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Drummer DJ, McNiff JL, Howard EE, Gwin JA, Carrigan CT, Murphy NE, Wilson MA, Michalak J, Ryan BJ, McClung JP, Pasiakos SM, Margolis LM. Exogenous erythropoietin increases hematological status, fat oxidation, and aerobic performance in males following prolonged strenuous training. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e16038. [PMID: 38757249 PMCID: PMC11099744 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of EPO on hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct), time trial (TT) performance, substrate oxidation, and skeletal muscle phenotype throughout 28 days of strenuous exercise. Eight males completed this longitudinal controlled exercise and feeding study using EPO (50 IU/kg body mass) 3×/week for 28 days. Hgb, Hct, and TT performance were assessed PRE and on Days 7, 14, 21, and 27 of EPO. Rested/fasted muscle obtained PRE and POST EPO were analyzed for gene expression, protein signaling, fiber type, and capillarization. Substrate oxidation and glucose turnover were assessed during 90-min of treadmill load carriage (LC; 30% body mass; 55 ± 5% V̇O2peak) exercise using indirect calorimetry, and 6-6-[2H2]-glucose PRE and POST. Hgb and Hct increased, and TT performance improved on Days 21 and 27 compared to PRE (p < 0.05). Energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and metabolic clearance rate during LC increased (p < 0.05) from PRE to POST. Myofiber type, protein markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, and capillarization were unchanged PRE to POST. Transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial activity and fat metabolism increased from PRE to POST (p < 0.05). These data indicate EPO administration during 28 days of strenuous exercise can enhance aerobic performance through improved oxygen carrying capacity, whole-body and skeletal muscle fat metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin J. Drummer
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and EducationBelcampMarylandUSA
| | - Julie L. McNiff
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
- Combat Feeding DivisionU.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)NatickMassachusettsUSA
| | - Emily E. Howard
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jess A. Gwin
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
| | - Christopher T. Carrigan
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nancy E. Murphy
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
| | - Marques A. Wilson
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
| | - Julia Michalak
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and EducationBelcampMarylandUSA
| | - Benjamin J. Ryan
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
| | - James P. McClung
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
| | - Stefan M. Pasiakos
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of HealthU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Lee M. Margolis
- Military Nutrition DivisionU.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental MedicineNatickMassachusettsUSA
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2
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Lee J, Walter MF, Korach KS, Noguchi CT. Erythropoietin reduces fat mass in female mice lacking estrogen receptor alpha. Mol Metab 2020; 45:101142. [PMID: 33309599 PMCID: PMC7809438 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Erythropoietin (EPO), the cytokine required for erythropoiesis, contributes to metabolic regulation of fat mass and glycemic control. EPO treatment in mice on high-fat diets (HFD) improved glucose tolerance and decreased body weight gain via reduced fat mass in males and ovariectomized females. The decreased fat accumulation with EPO treatment during HFD in ovariectomized females was abrogated with estradiol supplementation, providing evidence for estrogen-related gender-specific EPO action in metabolic regulation. In this study, we examined the cross-talk between estrogen mediated through estrogen receptor α (ERα) and EPO for the regulation of glucose metabolism and fat mass accumulation. Methods Wild-type (WT) mice and mouse models with ERα knockout (ERα−/−) and targeted deletion of ERα in adipose tissue (ERαadipoKO) were used to examine EPO treatment during high-fat diet feeding and after diet-induced obesity. Results ERα−/− mice on HFD exhibited increased fat mass and glucose intolerance. EPO treatment on HFD reduced fat accumulation in male WT and ERα−/− mice and female ERα−/− mice but not female WT mice. EPO reduced HFD increase in adipocyte size in WT mice but not in mice with deletion of ERα independent of EPO-stimulated reduction in fat mass. EPO treatment also improved glucose and insulin tolerance significantly greater in female ERα−/− mice and female ERαadipoKO compared with WT controls. Increased metabolic activity by EPO was associated with browning of white adipocytes as shown by reductions in white fat-associated genes and induction of brown fat-specific uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Conclusions This study clearly identified the role of estrogen signaling in modifying EPO regulation of glucose metabolism and the sex-differential EPO effect on fat mass regulation. Cross-talk between EPO and estrogen was implicated for metabolic homeostasis and regulation of body mass in female mice. Erythropoietin regulates fat mass in male but not female mice on high-fat diets. Female estrogen receptor alpha deletion restores erythropoietin fat mass regulation. Estrogen receptor alpha deletion increases erythropoietin regulation of glucose tolerance. Erythropoietin reduced white fat-associated genes and increased uncoupling protein 1. Erythropoietin and estrogen cross-talk is implicated for metabolic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeeyoung Lee
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary F Walter
- Clinical Laboratory Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Constance Tom Noguchi
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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3
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Risikesan J, Nellemann B, Christensen B, Jørgensen JOL, Nielsen S. No effect of 10 weeks erythropoietin treatment on lipid oxidation in healthy men. Endocr Connect 2020; 9:1148-1155. [PMID: 33112835 PMCID: PMC7774772 DOI: 10.1530/ec-20-0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Studies indicate that erythropoietin (EPO) has effect on lipid and energy metabolism; however, the impact of EPO on lipid oxidation in vivo has not been well documented. Here, we evaluate whether long-term erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment affects the oxidation of plasma very low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (VLDL-TG) fatty acids (FA), plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and non-plasma (residual) FA in healthy, young, sedentary men. Infusion of [1-14C]VLDL-TG and [9,10-3H]palmitate was used in combination with indirect calorimetry to assess resting lipid fuel utilization and kinetics, and resting energy expenditure (REE) before and after 10 weeks of ESA exposure compared with placebo. REE increased significantly during ESA compared with placebo (P = 0.023, RM-ANOVA). Oxidation rates of VLDL-TG FA, FFA, and residual FA remained unchanged during ESA compared with placebo. The relative contribution of the lipid stores was greatest for FFA (47.1%) and the total lipid oxidation rate and was not significantly different between ESA and placebo-treated subjects. We conclude that long-term ESA treatment of healthy young men increases REE but does not alter the oxidation rates of plasma and non-plasma FA sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyanthini Risikesan
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Nellemann
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Britt Christensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Søren Nielsen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence should be addressed to S Nielsen:
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4
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Haider T, Diaz V, Albert J, Alvarez-Sanchez M, Thiersch M, Maggiorini M, Hilty MP, Spengler CM, Gassmann M. A Single 60.000 IU Dose of Erythropoietin Does Not Improve Short-Term Aerobic Exercise Performance in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial. Front Physiol 2020; 11:537389. [PMID: 33117187 PMCID: PMC7550763 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.537389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) boosts exercise performance through increase in oxygen transport capacity following regular administration of EPO but preclinical study results suggest that single high dose of EPO also may improve exercise capacity. Twenty-nine healthy subjects (14 males/15 females; age: 25 ± 3 years) were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to assess peak work load and cardiopulmonary variables during submaximal and maximal cycling tests following a single dose of 60.000 IU of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) or placebo (PLA). Submaximal exercise at 40%/60% of peak work load revealed no main effect of EPO on oxygen uptake (27.9 ± 8.7 ml min–1⋅kg–1/ 37.1 ± 13.2 ml min–1⋅kg–1) versus PLA (25.2 ± 3.7 ml min–1⋅kg–1/ 33.1 ± 5.3 ml min–1⋅kg–1) condition (p = 0.447/p = 0.756). During maximal exercise peak work load (PLA: 3.5 ± 0.6 W⋅kg–1 vs. EPO: 3.5 ± 0.6 W kg–1, p = 0.892) and peak oxygen uptake (PLA: 45.1 ± 10.4 ml⋅min–1 kg–1 vs. EPO: 46.1 ± 14.2 ml⋅min–1 kg–1, p = 0.344) reached comparable values in the two treatment conditions. Other cardiopulmonary variables (ventilation, cardiac output, heart rate) also reached similar levels in the two treatment conditions. An interaction effect was found between treatment condition and sex resulting in higher peak oxygen consumption (p = 0.048) and ventilation (p = 0.044) in EPO-treated males. In conclusion, in a carefully conducted study using placebo-controlled design the present data failed to support the hypothesis that a single high dose of EPO has a measurable impact on work capacity in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Haider
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Victor Diaz
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jamie Albert
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Alvarez-Sanchez
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Thiersch
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Maggiorini
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Hilty
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina M Spengler
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Human Movement Science and Sport, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Max Gassmann
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), Zurich, Switzerland
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5
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Nielsen J, Christensen AE, Nellemann B, Christensen B. Lipid droplet size and location in human skeletal muscle fibers are associated with insulin sensitivity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2017; 313:E721-E730. [PMID: 28743757 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00062.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In skeletal muscle, an accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) in the subsarcolemmal space is associated with insulin resistance, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. We aimed to investigate how the size, number, and location of LDs are associated with insulin sensitivity and muscle fiber types and are regulated by aerobic training and treatment with an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) in healthy young untrained men. LD analyses were performed by quantitative transmission electron microscopy, and insulin sensitivity was assessed by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. At baseline, we found that only the diameter (and not the number) of individual subsarcolemmal LDs was negatively associated with insulin sensitivity (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.03, n = 29). Despite 34% (P = 0.004) fewer LDs, the diameter of individual subsarcolemmal LDs was 20% (P = 0.0004) larger in type 2 fibers than in type 1 fibers. Furthermore, aerobic training decreased the size of subsarcolemmal LDs in the type 2 fibers, and ESA treatment lowered the number of both intermyofibrillar and subsarcolemmal LDs in the type 1 fibers. In conclusion, the size of individual subsarcolemmal LDs may be involved in the mechanism by which LDs are associated with insulin resistance in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Nielsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Muscle Research Cluster (SMRC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark;
- Department of Pathology, SDU Muscle Research Cluster (SMRC), Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark; and
| | - Anders E Christensen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Muscle Research Cluster (SMRC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Nellemann
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, NBG/THG, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Britt Christensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, NBG/THG, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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6
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Kodo K, Sugimoto S, Nakajima H, Mori J, Itoh I, Fukuhara S, Shigehara K, Nishikawa T, Kosaka K, Hosoi H. Erythropoietin (EPO) ameliorates obesity and glucose homeostasis by promoting thermogenesis and endocrine function of classical brown adipose tissue (BAT) in diet-induced obese mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173661. [PMID: 28288167 PMCID: PMC5348037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO), clinically used as a hematopoietic drug, has received much attention due to its nonhematopoietic effects. EPO reportedly has beneficial effects on obesity and diabetes mellitus. We investigated whether interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT: main part of classical BAT) could play a role in EPO’s anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects in diet-induced obese mice. Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD-Con), and half were additionally given an intraperitoneal injection of recombinant human EPO (200 IU/kg) (HFD-EPO) thrice a week for four weeks. At 8 weeks, EPO-injected mice showed significantly reduced body weight with reduced epididymal and subcutaneous white fat mass and unchanged caloric intake and locomotor activity. HOMA-IR (insulin resistance index) and glucose levels during intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) were significantly lower in HFD-EPO mice than in HFD-Con mice. EPO-injected mice also showed increased oxygen consumption, indicative of metabolic rate, and skin temperature around iBAT tissue masses. EPO significantly upregulated the PRD1-BF1-RIZ1 homologous domain containing 16 (PRDM16), a transcriptional factor with a crucial role in brown adipocyte differentiation. EPO significantly increased phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is downstream of erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) and known to stabilize PRDM16. EPO’s suppression of myocyte enhancer factor 2c (Mef2c) and microRNA-133a (miR-133a) via β3-adrenergic receptor caused PRDM16 upregulation. EPO-mediated enhancement of EpoR/STAT3 and β-adrenergic receptor/Mef2c/miR-133 pathways dramatically increases total uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), an essential enzyme for BAT thermogenesis. Furthermore, EPO activated BAT’s endocrine functions. EPO facilitated fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) production and excretion in iBAT, associated with reduction of liver gluconeogenesis-related genes. Thus, EPO’s improvement of obesity and glucose homeostasis can be attributed to increased iBAT thermogenic capacity and activation of BAT’s endocrine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Kodo
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
| | - Satoru Sugimoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Ayabe Municipal Hospital, Ayabe City, Japan
- * E-mail: (SS); (HN)
| | - Hisakazu Nakajima
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
- * E-mail: (SS); (HN)
| | - Jun Mori
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
| | - Ikuyo Itoh
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
| | - Shota Fukuhara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
| | - Keiichi Shigehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
| | - Taichiro Nishikawa
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
| | - Kitaro Kosaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
| | - Hajime Hosoi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto City, Japan
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7
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Zhang Y, Rogers HM, Zhang X, Noguchi CT. Sex difference in mouse metabolic response to erythropoietin. FASEB J 2017; 31:2661-2673. [PMID: 28283542 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601223rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) is the cytokine that regulates red blood cell production. Less understood is the nonerythroid action of EPO, including metabolic regulation of fat accumulation and glucose homeostasis. Although EPO treatment increased hematocrit and improved glucose tolerance in male and female mice, we observed a gender difference in EPO effects in weight control. EPO treatment reduced diet-induced weight gain from 9.6 ± 1.5 to 4.2 ± 1.4 g in male mice (P < 0.001), while the weight gain in female mice was similar (4.7 ± 2.0 g with PBS treatment and 3.3 ± 2.1 g with EPO treatment). EPO treatment also reduced weight gain in ovariectomized female mice, while the effect was abrogated with estradiol supplementation, suggesting that the sex-differential response to EPO was associated with estrogen. Furthermore, mice with targeted deletion of EPO receptor in white adipose tissue exhibited sex-differential phenotype in weight control and glucose sensitivity, and EPO receptor gene expression was reduced in wild-type female mice, suggesting that white adipose tissue plays an integral role in mediating the metabolic effects of EPO. Our data provide evidence for a sex-differential response to EPO in weight control in mice and underscore the potential for gender specific EPO action beyond erythropoiesis.-Zhang, Y., Rogers, H. M., Zhang, X., Noguchi, C. T. Sex difference in mouse metabolic response to erythropoietin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhang
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather M Rogers
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Sciences Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Constance Tom Noguchi
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
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8
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Christensen B, Nellemann B, Jørgensen JOL, Pedersen SB, Jessen N. Erythropoietin does not activate erythropoietin receptor signaling or lipolytic pathways in human subcutaneous white adipose tissue in vivo. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:160. [PMID: 27640183 PMCID: PMC5027120 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0327-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Erythropoietin (Epo) exerts direct effects on white adipose tissue (WAT) in mice in addition to its erythropoietic effects, and in humans Epo increases resting energy expenditure and affect serum lipid levels, but direct effects of Epo in human WAT have not been documented. We therefore investigated the effects of acute and prolonged Epo exposure on human WAT in vivo. Method Data were obtained from two clinical trials: 1) acute Epo exposure (rHuEpo, 400 IU/kg) followed by WAT biopsies after 1 h and 2) 10 weeks treatment with the erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) Darbepoietin-alpha. Biopsies were analyzed by PCR for Epo receptor (Epo-R) mRNA. A new and highly specific antibody (A82, Amgen) was used to evaluate the presence of Epo-R by western blot analysis in addition to Epo-R signaling proteins (Akt, STAT5, p70s6k, LYN, and p38MAPK), activation of lipolytic pathways (ATGL, HSL, CGI-58, G0S2, Perilipin, Cidea, Cidec, AMPK, and ACC), and mitochondrial biogenesis (VDAC, HSP90, PDH, and SDHA). Results No evidence of in vivo activation of the Epo-R in WAT could be documented despite detectable levels of Epo-R mRNA. Conclusion Thus, in contradiction to animal studies, Epo treatment within a physiological relevant range in humans does not exert direct effects in a subcutaneous WAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Christensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, NBG/THG, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. .,Research Laboratory for Biochemical Pathology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Birgitte Nellemann
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, NBG/THG, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jens Otto L Jørgensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, NBG/THG, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Steen B Pedersen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, NBG/THG, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Niels Jessen
- Research Laboratory for Biochemical Pathology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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9
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Lamon S, Zacharewicz E, Arentson-Lantz E, Gatta PAD, Ghobrial L, Gerlinger-Romero F, Garnham A, Paddon-Jones D, Russell AP. Erythropoietin Does Not Enhance Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis Following Exercise in Young and Older Adults. Front Physiol 2016; 7:292. [PMID: 27458387 PMCID: PMC4937030 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a renal cytokine that is primarily involved in hematopoiesis while also playing a role in non-hematopoietic tissues expressing the EPO-receptor (EPOR). The EPOR is present in human skeletal muscle. In mouse skeletal muscle, EPO stimulation can activate the AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT) signaling pathway, the main positive regulator of muscle protein synthesis. We hypothesized that a single intravenous EPO injection combined with acute resistance exercise would have a synergistic effect on skeletal muscle protein synthesis via activation of the AKT pathway. Methods: Ten young (24.2 ± 0.9 years) and 10 older (66.6 ± 1.1 years) healthy subjects received a primed, constant infusion of [ring-13C6] L-phenylalanine and a single injection of 10,000 IU epoetin-beta or placebo in a double-blind randomized, cross-over design. 2 h after the injection, the subjects completed an acute bout of leg extension resistance exercise to stimulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis. Results: Significant interaction effects in the phosphorylation levels of the members of the AKT signaling pathway indicated a differential activation of protein synthesis signaling in older subjects when compared to young subjects. However, EPO offered no synergistic effect on vastus lateralis mixed muscle protein synthesis rate in young or older subjects. Conclusions: Despite its ability to activate the AKT pathway in skeletal muscle, an acute EPO injection had no additive or synergistic effect on the exercise-induced activation of muscle protein synthesis or muscle protein synthesis signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Evelyn Zacharewicz
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily Arentson-Lantz
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Paul A Della Gatta
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Lobna Ghobrial
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Frederico Gerlinger-Romero
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Garnham
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Douglas Paddon-Jones
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Aaron P Russell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, VIC, Australia
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10
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Christensen B, Nellemann B, Thorsen K, Nielsen MM, Pedersen SB, Ornstrup MJ, JØrgensen JOL, Jessen N. Prolonged erythropoietin treatment does not impact gene expression in human skeletal muscle. Muscle Nerve 2015; 51:554-61. [PMID: 25088500 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We tested for the presence of erythropoietin receptor (Epo-R) in human skeletal muscle and alterations in gene expression after prolonged use of an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). METHODS Nine healthy men were treated with ESA for 10 weeks (darbepoietin alfa). Muscle biopsies were collected before and after treatment. Alterations in gene expression were evaluated by gene array. Western blot and PCR analysis were used to test for Epo-R presence in human skeletal muscle. RESULTS Very low Epo-R mRNA levels were found, but a new and sensitive antibody did not identify Epo-R protein in human skeletal muscle. The between-subject variation in skeletal muscle gene expression was greater than that observed in response to prolonged ESA treatment. CONCLUSIONS Erythropoietin is unlikely to exert direct effects in human skeletal muscle due to a lack of Epo-R protein. Furthermore, prolonged ESA treatment does not seem to exert either direct or indirect effects on skeletal muscle gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Christensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, NBG/THG, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Medical Research Laboratories, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Section of Sports Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Caillaud C, Connes P, Ben Saad H, Mercier J. Erythropoietin enhances whole body lipid oxidation during prolonged exercise in humans. J Physiol Biochem 2015; 71:9-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s13105-014-0374-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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12
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Guadalupe-Grau A, Plenge U, Helbo S, Kristensen M, Andersen PR, Fago A, Belhage B, Dela F, Helge JW. Effects of an 8-weeks erythropoietin treatment on mitochondrial and whole body fat oxidation capacity during exercise in healthy males. J Sports Sci 2014; 33:570-8. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2014.951872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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13
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Wang L, Di L, Noguchi CT. Erythropoietin, a novel versatile player regulating energy metabolism beyond the erythroid system. Int J Biol Sci 2014; 10:921-39. [PMID: 25170305 PMCID: PMC4147225 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.9518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO), the required cytokine for promoting the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid cells to stimulate erythropoiesis, has been reported to act as a pleiotropic cytokine beyond hematopoietic system. The various activities of EPO are determined by the widespread distribution of its cell surface EPO receptor (EpoR) in multiple tissues including endothelial, neural, myoblasts, adipocytes and other cell types. EPO activity has been linked to angiogenesis, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, stress protection, anti-inflammation and especially the energy metabolism regulation that is recently revealed. The investigations of EPO activity in animals and the expression analysis of EpoR provide more insights on the potential of EPO in regulating energy metabolism and homeostasis. The findings of crosstalk between EPO and some important energy sensors and the regulation of EPO in the cellular respiration and mitochondrial function further provide molecular mechanisms for EPO activity in metabolic activity regulation. In this review, we will summarize the roles of EPO in energy metabolism regulation and the activity of EPO in tissues that are tightly associated with energy metabolism. We will also discuss the effects of EPO in regulating oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial function, the interactions between EPO and important energy regulation factors, and the protective role of EPO from stresses that are related to metabolism, providing a brief overview of previously less appreciated EPO biological function in energy metabolism and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, SAR of People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Di
- 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, SAR of People's Republic of China
| | - Constance Tom Noguchi
- 2. Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
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Zhang Y, Wang L, Dey S, Alnaeeli M, Suresh S, Rogers H, Teng R, Noguchi CT. Erythropoietin action in stress response, tissue maintenance and metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:10296-333. [PMID: 24918289 PMCID: PMC4100153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150610296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) regulation of red blood cell production and its induction at reduced oxygen tension provides for the important erythropoietic response to ischemic stress. The cloning and production of recombinant human EPO has led to its clinical use in patients with anemia for two and half decades and has facilitated studies of EPO action. Reports of animal and cell models of ischemic stress in vitro and injury suggest potential EPO benefit beyond red blood cell production including vascular endothelial response to increase nitric oxide production, which facilitates oxygen delivery to brain, heart and other non-hematopoietic tissues. This review discusses these and other reports of EPO action beyond red blood cell production, including EPO response affecting metabolism and obesity in animal models. Observations of EPO activity in cell and animal model systems, including mice with tissue specific deletion of EPO receptor (EpoR), suggest the potential for EPO response in metabolism and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhang
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Li Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Soumyadeep Dey
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Mawadda Alnaeeli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA.
| | - Sukanya Suresh
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Heather Rogers
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Ruifeng Teng
- Mouse Metabolism Core Laboratory, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Constance Tom Noguchi
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Christensen B, Nellemann B, Larsen MS, Thams L, Sieljacks P, Vestergaard PF, Bibby BM, Vissing K, Stødkilde-Jørgensen H, Pedersen SB, Møller N, Nielsen S, Jessen N, Jørgensen JOL. Whole body metabolic effects of prolonged endurance training in combination with erythropoietin treatment in humans: a randomized placebo controlled trial. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 305:E879-89. [PMID: 23921143 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00269.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Erythropoietin (Epo) administration improves aerobic exercise capacity and insulin sensitivity in renal patients and also increases resting energy expenditure (REE). Similar effects are observed in response to endurance training. The aim was to compare the effects of endurance training with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment in healthy humans. Thirty-six healthy untrained men were randomized to 10 wk of either: 1) placebo (n = 9), 2) ESA (n = 9), 3) endurance training (n = 10), or 4) ESA and endurance training (n = 8). In a single-blinded design, ESA/placebo was injected one time weekly. Training consisted of biking for 1 h at 65% of wattmax three times per week. Measurements performed before and after the intervention were as follows: body composition, maximal oxygen uptake, insulin sensitivity, REE, and palmitate turnover. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) mRNA levels were assessed in skeletal muscle. Fat mass decreased after training (P = 0.003), whereas ESA induced a small but significant increase in intrahepatic fat (P = 0.025). Serum free fatty acid (FFA) levels and palmitate turnover decreased significantly in response to training, whereas the opposite pattern was found after ESA. REE corrected for lean body mass increased in response to ESA and training, and muscle UCP2 mRNA levels increased after ESA (P = 0.035). Insulin sensitivity increased only after training (P = 0.011). IN CONCLUSION 1) insulin sensitivity is not improved after ESA treatment despite improved exercise capacity, 2) the calorigenic effects of ESA may be related to increased UCP2 gene expression in skeletal muscle, and 3) training and ESA exert opposite effects on lipolysis under basal conditions, increased FFA levels and liver fat fraction was observed after ESA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Christensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, NBG/THG, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Lamon S, Russell AP. The role and regulation of erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor in skeletal muscle: how much do we really know? Front Physiol 2013; 4:176. [PMID: 23874302 PMCID: PMC3710958 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) primarily activates erythroid cell proliferation and growth and is active in several types of non-hematopoietic cells via its interaction with the EPO-receptor (EPO-R). This review focuses on the role of EPO in skeletal muscle. The EPO-R is expressed in skeletal muscle cells and EPO may promote myoblast differentiation and survival via the activation of the same signaling cascades as in hematopoietic cells, such as STAT5, MAPK and Akt. Inconsistent results exist with respect to the detection of the EPO-R mRNA and protein in muscle cells, tissue and across species and the use of non-specific EPO-R antibodies contributes to this problem. Additionally, the inability to reproducibly detect an activation of the known EPO-induced signaling pathways in skeletal muscle questions the functionality of the EPO-R in muscle in vivo. These equivocal findings make it difficult to distinguish between a direct effect of EPO on skeletal muscle, via the activation of its receptor, and an indirect effect resulting from a better oxygen supply to the muscle. Consequently, the precise role of EPO in skeletal muscle and its regulatory mechanism/s remain to be elucidated. Further studies are required to comprehensively establish the importance of EPO and its function in skeletal muscle health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Lamon
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Burwood, VIC, Australia
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Robach P, Recalcati S, Girelli D, Campostrini N, Kempf T, Wollert KC, Corbella M, Santambrogio P, Perbellini L, Brasse-Lagnel C, Christensen B, Moutereau S, Lundby C, Cairo G. Serum hepcidin levels and muscle iron proteins in humans injected with low- or high-dose erythropoietin. Eur J Haematol 2013; 91:74-84. [PMID: 23582009 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of hepcidin expression by erythropoietic signals is of great physiological importance; however, the inhibitory pathways remain poorly understood. To investigate (i) the direct effect of erythropoietin (Epo) and (ii) the contribution of putative mediators on hepcidin repression, healthy volunteers were injected with a single dose of Epo, either low (63 IU/kg, n = 8) or high (400 IU/kg, n = 6). Low-dose Epo provoked hepcidin down-modulation within 24 h; the effect was not immediate as hepcidin circadian variations were still present following injection. High-dose Epo induced no additional effect on the hepcidin response, that is hepcidin diurnal fluctuations were not abolished in spite of extremely high Epo levels. We did not find significant changes in putative mediators of hepcidin repression, such as transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor, or growth differentiation factor 15. Furthermore, the potential hepcidin inhibitor, soluble hemojuvelin, was found unaltered by Epo stimulation. This finding was consistent with the absence of signs of iron deficiency observed at the level of skeletal muscle tissue. Our data suggest that hepcidin repression by erythropoietic signals in humans may not be controlled directly by Epo, but mediated by a still undefined factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Robach
- Département médical, Ecole Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme, site de l'Ecole Nationale des Sports de Montagne, Chamonix, France
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