Age-Related Decline in Actomyosin Function

The cellular mechanobiology of aging: from biology to mechanics

Aging is a chronic, complicated process that leads to degenerative physical and biological changes in living organisms. Aging is associated with permanent, gradual physiological cellular decay that affects all aspects of cellular mechanobiological features, including cellular cytoskeleton structures, mechanosensitive signaling pathways, and forces in the cell, as well as the cell's ability to sense and adapt to extracellular biomechanical signals in the tissue environment through mechanotransduction. These mechanobiological changes in cells are directly or indirectly responsible for dysfunctions and diseases in various organ systems, including the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, skin, and immune systems. This review critically examines the role of aging in the progressive decline of the mechanobiology occurring in cells, and establishes mechanistic frameworks to understand the mechanobiological effects of aging on disease progression and to develop new strategies for halting and reversing the aging process. Our review also highlights the recent development of novel bioengineering approaches for studying the key mechanobiological mechanisms in aging.

Moderate Intensity Resistive Training Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Muscle Mass and Function in Older Individuals

An innovative moderate-intensity resistive exercise-training (RT) program was tested in thirty-five sarcopenic elders (SAR). The subjects were randomized into two groups: SAR training (SAR-RT), n = 20, 73.0 ± 5.5 years, or SAR non-training (SAR-NT), n = 15, 71.7 ± 3.4 years. The training consisted of 12-week progressive RT, thrice/week, at 60% one-repetition maximum (1RM), 3 sets, 14-16 repetitions for both upper and lower limbs. The pre and post intervention measurements included: the skeletal muscle index (SMI%); strength (1RM); stair-climbing power (SCP); muscle thickness (MT) of vastus lateralis (VL) and elbow flexors (EF), VL pennation angle (PA), rectus femoris (RF) anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA); reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyls (PC), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), 8-isoprostane (8-iso-PGF2-α), 8-OH-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), as markers of oxidative stress/damage (OxS). In SAR-RT, SCP increased by 7.7% (P < 0.01), MT increased by 5.5% for VL, 10.4% for EF and PA increased by 13.4% for VL (P < 0.001 for all). The RF ACSA increased by 14.5% (P < 0.001). 1RM significantly increased by at least 67% for all muscles tested. Notably muscle strength (1RM) positively correlated (P < 0.001) with TAC and negatively with PC (P < 0.001). In conclusion, moderate intensity RT is an effective strategy to increase muscle mass and strength in SAR, while minimizing OxS.

Novel Sarcopenia-related Alterations in Sarcomeric Protein Post-translational Modifications (PTMs) in Skeletal Muscles Identified by Top-down Proteomics

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is a significant cause of morbidity in the elderly and is a major burden on health care systems. Unfortunately, the underlying molecular mechanisms in sarcopenia remain poorly understood. Herein, we utilized top-down proteomics to elucidate sarcopenia-related changes in the fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles of aging rats with a focus on the sarcomeric proteome, which includes both myofilament and Z-disc proteins-the proteins that constitute the contractile apparatuses. Top-down quantitative proteomics identified significant changes in the post-translational modifications (PTMs) of critical myofilament proteins in the fast-twitch skeletal muscles of aging rats, in accordance with the vulnerability of fast-twitch muscles to sarcopenia. Surprisingly, age-related alterations in the phosphorylation of Cypher isoforms, proteins that localize to the Z-discs in striated muscles, were also noted in the fast-twitch skeletal muscle of aging rats. This represents the first report of changes in the phosphorylation of Z-disc proteins in skeletal muscle during aging. In addition, increased glutathionylation of slow skeletal troponin I, a novel modification that may help protect against oxidative damage, was observed in slow-twitch skeletal muscles. Furthermore, we have identified and characterized novel muscle type-specific proteoforms of myofilament proteins and Z-disc proteins, including a novel isoform of the Z-disc protein Enigma. The finding that the phosphorylation of Z-disc proteins is altered in response to aging in the fast-twitch skeletal muscles of aging rats opens new avenues for the investigation of the role of Z-discs in age-related muscle dysfunction.

Age-induced oxidative stress: how does it influence skeletal muscle quantity and quality?

With advancing age, skeletal muscle function declines as a result of strength loss. These strength deficits are largely due to reductions in muscle size (i.e., quantity) and its intrinsic force-producing capacity (i.e., quality). Age-induced reductions in skeletal muscle quantity and quality can be the consequence of several factors, including accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), also known as oxidative stress. Therefore, the purpose of this mini-review is to highlight the published literature that has demonstrated links between aging, oxidative stress, and skeletal muscle quantity or quality. In particular, we focused on how oxidative stress has the potential to reduce muscle quantity by shifting protein balance in a deficit, and muscle quality by impairing activation at the neuromuscular junction, excitation-contraction (EC) coupling at the ryanodine receptor (RyR), and cross-bridge cycling within the myofibrillar apparatus. Of these, muscle weakness due to EC coupling failure mediated by RyR dysfunction via oxidation and/or nitrosylation appears to be the strongest candidate based on the publications reviewed. However, it is clear that age-associated oxidative stress has the ability to alter strength through several mechanisms and at various locations of the muscle fiber.

Neuromuscular performance in the hip joint of elderly fallers and non-fallers

BACKGROUNDS

Low strength and neuromuscular activation of the lower limbs have been associated with falls making it an important predictor of functional status in the elderly.

AIM

To compare the rate of neuromuscular activation, rate of torque development, peak torque and reaction time between young and elderly fallers and non-fallers for hip flexion and extension.

METHODS

We evaluated 44 elderly people who were divided into two groups: elderly fallers (n = 20) and elderly non-fallers (n = 24); and 18 young people. The subjects performed three isometric hip flexion and extension contractions. Electromyography data were collected for the rectus femoris, gluteus maximus and biceps femoris muscles.

RESULTS

The elderly had 49 % lower peak torque and 68 % lower rate of torque development for hip extension, 28 % lower rate of neuromuscular activation for gluteus maximus and 38 % lower rate of neuromuscular activation for biceps femoris than the young (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the elderly had 42 % lower peak torque and 62 % lower rate of torque development for hip flexion and 48 % lower rate of neuromuscular for rectus femoris than the young (p < 0.05). The elderly fallers showed consistent trend toward a lower rate of torque development than elderly non-fallers for hip extension at 50 ms (29 %, p = 0.298, d = 0.76) and 100 ms (26 %, p = 0.452, d = 0.68).The motor time was 30 % slower for gluteus maximus, 42 % slower for rectus femoris and 50 % slower for biceps femoris in the elderly than in the young.

DISCUSSION

Impaired capacity of the elderly, especially fallers, may be explained by neural and morphological aspects of the muscles.

CONCLUSION

The process of senescence affects the muscle function of the hip flexion and extension, and falls may be related to lower rate of torque development and slower motor time of biceps femoris.

Reduction in single muscle fiber rate of force development with aging is not attenuated in world class older masters athletes

Normal adult aging is associated with impaired muscle contractile function; however, to what extent cross-bridge kinetics are altered in aging muscle is not clear. We used a slacken restretch maneuver on single muscle fiber segments biopsied from the vastus lateralis of young adults (∼23 yr), older nonathlete (NA) adults (∼80 yr), and age-matched world class masters athletes (MA; ∼80 yr) to assess the rate of force redevelopment (ktr) and cross-bridge kinetics. A post hoc analysis was performed, and only the mechanical properties of "slow type" fibers based on unloaded shortening velocity (Vo) measurements are reported. The MA and NA were ∼54 and 43% weaker, respectively, for specific force compared with young. Similarly, when force was normalized to cross-sectional area determined via the fiber shape angularity data, both old groups did not differ, and the MA and NA were ∼43 and 48% weaker, respectively, compared with young (P < 0.05). Vo for both MA and NA old groups was 62 and 46% slower, respectively, compared with young. Both MA and NA adults had approximately two times slower values for ktr compared with young. The slower Vo in both old groups relative to young, coupled with a similarly reduced ktr, suggests impaired cross-bridge kinetics are responsible for impaired single fiber contractile properties with aging. These results challenge the widely accepted resilience of slow type fibers to cellular aging.

Sod1 gene ablation in adult mice leads to physiological changes at the neuromuscular junction similar to changes that occur in old wild-type mice

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are believed to be important mediators of muscle atrophy and weakness in aging and many degenerative conditions. However, the mechanisms and physiological processes specifically affected by elevated ROS in neuromuscular units that contribute to muscle weakness during aging are not well defined. Here we investigate the effects of chronic oxidative stress on neurotransmission and excitation-contraction (EC) coupling mechanisms in the levator auris longus (LAL) muscle from young (4-8 months) and old (22-28 months) wild-type mice and young adult Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase 1 knockout (Sod1(-/-)) mice. The frequency of spontaneous neurotransmitter release and the amplitude of evoked neurotransmitter release in young Sod1(-/-) and old wild-type LAL neuromuscular junctions were significantly reduced from the young wild-type values, and those declines were mirrored by decreases in synaptic vesicle pool size. Presynaptic cytosolic calcium concentration and mitochondrial calcium uptake amplitudes showed substantial increases in stimulated young Sod1(-/-) and old axon terminals. Surprisingly, LAL muscle fibers from old mice showed a greater excitability than fibers from either young wild-type or young Sod1(-/-) LAL. Both evoked excitatory junction potential (EJP) and spontaneous mini EJP amplitudes were considerably higher in LAL muscles from old mice than in fibers from young Sod1(-/-) LAL muscle. Despite a greater excitability, sarcoplasmic calcium influx in both old wild-type and young Sod1(-/-) LAL muscle fibers was significantly less. Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium levels were also reduced in both old wild-type and young Sod1(-/-) mice, but the difference was not statistically significant in muscle fibers from old wild-type mice. The protein ratio of triad calcium channels RyR1/DHPR was not different in all groups. However, fibers from both young Sod1(-/-) and old mice had substantially elevated levels of protein carbonylation and S-nitrosylation modifications. Overall, our results suggest that young Sod1(-/-) recapitulate many neuromuscular and muscle fiber changes seen in old mice. We also conclude that muscle weakness in old mice might in part be driven by ROS-mediated EC uncoupling, while both EC uncoupling and reduced neurotransmitter release contribute to muscle weakness in Sod1(-/-) mice.

C57BL/6 life span study: age-related declines in muscle power production and contractile velocity

Quantification of key outcome measures in animal models of aging is an important step preceding intervention testing. One such measurement, skeletal muscle power generation (force * velocity), is critical for dynamic movement. Prior research focused on maximum power (P max), which occurs around 30-40 % of maximum load. However, movement occurs over the entire load range. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of age on power generation during concentric contractions in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles over the load range from 10 to 90 % of peak isometric tetanic force (P 0). Adult, old, and elderly male C57BL/6 mice were examined for contractile function (6-7 months old, 100 % survival; ~24 months, 75 %; and ~28 months, <50 %, respectively). Mice at other ages (5-32 months) were also tested for regression modeling. We hypothesized and found that power decreased with age not only at P max but also over the load range. Importantly, we found greater age-associated deficits in both power and velocity when the muscles were contracting concentrically against heavy loads (>50 % P 0). The shape of the force-velocity curve also changed with age (a/P 0 increased). In addition, there were prolonged contraction times to maximum force and shifts in the distribution of the myosin light and heavy chain isoforms in the EDL. The results demonstrate that age-associated difficulty in movement during challenging tasks is likely due, in addition to overall reduced force output, to an accelerated deterioration of power production and contractile velocity under heavily loaded conditions.

Contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content in type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres in active aged humans

KEY POINTS

Muscle weakness in old age is due in large part to an overall loss of skeletal muscle tissue, but it remains uncertain how much also stems from alterations in the properties of the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and amount of stored intracellular calcium in single muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) adults. The maximum level of force production (per unit cross-sectional area) in fast twitch fibres in Old subjects was lower than in Young subjects, and the fibres were also less sensitive to activation by calcium. The amount of calcium stored inside muscle fibres and available to trigger contraction was also lower in both fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres in the Old subjects. These findings indicate that muscle weakness in old age stems in part from an impaired capacity for force production in the individual muscle fibres.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content in mechanically skinned vastus lateralis muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) humans to investigate whether changes in muscle fibre properties contribute to muscle weakness in old age. In type II fibres of Old subjects, specific force was reduced by ∼17% and Ca(2+) sensitivity was also reduced (pCa50 decreased ∼0.05 pCa units) relative to that in Young. S-Glutathionylation of fast troponin I (TnIf ) markedly increased Ca(2+) sensitivity in type II fibres, but the increase was significantly smaller in Old versus Young (+0.136 and +0.164 pCa unit increases, respectively). Endogenous and maximal SR Ca(2+) content were significantly smaller in both type I and type II fibres in Old subjects. In fibres of Young, the SR could be nearly fully depleted of Ca(2+) by a combined caffeine and low Mg(2+) stimulus, whereas in fibres of Old the amount of non-releasable Ca(2+) was significantly increased (by > 12% of endogenous Ca(2+) content). Western blotting showed an increased proportion of type I fibres in Old subjects, and increased amounts of calsequestrin-2 and calsequestrin-like protein. The findings suggest that muscle weakness in old age is probably attributable in part to (i) an increased proportion of type I fibres, (ii) a reduction in both maximum specific force and Ca(2+) sensitivity in type II fibres, and also a decreased ability of S-glutathionylation of TnIf to counter the fatiguing effects of metabolites on Ca(2+) sensitivity, and (iii) a reduction in the amount of releasable SR Ca(2+) in both fibre types.

Redox-sensitive residue in the actin-binding interface of myosin

We have examined the chemical and functional reversibility of oxidative modification in myosin. Redox regulation has emerged as a crucial modulator of protein function, with particular relevance to aging. We previously identified a single methionine residue in Dictyostelium discoideum (Dicty) myosin II (M394, near the myosin cardiomyopathy loop in the actin-binding interface) that is functionally sensitive to oxidation. We now show that oxidation of M394 is reversible by methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr), restoring actin-activated ATPase activity. Sequence alignment reveals that M394 of Dicty myosin II is a cysteine residue in all human isoforms of skeletal and cardiac myosin. Using Dicty myosin II as a model for site-specific redox sensitivity of this Cys residue, the M394C mutant can be glutathionylated in vitro, resulting in reversible inhibition of actin-activated ATPase activity, with effects similar to those of methionine oxidation at this site. This work illustrates the potential for myosin to function as a redox sensor in both non-muscle and muscle cells, modulating motility/contractility in response to oxidative stress.

The influence on sarcopenia of muscle quality and quantity derived from magnetic resonance imaging and neuromuscular properties

The relative contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic neuromuscular factors on sarcopenia are poorly understood. The associations among age-related declines of strength, muscle mass, and muscle quality in response to motor unit (MU) loss have not been systematically investigated in the same groups of subjects. The purpose was to assess MU loss, MRI-derived muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle protein quantity (MPQ), and normalized strength of the dorsiflexors in one group of young (~25 years) adult males compared with two groups of healthy men aged 60–85 years. Muscle strength was assessed on a dynamometer and was ~25 % lower in both older groups, but CSA was less only in the older (>75 years) men, with no differences between the young and old (60–73 years). Normalized strength tended to be lower in both groups of aged men compared to young. For MPQ, only the older men showed ~8 % lower values than the young and old men. Older men had fewer functioning MUs than old, and both groups of aged men had fewer MUs than young men. Muscle quality appears to be maintained in the old likely due to compensatory MU remodeling, but in the older group (>75 years), MU loss was higher and MPQ was lower.

Electromechanical delay of the knee extensor muscles: comparison among young, middle-age and older individuals

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the ageing process in the electromechanical delay (EMD), rate of torque development (RTD) and peak torque (PT) of the knee extensor muscles. The volunteers were assigned to three groups: young group (YG - 23·44 ± 4·74 years, 78·14 ± 15·11 kg, 1·72 ± 0·05 m), middle-aged group (MAG - 49·56 ± 6·06 years, 72·01 ± 14·07 kg, 1·67 ± 0·06 m) and elderly group (EG - 68·67 ± 9·06 years, 67·96 ± 7·60 kg, 1·64 ± 0·07 m). The PT and RTD were assessed during maximal voluntary ballistic isometric contractions (MVBIC) in the isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle electrical activity was recorded (EMG) during MVBIC in the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles. The EMD was calculated during the MVBIC, through the time interval between the EMG onset and torque onset. The PT and RTD were higher in the YG than in the MAG (P = 0·02; P = 0·01, respectively) and in the EG (P = 0·002; P = 0·0004, respectively). There were no significant differences in EMD among the three age groups for the VL, VM and RF (P>0·05) muscles. We conclude that age affects the PT and RTD, but not EMD of the VL, VM and RF muscles.

Structural and functional impact of site-directed methionine oxidation in myosin

We have examined the structural and functional effects of site-directed methionine oxidation in Dictyostelium (Dicty) myosin II using mutagenesis, in vitro oxidation, and site-directed spin-labeling for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Protein oxidation by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is critical for normal cellular function, but oxidative stress has been implicated in disease progression and biological aging. Our goal is to bridge understanding of protein oxidation and muscle dysfunction with molecular-level insights into actomyosin interaction. In order to focus on methionine oxidation and to facilitate site-directed spectroscopy, we started with a Cys-lite version of Dicty myosin II. For Dicty myosin containing native methionines, peroxide treatment decreased actin-activated myosin ATPase activity, consistent with the decline in actomyosin function previously observed in biologically aged or peroxide-treated muscle. Methionine-to-leucine mutations, used to protect specific sites from oxidation, identified a single methionine that is functionally sensitive to oxidation: M394, near the myosin cardiomyopathy loop in the actin-binding interface. Previously characterized myosin labeling sites for spectroscopy in the force-producing region and actin-binding cleft were examined; spin-label mobility and distance measurements in the actin-binding cleft were sensitive to oxidation, but particularly in the presence of actin. Overall secondary structure and thermal stability were unaffected by oxidation. We conclude that the oxidation-induced structural change in myosin includes a redistribution of existing structural states of the actin-binding cleft. These results will be applicable to the many biological and therapeutic contexts in which a detailed understanding of protein oxidation as well as function and structure relationships is sought.

Age-sex differences in the hip abductor muscle properties

AIM

Elderly women are reported to have worse postural balance in the mediolateral direction than elderly men, which may be related to hip lateral muscle properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sex, age and their interactions on hip abductor muscle properties.

METHODS

Thirty elderly and 30 young healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Subjects were instructed to abduct their leg as forcefully and quickly as possible under isometric condition, in response to audible beeps. Electromyogram was measured on the gluteus medius muscle and abduction torque was measured. Investigated muscle properties included torque amplitudes and muscle contraction timings. Muscle contraction timings were designated as premotor time, electromechanical delay and total reaction time. The effects of sex, age and their interactions on muscle properties were analyzed.

RESULTS

Women showed smaller torque amplitudes, longer electromechanical delay and longer total reaction time than men (P < 0.01), whereas no sex difference was observed in association with premotor time (P = 0.15). Age-sex interaction was significant in torque amplitudes and in electromechanical delay (P < 0.01). Post-hoc test revealed that torque amplitude differed between sexes only in the young (P < 0.001). In contrast, the electromechanical delay differed between sexes only in the elderly and the age-related elongation of electromechanical delay was significant only in women (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both a sex difference and a sex difference of age-related change in hip abductor muscle properties were demonstrated. These sex differences may contribute to the sex difference in lateral balance performance.

Sarcopenia--mechanisms and treatments

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a consequence of aging. This atrophic event is responsible for decrease in strength and associated functional deficits seen in the aging adult.

PURPOSE

This paper reviews: (1) the mechanisms contributing to sarcopenia, (2) the impact of age-related changes in muscle composition on 3 processes integral to muscle function, (3) the efficacy of pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter nutritional supplements in the management of sarcopenia, (4) experimental use of pharmaceutical regulation of myostatin to increase muscle mass and strength in animal models, and (5) efficacy of resistance training as a means of maintaining or recovering muscle mass and strength.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for relevant research articles using the following descriptors: sarcopenia, aging, muscle mass, muscle performance, muscle strength, myostatin, testosterone, growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, hormone replacement, nutrition, resistance training, and endurance training.

RESULTS

Sarcopenia is mediated by multiple mechanisms, including alpha-motor neuron death, altered hormone concentrations, increased inflammation, and altered nutritional status. Age-related changes within muscle likely affect processes integral to muscle function. These changes negatively influence muscle performance directly or by contributing to sarcopenia. Pharmaceutical or supplement interventions to treat sarcopenia have not proved encouraging to date, either lacking or providing limited efficacy, along with the potential for negative health consequences. In contrast, resistance training has proven safe and highly effective for increasing muscle mass and strength in aging adults.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is a multifactorial consequence of aging that will affect many adults. Resistance training is the most effective and safe intervention to attenuate or recover some of the loss of muscle mass and strength that accompanies aging.

Rapid torque development in older female fallers and nonfallers: a comparison across lower-extremity muscles

The objective of this study was to compare reaction time, joint torque, rate of torque development, and magnitude of neuromuscular activation of lower-extremity muscles in elderly female fallers and nonfallers. Participants included 11, elderly, female fallers (71.3+/-5.4 years) and twelve nonfallers (71.3+/-6.2 years) who completed a fall risk questionnaire. Then, maximal, voluntary, isometric contractions of the knee and ankle muscles were performed in reaction to a visual cue to determine joint torque, rate of torque development, reaction time, and nervous activation of agonists and antagonists. Results indicated that significantly more fallers reported "dizziness upon rising", "use of balance altering medications", "stress or depression", "not enough sleep", "arthritis in lower body", "chronic pain in lower body", and "tiring easily while walking" (all P<0.05). Normalized dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength scores (summation of peak torque, rate of torque development and impulse) were lower in fallers than in nonfallers (P<0.05). When summed across lower-extremity muscle groups, fallers demonstrated 19% lower peak torque and 29% longer motor time (P<0.05). In conclusion, comprehensive fall risk screening and prevention programs should address both neuromuscular and non-muscular factors, and, weakness of the ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors should be further studied as potential contributors to falls in older adults.

Age-related muscle dysfunction

Aging is associated with a progressive decline of muscle mass, strength, and quality, a condition described as sarcopenia of aging. Despite the significance of skeletal muscle atrophy, the mechanisms responsible for the deterioration of muscle performance are only partially understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight cellular, molecular, and biochemical changes that contribute to age-related muscle dysfunction.

Caloric restriction optimizes the proteasome pathway with aging in rat plantaris muscle: implications for sarcopenia

To gain insight into the significance of alterations in the proteasome pathway for sarcopenia and its attenuation by calorie restriction, we examined protein oxidation and components of the proteasome pathway in plantaris muscle in 8-, 30-, and 35-mo-old ad libitum-fed (AL) rats; and in 8-, 35-, and 40-mo-old calorie-restricted (CR) rats. We hypothesized that CR rats would exhibit a lesser accumulation of protein carbonyls with aging and that this would be associated with a better maintenance of skeletal muscle proteasome activity and function with aging. Consistent with this view, whereas AL rats had a significant increase in protein carbonylation with aging, there was no such increase in CR rats. Protein levels of the ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MAFbx increased similarly with aging in both AL and CR rats. On the other hand, chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome increased with aging more gradually in CR rats, and this increase was paralleled by increases in the expression of the C2 subunit in both groups, suggesting that differences in activity were not related to differences in proteasome function with aging. Interestingly, the plot of muscle mass vs. proteasome activity showed that the oldest animals in both diets had a lower muscle mass than would be predicted by their proteasome activity, suggesting that other factors explain the acceleration of sarcopenia at advanced age. Since calorie restriction better protects skeletal muscle function than muscle mass with aging (Hepple RT, Baker DJ, Kaczor JJ, Krause DJ, FASEB J 19: 1320–1322, 2005), and our current results show that this protection of function is associated with a prevention of oxidative protein damage accumulation, we suggest that calorie restriction optimizes the proteasome pathway to preserve skeletal muscle function at the expense of modest muscle atrophy.

Aging enhances indirect flight muscle fiber performance yet decreases flight ability in Drosophila

We investigated the effects of aging on Drosophila melanogaster indirect flight muscle from the whole organism to the actomyosin cross-bridge. Median-aged (49-day-old) flies were flight impaired, had normal myofilament number and packing, barely longer sarcomeres, and slight mitochondrial deterioration compared with young (3-day-old) flies. Old (56-day-old) flies were unable to beat their wings, had deteriorated ultrastructure with severe mitochondrial damage, and their skinned fibers failed to activate with calcium. Small-amplitude sinusoidal length perturbation analysis showed median-aged indirect flight muscle fibers developed greater than twice the isometric force and power output of young fibers, yet cross-bridge kinetics were similar. Large increases in elastic and viscous moduli amplitude under active, passive, and rigor conditions suggest that median-aged fibers become stiffer longitudinally. Small-angle x-ray diffraction indicates that myosin heads move increasingly toward the thin filament with age, accounting for the increased transverse stiffness via cross-bridge formation. We propose that the observed protein composition changes in the connecting filaments, which anchor the thick filaments to the Z-disk, produce compensatory increases in longitudinal stiffness, isometric tension, power and actomyosin interaction in aging indirect flight muscle. We also speculate that a lack of MgATP due to damaged mitochondria accounts for the decreased flight performance.

Modulation of the actomyosin interaction during fatigue of skeletal muscle

Fatigue of skeletal muscle involves many systems beginning with the central nervous system and ending with the contractile machinery. This review concentrates on those factors that directly affect the actomyosin interaction: the build-up of metabolites; myosin phosphorylation; and oxidation of the myofibrillar proteins by free radicals. The decrease in [ATP] and increase in [ADP] appear to play little role in modulating function. The increase in phosphate inhibits tension. The decrease in pH, long thought to be a major factor, is now known to play a more minor role. Myosin phosphorylation potentiates the force achieved in a twitch, and a further role in inhibiting velocity is proposed. Protein oxidation can both potentiate and inhibit the actomyosin interaction. It is concluded that these factors, taken together, do not fully explain the inhibition of the actomyosin interaction observed in living fibers, and thus additional modulators of this interaction remain to be discovered.

Explosive force and fractionated reaction time in elderly low- and high-active women

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle power, activation time, and neuromuscular stimulation are related to physical activity patterns in older women.

METHODS

Forty women (65-84 yr) were assigned to high-active (HA) and low-active (LA) groups on the basis of a historical activity questionnaire, and then they performed a series of maximal, voluntary, isometric knee extensions in a visually cued RT task. Fractionated RT measures were taken using three landmarks in the data: the presentation of the visual stimulus, the beginning of the EMG burst, and the initiation of force development. The rate and magnitude of neural stimulation were taken from surface EMG.

RESULTS

Peak torque was 15% greater, rate of torque development was 26% greater, motor time was 17% shorter, rate of EMG rise was 25% faster, and onset EMG magnitude was 15% greater in HA than in LA subjects (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that older women with a history of vigorous activity can generate greater force, power, and motor output in comparison with their less active peers. The lower-body mass index of the HA subjects and 310% greater volume of physical activity are likely to account for the enhanced neuromuscular function seen. It is plausible that in addition to aging, physical inactivity is responsible for a large portion of the loss of neuromuscular function seen in older adults.

Functional, structural, and chemical changes in myosin associated with hydrogen peroxide treatment of skeletal muscle fibers

To understand the molecular mechanism of oxidation-induced inhibition of muscle contractility, we have studied the effects of hydrogen peroxide on permeabilized rabbit psoas muscle fibers, focusing on changes in myosin purified from these fibers. Oxidation by 5 mM peroxide decreased fiber contractility (isometric force and shortening velocity) without significant changes in the enzymatic activity of myofibrils and isolated myosin. The inhibitory effects were reversed by treating fibers with dithiothreitol. Oxidation by 50 mM peroxide had a more pronounced and irreversible inhibitory effect on fiber contractility and also affected enzymatic activity of myofibrils, myosin, and actomyosin. Peroxide treatment also affected regulation of contractility, resulting in fiber activation in the absence of calcium. Electron paramagnetic resonance of spin-labeled myosin in muscle fibers showed that oxidation increased the fraction of myosin heads in the strong-binding structural state under relaxing conditions (low calcium) but had no effect under activating conditions (high calcium). This change in the distribution of structural states of myosin provides a plausible explanation for the observed changes in both contractile and regulatory functions. Mass spectroscopy analysis showed that 50 mM but not 5 mM peroxide induced oxidative modifications in both isoforms of the essential light chains and in the heavy chain of myosin subfragment 1 by targeting multiple methionine residues. We conclude that 1) inhibition of muscle fiber contractility via oxidation of myosin occurs at high but not low concentrations of peroxide and 2) the inhibitory effects of oxidation suggest a critical and previously unknown role of methionines in myosin function.

Age-related decline in actomyosin structure and function

This review focuses on the role of changes in the contractile proteins actin and myosin in age-related deterioration of skeletal muscle function. Functional and structural changes in contractile proteins have been determined indirectly from specific force and unloaded shortening velocity of permeabilized muscle fibers, and were detected directly from site-directed spectroscopy in muscle fibers and from biochemical analysis of purified actin and myosin. Contractile proteins from aged and young muscle differ in (a) myosin and actomyosin ATPase activities, (b) structural states of myosin in contracting muscle, (c) the state of oxidative modifications. The extent of age-related physiological and molecular changes is dependent on the studied animal, the animal's age, and the type of muscle. Therefore, understanding the aging process requires systematic, multidisciplinary studies on physiological, biochemical, structural, and chemical changes in specific muscles.

Estradiol replacement reverses ovariectomy-induced muscle contractile and myosin dysfunction in mature female mice

Skeletal muscle contractility and myosin function decline following ovariectomy in mature female mice. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that estradiol replacement can reverse those declines. Four-month-old female C57BL/6 mice (n = 69) were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham operated. Some mice were treated immediately with placebo or 17beta-estradiol (OVX + E(2)) while other mice were treated 30 days postsurgery. Thirty or sixty days postsurgery, soleus muscles were assessed in vitro for contractile function and susceptibility to eccentric contraction-induced injury. Myosin structural dynamics was analyzed in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Maximal isometric tetanic force was affected by estradiol status (P < 0.001) being approximately 10% less in soleus muscles from OVX compared with sham-operated mice [168 mN (SD 16.7) vs. 180 mN (SD 14.4)] and was restored in OVX + E(2) mice [187 mN (SD 17.6)]. The fraction of strong-binding myosin during contraction was also affected (P = 0.045) and was approximately 15% lower in EDL muscles from OVX compared with OVX + E(2) mice [0.263 (SD 0.034) vs. 0.311 (SD 0.022)]. Plasma estradiol levels were correlated with maximal isometric tetanic force (r = 0.458; P < 0.001) and active stiffness (r = 0.329; P = 0.044), indicating that circulating estradiol influenced muscle and myosin function. Estradiol was not effective in protecting muscle against an acute eccentric contraction-induced injury (P >or= 0.401) but did restore ovariectomy-induced increases in muscle wet mass caused by fluid accumulation. Collectively, estradiol had a beneficial effect on female mouse skeletal muscle.

Protein nitration with aging in the rat semimembranosus and soleus muscles

On the basis of the accelerated age-related effects in type II muscle, we hypothesized that with aging the semimembranosus (type II) muscle would accumulate a greater amount of oxidized proteins compared to proteins in the soleus (type I) muscle. In this study, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) was used as a stable marker of protein oxidative damage. The presence of 3-NT was evaluated in muscles from young adult, old, and very old Fischer 344 rats to provide an indication of the time course of muscle protein oxidative damage. A significant age-associated increase in nitrotyrosine-modified proteins was observed. The modified proteins identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry include the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(+2)-ATPase, aconitase, beta-enolase, triosephosphate isomerase, and carbonic anhydrase III. These proteins, involved in metabolism and calcium homeostasis, exhibited an age-dependent increase in 3-NT content in both muscles. However, significant levels of 3-NT modification were present at an earlier age in the semimembranosus muscle.

Myosin and actin expression and oxidation in aging muscle

While the age-related loss in muscle mass partially explains the decline in strength, other yet undefined mechanisms contribute. This study investigates whether changes in myosin-actin stoichiometry and oxidative modification could help explain the decrement in muscle strength with aging. Protein expression and oxidation were evaluated in myosin and actin isolated from the soleus and semimembranosus muscles from young adult, old, and very old Fischer 344 rats. In the soleus muscle, actin and myosin content did not change with aging. In the semimembranosus, actin content was stable, but myosin exhibited decreased content in muscles from very old rats, resulting in a decrease in the myosin-to-actin ratio. 3-Nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal were used as markers of protein oxidative damage. Although myosin and actin are modified with 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, the extent of chemical modification does not increase with age. The results suggest that the decline in force production with age is not due to the accumulation of these two specific markers of protein oxidation on the myofibrillar proteins. Additionally, age-dependent changes in myofibrillar stoichiometry do not contribute to the decline in force production in the soleus, but may play a role in the semimembranosus with advanced age.

Aging, muscle fiber type, and contractile function in sprint-trained athletes

Biopsy samples were taken from the vastus lateralis of 18- to 84-yr-old male sprinters (n = 91). Fiber-type distribution, cross-sectional area, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform content were identified using ATPase histochemistry and SDS-PAGE. Specific tension and maximum shortening velocity (V(o)) were determined in 144 single skinned fibers from younger (18-33 yr, n = 8) and older (53-77 yr, n = 9) runners. Force-time characteristics of the knee extensors were determined by using isometric contraction. The cross-sectional area of type I fibers was unchanged with age, whereas that of type II fibers was reduced (P < 0.001). With age there was an increased MHC I (P < 0.01) and reduced MHC IIx isoform content (P < 0.05) but no differences in MHC IIa. Specific tension of type I and IIa MHC fibers did not differ between younger and older subjects. V(o) of fibers expressing type I MHC was lower (P < 0.05) in older than in younger subjects, but there was no difference in V(o) of type IIa MHC fibers. An aging-related decline of maximal isometric force (P < 0.001) and normalized rate of force development (P < 0.05) of knee extensors was observed. Normalized rate of force development was positively associated with MHC II (P < 0.05). The sprint-trained athletes experienced the typical aging-related reduction in the size of fast fibers, a shift toward a slower MHC isoform profile, and a lower V(o) of type I MHC fibers, which played a role in the decline in explosive force production. However, the muscle characteristics were preserved at a high level in the oldest runners, underlining the favorable impact of sprint exercise on aging muscle.

Nitrosative/oxidative modifications and ageing

We present here a brief description of the relationships among metals, nitric oxide metabolism, and ageing. In particular, we will discuss the interactions occurring between redox (copper, iron) and non-redox (zinc) metals and nitric oxide, the metal- and nitric oxide-catalyzed formation of thiol adducts (nitrosothiols, mixed disulphides) and the possible involvement of these species in the ageing process.