Ursodeoxycholic acid induces sarcopenia associated with decreased protein synthesis and autophagic flux

Comparative Analysis of Primary Sarcopenia and End-Stage Renal Disease-Related Muscle Wasting Using Multi-Omics Approaches

BACKGROUND

Age-related primary sarcopenia and end-stage renal disease (ESRD)-related muscle wasting are discrete entities; however, both manifest as a decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength. The etiological pathways differ, with aging factors implicated in sarcopenia and a combination of uremic factors, including haemodialysis, contributing to ESRD-related muscle wasting. Understanding these molecular nuances is imperative for targeted interventions, and the integration of proteomic and metabolomic data elucidate these intricate processes.

METHODS

We generated detailed clinical data and multi-omics data (plasma proteomics and metabolomics) for 78 participants to characterise sarcopenia (n = 28; mean age, 72.6 ± 7.0 years) or ESRD (n = 22; 61.6 ± 5.5 years) compared with controls (n = 28; 69.3 ± 5.7 years). Muscle mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis and handgrip strength. Five-times sit-to-stand test performance was measured for all participants. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in accordance with the 2019 Consensus Guidelines from the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. An abundance of 234 metabolites and 722 protein groups was quantified in all plasma samples using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Muscle mass, handgrip strength and lower limb muscle function significantly lower in the sarcopenia group and the ESRD group compared with those in the control group. Metabolomics revealed altered metabolites, highlighting exclusive differences in ESRD-related muscle wasting. Metabolite set enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of numerous metabolic intermediates associated with urea cycle, amino acid metabolism and nucleic acid metabolism. Catecholamines, including epinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, are significantly elevated in the plasma of patients within the ESRD group. Proteomics data exhibited a clearer distinction among the three groups compared with the metabolomics data, particularly in distinguishing the control group from the sarcopenia group. The ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor was top-ranked in terms of the variable importance of projection scores. Plasma AHNAK protein levels was higher in the sarcopenia group but was lower in the ESRD group. Proteomic set enrichment analysis revealed enrichment of several pathways related to sarcopenia, such as hemopexin, defence response and cell differentiation, in sarcopenia group. Multi-omic integration analysis revealed associations between relevant metabolites, including catecholamines, and a group of annotated proteins in extracellular exosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified distinct multi-omic signatures in individuals with ESRD or sarcopenia, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying ESRD-related muscle wasting, which differ from primary sarcopenia. These findings may support interventions for context-dependent muscle loss and contribute to the development of targeted treatments and preventive strategies for muscle wasting.

CCL5 Induces a Sarcopenic-like Phenotype via the CCR5 Receptor

Sarcopenia corresponds to a decrease in muscle mass and strength. CCL5 is a new myokine whose expression, along with the CCR5 receptor, is increased in sarcopenic muscle. Therefore, we evaluated whether CCL5 and CCR5 induce a sarcopenic-like effect on skeletal muscle tissue and cultured muscle cells. Electroporation in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of mice was used to overexpress CCL5. The TA muscles were analyzed by measuring the fiber diameter, the content of sarcomeric proteins, and the gene expression of E3-ligases. C2C12 myotubes and single-isolated flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers were also treated with recombinant CCL5 (rCCL5). The participation of CCR5 was evaluated using the antagonist maraviroc (MVC). Protein and structural analyses were performed. The results showed that TA overexpression of CCL5 led to sarcopenia by reducing muscle strength and mass, muscle-fiber diameter, and sarcomeric protein content, and by upregulating E3-ligases. The same sarcopenic phenotype was observed in myotubes and FDB fibers. We showed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and carbonylated proteins, denoting oxidative stress induced by CCL5. When the CCR5 was antagonized, the effects produced by rCCL5 were prevented. In conclusion, we report for the first time that CCL5 is a novel myokine that exerts a sarcopenic-like effect through the CCR5 receptor.

Ursodeoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic bile acids attenuate systemic and liver inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide in rats

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces general inflammation, by activating pathways involving cytokine production, blood coagulation, complement system activation, and acute phase protein release. The key cellular players are leukocytes and endothelial cells, that lead to tissue injury and organ failure. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties of two bile acids, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) in LPS-induced endotoxemia in rats. The experiment involved six distinct groups of Wistar rats, each subjected to different pretreatment conditions: control and LPS groups were pretreated with propylene glycol, as a bile acid solvent, while the other groups were pretreated with UDCA or CDCA for 10 days followed by an LPS injection on day 10. The results showed that both UDCA and CDCA reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines: TNF-α, GM-CSF, IL-2, IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-1β and expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) induced by LPS. In addition, pretreatment with these bile acids showed a positive impact on lipid profiles, a decrease in ICAM levels, an increase in antioxidant activity (SOD, |CAT, GSH), and a decrease in prooxidant markers (H2O2 and O2-). Furthermore, both bile acids alleviated LPS-induced liver injury. While UDCA and CDCA pretreatment attenuated homocysteine levels in LPS-treated rats, only UDCA pretreatment showed reductions in other serum biochemical markers, including creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and high-sensitivity troponin I. It can be concluded that both, UDCA and CDCA, although exerted slightly different effects, can prevent the inflammatory responses induced by LPS, improve oxidative stress status, and attenuate LPS-induced liver injury.

The Bile Acid Metabolism of Intestinal Microorganisms Mediates the Effect of Different Protein Sources on Muscle Protein Deposition in Procambarus clarkii

The most economically important trait of the Procambarus clarkii is meat quality. Protein deposition is essential in muscle growth and nutritional quality formation. The effects and potential mechanisms of feed protein sources on crustaceans' muscle protein deposition have not been elucidated. This study established an all-animal protein source (AP) and an all-plant protein source group (PP), with a feeding period of 8 weeks (four replicates per group, 45 individuals per replicate). The results demonstrated that muscle protein deposition, muscle fiber diameter, and hardness were significantly higher in the PP group (p < 0.05). The transcript levels of genes involved in protein synthesis were notably upregulated, while those of protein hydrolysis and negative regulators of myogenesis notably downregulated in PP group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, protein sources shaped differential intestinal microbiota composition and microbial metabolites profiles, as evidenced by a significant decrease in g_Bacteroides (p = 0.030), and a significant increase in taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) in PP group (p = 0.027). A significant correlation was further established by Pearson correlation analysis between the g_Bacteroides, TCDCA, and genes involved in the MSTN-mediated protein deposition pathway (p < 0.05). In vitro anaerobic fermentation confirmed the ability of the two groups of intestinal flora to metabolically produce differential TCDCA (p = 0.038). Our results demonstrated that the 'Bacteroides-TCDCA-MSTN' axis may mediate the effects of different protein sources on muscle development and protein deposition in P. clarkii, which was anticipated to represent a novel target for the muscle quality modulation in crustaceans.

The role of bile acid metabolism in bone and muscle: from analytics to mechanisms

Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are both common age-related disorders that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Bone and muscle are metabolically very active tissues that require large amounts of energy. Bile acids (BAs), a group of liver-derived steroid compounds, are primarily known as emulsifiers that facilitate the resorption of dietary fat and lipids. In addition, they have pleiotropic metabolic functions in lipoprotein and glucose metabolism, inflammation, and intestinal bacterial growth. Through these effects, they are related to metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, atherosclerosis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. BAs mediate their metabolic effects through receptor dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that BAs are also involved in bone and muscle metabolism. Under normal circumstances, BAs support bone health by shifting the delicate equilibrium of bone turnover toward bone formation. In contrast, low or excessive amounts of BAs promote bone resorption. In cholestatic liver disease, BAs accumulate in the liver, reach toxic concentrations in the circulation, and thus may contribute to bone loss and muscle wasting. In addition, the measurement of BAs is in rapid evolution with modern mass spectrometry techniques that allow for the detection of a continuously growing number of BAs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biochemistry, physiology and measurement of bile acids. Furthermore, it summarizes the existing literature regarding their role in bone and muscle.

Gut microb-aging and its relevance to frailty aging

This review explores 'microb-aging' in the gut and its potential link to frailty aging. We explore this connection through alterations in microbiota's taxonomy and metabolism, as well as with concepts of ecological resilience, pathobionts emergence, and biogeography. We examine microb-aging in interconnected body organs, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship with 'inflammaging'. Finally, we discuss how targeting microb-aging could improve screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches in geriatrics.

Review on chronic metabolic diseases surrounding bile acids and gut microbiota: What we have explored so far

Bile acid, the final product of cholesterol breakdown, functions as a complex regulator and signaling factor in human metabolism. Chronic metabolic diseases pose significant medical challenges. Growing research underscores bile acids' capacity to enhance metabolism via diverse pathways, regulating disorders and offering treatment potential. Numerous bile-acid-triggered pathways have become treatment targets. This review outlines bile acid synthesis, its role as a signal in chronic metabolic diseases, and highlights its interaction with gut microbiota in different metabolic conditions. Exploring host-bacteria-bile acid links emerges as a valuable future research direction with clinical implications.

Bile Acids as Signaling Molecules: Role of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Cholestatic Liver Disease

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a natural substance physiologically produced in the liver. Initially used to dissolve gallstones, it is now successfully used in treating primary biliary cirrhosis and as adjuvant therapy for various hepatobiliary cholestatic diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects still need to be clarified. Evidence suggests three mechanisms of action for UDCA that could benefit humans with cholestatic liver disease (CLD): protection of cholangiocytes against hydrophobic bile acid (BA) cytotoxicity, stimulation of hepatobiliary excretion, and protection of hepatocytes against BA-induced apoptosis. These mechanisms may act individually or together to potentiate them. At the molecular level, it has been observed that UDCA can generate modifications in the transcription and translation of proteins essential in the transport of BA, correcting the deficit in BA secretion in CLD, in addition to activating signaling pathways to translocate these transporters to the sites where they should fulfill their function. Inhibition of BA-induced hepatocyte apoptosis may play a role in CLD, characterized by BA retention in the hepatocyte. Thus, different mechanisms of action contribute to the improvement after UDCA administration in CLD. On the other hand, the effects of UDCA on tissues that possess receptors that may interact with BAs in pathological contexts, such as skeletal muscle, are still unclear. This work aims to describe the main molecular mechanisms by which UDCA acts in the human body, emphasizing the interaction in tissues other than the liver.

Lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and sarcopenia

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common chronic liver diseases in the world. The risk factor for NAFLD is often considered to be obesity, but it can also occur in people with lean type, which is defined as lean NAFLD. Lean NAFLD is commonly associated with sarcopenia, a progressive loss of muscle quantity and quality. The pathological features of lean NAFLD such as visceral obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic inflammation are inducers of sarcopenia, whereas loss of muscle mass and function further exacerbates ectopic fat accumulation and lean NAFLD. Therefore, we discussed the association of sarcopenia and lean NAFLD, summarized the underlying pathological mechanisms, and proposed potential strategies to reduce the risks of lean NAFLD and sarcopenia in this review.