophy. Because the activation of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 induces oxidative stress and inflammation, TLR2 may be directly linked to skeletal muscle atrophy. This study examined the role of TLR2 in skeletal muscle atrophy in wild-type (WT) and TLR2 knockout (KO) mice. Immobilization for 2 weeks increased the expression of cytokine genes and the levels of carbonylated proteins and nitrotyrosine in the skeletal muscle, but these increases were lower in the TLR2 KO mice. Muscle weight loss and a reduction in treadmill running times induced by immobilization were also attenuated in TLR2 KO mice. Furthermore, immobilization increased the protein levels of forkhead box O 1/3, atrogin-1 and muscle ring finger 1 in the WT mice, which was attenuated in TLR2 KO mice. In addition, immobilization-associated increases in ubiquitinated protein levels were lower in the TLR2 KO mice. Immobilization increased the phosphorylation of Akt and p70S6K similarly in WT and KO mice. Furthermore, cardiotoxin injection into the skeletal muscle increased the protein levels of atrogin-1, interleukin-6, and nitrotyrosine and increased the levels of ubiquitinated proteins, although these levels were increased to a lesser extent in TLR2 KO mice. These results suggest that TLR2 is involved in skeletal muscle atrophy, and the inhibition of TLR2 offers a potential target for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy.

Diaphragm muscle weakness in mice is early-onset post-myocardial infarction and associated with elevated protein oxidation

Heart failure induced by myocardial infarction (MI) causes diaphragm muscle weakness, with elevated oxidants implicated. We aimed to determine whether diaphragm muscle weakness is 1) early-onset post-MI (i.e., within the early left ventricular remodeling phase of 72 h); and 2) associated with elevated protein oxidation. Ligation of the left coronary artery to induce MI (n = 10) or sham operation (n = 10) was performed on C57BL6 mice. In vitro contractile function of diaphragm muscle fiber bundles was assessed 72 h later. Diaphragm mRNA and protein expression, enzyme activity, and individual carbonylated proteins (by two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry) were subsequently assessed. Infarct size averaged 57 ± 1%. Maximal diaphragm function was reduced (P < 0.01) by 20% post-MI, with the force-frequency relationship depressed (P < 0.01) between 80 and 300 Hz. The mRNA expression of inflammation, atrophy, and regulatory Ca(2+) proteins remained unchanged post-MI, as did the protein expression of key contractile proteins. However, enzyme activity of the oxidative sources NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase was increased (P < 0.01) by 45 and 33%, respectively. Compared with sham, a 57 and 45% increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the carbonylation of sarcomeric actin and creatine kinase post-MI, respectively. In conclusion, diaphragm muscle weakness was rapidly induced in mice during the early left ventricular remodeling phase of 72 h post-MI, which was associated with increased oxidation of contractile and energetic proteins. Collectively, these findings suggest diaphragm muscle weakness may be early onset in heart failure, which is likely mediated in part by posttranslational oxidative modifications at the myofibrillar level.

Bone morphogenic protein-4-induced oxidant signaling via protein carbonylation for endothelial dysfunction

The increased expression of bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP-4) under hyperglycemic and diabetic conditions mediates the overgeneration of reactive oxygen species to cause endothelial cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Protein carbonylation plays an important role in oxidant signaling through ligand-receptor interactions in vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiac cells, and bronchial smooth muscle cells to trigger different diseases. However, the role of oxidant signaling via protein carbonylation in endothelial dysfunction is unclear. The level of protein carbonylation was higher in renal arteries from diabetic patients than those from nondiabetic subjects. BMP-4 promoted protein carbonylation, which was followed by decarbonylation or degradation in primary rat aortic endothelial cells. Organ culture of normal C57BL/6J mouse aortas treated with either hydralazine or deferoxamine inhibited the effect of BMP-4 on impairment of acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR). In isolated diabetic db/db mouse aortas, treatment with hydralazine improved the impaired EDR while deferoxamine had no effect. BMP-4-induced carbonylated proteins in aortic endothelial cells were successfully identified by a proteomic approach. These proteins have important cellular functions and include glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, triosephosphate isomerase, alpha-enolase, protein disulfide-isomerase A3, annexin II, 26S protease regulatory subunit, integrin-linked protein kinase, and vimentin. Protein carbonylation induced by BMP-4 was inhibited by BMP-4 antagonist while protein decarbonylation induced by BMP-4 was thiol dependent. The carbonyl signals did not involve 4-hydrononenal and malondialdehyde. The present results suggest that BMP-4- or diabetes-mediated endothelial dysfunction is partly triggered through protein carbonylation and blockade of this metal-catalyzed protein oxidation can be considered as an alternative therapeutic strategy to alleviate diabetic vasculopathy.

Targets of protein carbonylation in spontaneously hypertensive obese Koletsky rats and healthy Wistar counterparts: a potential role on metabolic disorders

The study innovatively pinpoints target proteins of carbonylation, a key PTM induced by oxidative stress, in the SHROB (genetically obese spontaneously hypertensive) rat model of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Protein carbonylation was assessed by a fluorescence-labeling proteomics approach, and complemented with biometric and biochemical markers of MetS. SHROB and healthy Wistar rats were fed two diets, soybean and linseed oil supplementations, in order to distinguish intrinsic carbonylation of SHROB animals from diet-modulated carbonylation unrelated to MetS. First exploratory data showed similar carbonylation patterns and metabolic conditions in SHROB rats fed soybean and linseed, but different from Wistar animals. A total of 18 carbonylated spots in liver, and 12 in skeletal tissue, related to pathways of lipid (29.6%), carbohydrate (25.9%) and amino acid (18.5%) metabolisms, were identified. In particular, SHROB animals present higher carbonylation in four liver proteins belonging to lipid metabolism, redox regulation and chaperone activity (ALDH2, PDI, PDIA3, PECR), and in the skeletal muscle ALDOA that is involved in muscle dysfunction. Conversely, SHROB rats display lower carbonylation in liver albumin, AKR1C9, ADH1 and catalase. This investigation provides a novel perspective of carbonylation in the context of metabolic disorders, and may be a starting point to characterize new redox pathways exacerbating MetS.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Oxidative stress is a concomitant factor in the pathogenesis of MetS that induces oxidative PTM as carbonylation. Through the use of a redox proteomics approach, we have thoroughly mapped the occurrence of protein targets of carbonylation in the genetically-induced MetS model SHROB rat. The present research brings a new insight of MetS pathogenesis and it may provide valuable information to understand the biological impact of oxidative stress in patients with MetS.

Bone Marrow Protein Oxidation in Response to Ionizing Radiation in C57BL/6J Mice

The bone marrow is one of the most radio-sensitive tissues. Accidental ionizing radiation exposure can damage mature blood cells and hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells, and mortality can result from hematopoietic insufficiency and infection. Ionizing radiation induces alterations in gene and protein expression in hematopoietic tissue. Here we investigated radiation effects on protein carbonylation, a primary marker for protein oxidative damage. C57BL/6 mice were either sham irradiated or exposed to 7.5 Gy ⁶⁰Co (0.6 Gy/min) total body irradiation. Bone marrow was obtained 24 h post-irradiation. Two dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis and Oxyblot immunodetection were used to discover carbonylated proteins, and peptide mass fingerprinting was performed for identification. 2D gels allowed the detection of 13 carbonylated proteins in the bone marrow; seven of these were identified, with two pairs of the same protein. Baseline levels of carbonylation were found in 78 kDa glucose-related protein, heat shock protein cognate 71 KDa, actin, chitinase-like protein 3 (CHI3L1), and carbonic anhydrase 2 (CAII). Radiation increased carbonylation in four proteins, including CHI3L1 and CAII, and induced carbonylation of one additional protein (not identified). Our findings indicate that the profile of specific protein carbonylation in bone marrow is substantially altered by ionizing radiation. Accordingly, protein oxidation may be a mechanism for reduced cell viability.

Protein carbonylation as a major hallmark of oxidative damage: update of analytical strategies

Protein carbonylation, one of the most harmful irreversible oxidative protein modifications, is considered as a major hallmark of oxidative stress-related disorders. Protein carbonyl measurements are often performed to assess the extent of oxidative stress in the context of cellular damage, aging and several age-related disorders. A wide variety of analytical techniques are available to detect and quantify protein-bound carbonyls generated by metal-catalyzed oxidation, lipid peroxidation or glycation/glycoxidation. Here we review current analytical approaches for protein carbonyl detection with a special focus on mass spectrometry-based techniques. The utility of several carbonyl-derivatization reagents, enrichment protocols and especially advanced mass spectrometry techniques are compared and discussed in detail. Furthermore, the mechanisms and biology of protein carbonylation are summarized based on recent high-throughput proteomics data.

Insulin elicits a ROS-activated and an IP₃-dependent Ca²⁺ release, which both impinge on GLUT4 translocation

Insulin signaling includes generation of low levels of H2O2; however, its origin and contribution to insulin-stimulated glucose transport are unknown. We tested the impact of H2O2 on insulin-dependent glucose transport and GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells. H2O2 increased the translocation of GLUT4 with an exofacial Myc-epitope tag between the first and second transmembrane domains (GLUT4myc), an effect additive to that of insulin. The anti-oxidants N-acetyl L-cysteine and Trolox, the p47(phox)-NOX2 NADPH oxidase inhibitory peptide gp91-ds-tat or p47(phox) knockdown each reduced insulin-dependent GLUT4myc translocation. Importantly, gp91-ds-tat suppressed insulin-dependent H2O2 production. A ryanodine receptor (RyR) channel agonist stimulated GLUT4myc translocation and insulin stimulated RyR1-mediated Ca(2+) release by promoting RyR1 S-glutathionylation. This pathway acts in parallel to insulin-mediated stimulation of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-activated Ca(2+) channels, in response to activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and its downstream target phospholipase C, resulting in Ca(2+) transfer to the mitochondria. An inhibitor of IP3 receptors, Xestospongin B, reduced both insulin-dependent IP3 production and GLUT4myc translocation. We propose that, in addition to the canonical α,β phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to Akt pathway, insulin engages both RyR-mediated Ca(2+) release and IP3-receptor-mediated mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake, and that these signals jointly stimulate glucose uptake.

Reactive oxygen species regulation of autophagy in skeletal muscles

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of physiological levels of mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) on skeletal muscle autophagy, a proteolytic pathway designed to regulate contractile and myofilament homeostasis and to recycle long-lived proteins and damaged organelles.

RESULTS

Basal levels of autophagy and autophagy triggered by 1.5 to 4 h of acute nutrient deprivation, rapamycin treatment, or leucine deprivation were measured in differentiated C2C12 myotubes using long-lived protein degradation assays, LC3B lipidation, autophagy-related gene expression, and electron microscopy. Preincubation with the general antioxidants tempol (superoxide dismutase mimic) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or the mitochondria-specific antioxidants mito-tempol and SS31 significantly decreased the rates of long-lived protein degradation and LC3B flux and blocked the induction of autophagy-related gene expression. Mitochondrial ROS levels significantly increased in response to acute nutrient deprivation and rapamycin treatment. Mito-tempol and tempol blocked this response. Antioxidants decreased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation by 40% and significantly increased protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation, but exerted no effects on mTORC1-dependent ULK1 phosphorylation on Ser(555). NAC significantly decreased basal LC3B autophagic flux in skeletal muscles of mice.

INNOVATION

We report for the first time that endogenous ROS promote skeletal muscle autophagy at the basal level and in response to acute nutrient starvation and mTORC1 inhibition. We also report for the first time that mitochondrial-derived ROS promote skeletal muscle autophagy and that this effect is mediated, in part, through regulation of autophagosome initiation and AKT inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Mitochondrial-derived ROS promote skeletal muscle autophagy and this effect is mediated, in part, through activation of AMPK and inhibition of AKT.

Protein carbonylation: proteomics, specificity and relevance to aging

Detection and quantification of protein carbonyls present in biological samples has become a popular, albeit indirect, method to determine the existence of oxidative stress. Moreover, the rise of proteomics has allowed the identification of the specific proteins targeted by protein carbonylation. This review discusses these methodologies and proteomic strategies and then focuses on the relationship between protein carbonylation and aging and the parameters that may explain the increased sensitivity of certain proteins to protein carbonylation.

Potential role of oxidative protein modification in energy metabolism in exercise

Exercise leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via several sources in the skeletal muscle. In particular, the mitochondrial electron transport chain in the muscle cells produces ROS along with an elevation in the oxygen consumption during exercise. Such ROS generated during exercise can cause oxidative modification of proteins and affect their functionality. Many evidences have been suggested that some muscle proteins, i.e., myofiber proteins, metabolic signaling proteins, and sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins can be a targets modified by ROS generated due to exercise. We detected the modification of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) by Nε-(hexanoyl)lysine (HEL), one of the lipid peroxides, in exercised muscles, while the antioxidant astaxanthin reduced this oxidative stress-induced modification. Exercise-induced ROS may diminish CPT I activity caused by HEL modification, leading to a partly limited lipid utilization in the mitochondria. This oxidative protein modification may be useful as a potential biomarker to examine the oxidative stress levels, antioxidant compounds, and their possible benefits in exercise.

Fiber atrophy, oxidative stress, and oxidative fiber reduction are the attributes of different phenotypes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Peripheral muscle dysfunction, associated with reductions in fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and in type I fibers, is a key outcome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, COPD peripheral muscle function and structure show great heterogeneity, overlapping those in sedentary healthy subjects (SHS). While discrepancies in the link between muscle structure and phenotype remain unexplained, we tested whether the fiber CSA and the type I fiber reductions were the attributes of different phenotypes of the disease, using unsupervised clustering method and post hoc validation. Principal component analysis performed on functional and histomorphological parameters in 64 COPD patients {forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) = 42.0 [30.0–58.5]% predicted} and 27 SHS (FEV1 = 105.0 [95.0–114.0]% predicted) revealed two COPD clusters with distinct peripheral muscle dysfunctions. These two clusters had different type I fiber proportion (26.0 ± 14.0% vs. 39.8 ± 12.6%; P < 0.05), and fiber CSA (3,731 ± 1,233 vs. 5,657 ± 1,098 μm2; P < 0.05). The “atrophic” cluster showed an increase in muscle protein carbonylation (131.5 [83.6–200.3] vs. 83.0 [68.3–105.1]; P < 0.05). Then, COPD patients underwent pulmonary rehabilitation. If the higher risk of exacerbations in the “atrophic” cluster did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for FEV1 (hazard ratio: 2.43; P = 0.11, n = 54), the improvement of VO2sl after training was greater than in the nonatrophic cluster (+24 ± 16% vs. +6 ± 13%; P < 0.01). Last, their age was similar (60.4 ± 8.8 vs. 60.8 ± 9.0 yr; P = 0.87), suggesting a different time course of the disease. We identified and validated two phenotypes of COPD patients showing different muscle histomorphology and level of oxidative stress. Thus our study demonstrates that the muscle heterogeneity is the translation of different phenotypes of the disease.