The ultrastructure of skeletal and smooth muscle in experimental protein malnutrition in rats fed a low protein diet

Stress-strain analysis of duodenal contractility in response to flow and ramp distension in rabbits fed low-fiber diet

BACKGROUND

Previously we demonstrated that low-fiber diet in rabbits affects the passive mechanomorphological properties in the small intestine, resulting in reduced intestinal wall thickness and collagen content, as well as intestinal wall softening. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contractility in rabbits on long-term low-fiber diet and specifically to compare the contraction threshold, the frequency, and the amplitude of flow-induced and distension-induced contractions in the duodenum between rabbits on normal diet and on long-term low-fiber diet.

METHODS

Ten rabbits were fed a low-fiber diet for 5 months (Intervention group), and five rabbits were fed normal diet (Control group). The duodenal segments were used for determination of mechanical parameters for analyses of contractility. The duodenal experiments were carried out in organ baths containing physiological Krebs solution. Pressure and diameter changes induced by contractions in response to flow and ramp distension were measured. The frequencies and amplitude of contractions were analyzed. Distension-induced contraction thresholds and maximum contraction amplitude of flow-induced contractions were calculated in terms of mechanical stress and strain. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to study dependencies between contractility parameters and wall thickness, wall area, and muscle layer thickness.

KEY RESULTS

During distension, the pressure, stress, and strain thresholds for induction of phasic contraction were biggest in the Intervention Group (P < 0.05). In addition, the contraction frequencies during flow-induced contraction were highest in the Intervention Group (P < 0.05), whereas the maximum contraction amplitudes in terms of pressure, diameter, stress, and strain were lowest in the Intervention Group (P < 0.05). The contraction thresholds and contraction frequencies were negatively associated with the wall thickness, wall area, and muscle layer thickness, whereas maximum contraction amplitudes were positively associated with the wall thickness, wall area, and muscle layer thickness.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Duodenal contractility in rabbits fed with long-term low-fiber diet exhibited low contraction amplitudes and high contraction thresholds and frequencies. The changes were associated with the low-fiber diet-induced histomorphological remodeling. Studies on detailed structural and functional diet-induced changes in smooth muscle and intestinal nerves are needed for better understanding the remodeling mechanisms.

Age-related changes in skeletal muscle: changes to life-style as a therapy

As we age, there is an age-related loss in skeletal muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia results in a decrease in mobility and independence, as well as an increase in the risk of other morbidities and mortality. Sarcopenia is therefore a major socio-economical problem. The mechanisms behind sarcopenia are unclear and it is likely that it is a multifactorial condition with changes in numerous important mechanisms all contributing to the structural and functional deterioration. Here, we review the major proposed changes which occur in skeletal muscle during ageing and highlight evidence for changes in physical activity and nutrition as therapeutic approaches to combat age-related skeletal muscle wasting.

Regulatory effects of the L-lysine metabolites, L-2-aminoadipic acid and L-pipecolic acid, on protein turnover in C2C12 myotubes

We previously showed that L-lysine (Lys) and a metabolite of Lys, L-saccharopine, suppressed autophagic proteolysis in C2C12 myotubes. However, the effects of other metabolites of Lys on protein turnover were unknown. We here investigated the effect of the Lys metabolites, L-2-aminoadipic acid (2-AA) and L-pipecolic acid (Pip), on protein turnover in C2C12 myotubes. 2-AA suppressed myofibrillar protein degradation evaluated by the 3-methylhistidine and autophagy activity evaluated by light chain 3-II at lower concentration (100 μM) than did Lys. On the other hand, Pip stimulated the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling activity. Additionally, 100 μM Pip significantly increased the rates of protein synthesis whereas 100 μM Lys had no effect. These results indicate that in C2C12 myotubes, 2-AA could suppress autophagy and Pip could stimulate the rates of protein synthesis, and these metabolites may contribute to exert effect of Lys on protein turnover.

Dietary L-Lysine Suppresses Autophagic Proteolysis and Stimulates Akt/mTOR Signaling in the Skeletal Muscle of Rats Fed a Low-Protein Diet

Amino acids, especially L-leucine, regulate protein turnover in skeletal muscle and have attracted attention as a means of increasing muscle mass in people suffering from malnutrition, aging (sarcopenia), or a bedridden state. We previously showed that oral administration of L-lysine (Lys) by gavage suppressed proteolysis in skeletal muscles of fasted rats. However, the intake of Lys in the absence of other dietary components is unlikely in a non-experimental setting, and other dietary components may interfere with the suppressive effect of Lys on proteolysis. We supplemented Lys to a 10% casein diet and investigated the effect of Lys on proteolysis and autophagy, a major proteolytic system, in the skeletal muscle of rats. The rate of proteolysis was evaluated from 3-methylhisitidine (MeHis) released from isolated muscles, in plasma, and excreted in urine. Supplementing lysine with the 10% casein diet decreased the rate of proteolysis induced by intake of a low-protein diet. The upregulated autophagy activity [light chain 3 (LC3)-II/total LC3] caused by a low-protein diet was reduced, and the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was activated by Lys. Importantly, continuous feeding of a Lys-rich 10% casein diet for 15 days increased the masses of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Taken together, supplementation of Lys to a low-protein diet suppresses autophagic proteolysis through the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and continuous feeding of a Lys-rich diet may increase skeletal muscle mass.

Effects of aging and maternal protein restriction on the muscle fibers morphology and neuromuscular junctions of rats after nutritional recovery

Changes in the nutritional status of mothers may predispose their offspring to neuromuscular disorders in the long term. This study evaluated the effects of maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation on the muscle fibers and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the soleus muscle in the offspring of rats at 365 days of age that had undergone nutritional recovery. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (CG)--the offspring of mothers fed a normal protein diet (17%) and restricted (RG)--offspring of mothers fed a low protein diet (6%). After lactation, the male pups received standard chow ad libitum. At 365 days, samples of soleus muscle were collected for muscle fiber analysis (HE staining, NADH-TR reaction and ultrastructure), intramuscular collagen quantification (picrosirius red staining) and NMJs analysis (non-specific esterase technique). The cross-sectional area of type I fibers was reduced by 20% and type IIa fibers by 5% while type IIb fibers increased by 5% in the RG compared to the CG. The percentage of intramuscular collagen was 19% lower in the RG. Disorganization of the myofibrils and Z line was observed, with the presence of clusters of mitochondria in both groups. Regarding the NMJs, in the RG there was a reduction of 10% in the area and 17% in the small diameter and an increase of 7% in the large diameter. The results indicate that the effects of maternal protein restriction on muscle fibers and NMJs seem to be long-lasting and irreversible.

Effect of low-protein diet on anthracycline pharmacokinetics and cardiotoxicity

OBJECTIVES

Anthracyclines are broad spectrum anticancer drugs with dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Protein malnutrition commonly occurs in cancer patients and is considered a risk factor for development of cardiotoxicity. This study was designed to assess the modulatory effect of protein malnutrition on the pharmacokinetics and drug disposition properties of a single dose of doxorubicin and epirubicin and how these possible changes will affect the degree of cardiotoxicity of these drugs.

METHODS

A single interperitoneal dose of 15 mg/kg of either doxorubicin or epirubicin was injected into rats fed with either normal protein diet or low-protein diet. The plasma concentration-time profiles of doxorubicin and epirubicin and their concentrations in different tissues were determined. Serum creatine kinase level was determined at different time intervals and histopathological examination of heart tissue was carried out.

KEY FINDINGS

Protein malnutrition significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin and epirubicin, with a significant decrease in their elimination, and prolonged the exposure of the heart to these drugs. Histopathological examination and serum creatine kinase measurements supported the role of protein malnutrition in enhancement of anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

If similar alteration in anthracyclines' pharmacokinetics occurs in malnourished cancer patients, protein malnutrition will be a risk factor for development of anthracycline cardiotoxicity and dose adjustment will be required in nutritionally deprived patients.

Passive stiffness of rat skeletal muscle undernourished during fetal development

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of fetal undernutrition on the passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscle of weaned and young adult rats.

INTRODUCTION

A poor nutrition supply during fetal development affects physiological functions of the fetus. From a mechanical point of view, skeletal muscle can be also characterized by its resistance to passive stretch.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to their mother's diet during pregnancy: a control group (mothers fed a 17% protein diet) and an isocaloric low-protein group (mothers fed a 7.8% protein diet). At birth, all mothers received a standardized meal ad libitum. At the age of 25 and 90 days, the soleus muscle and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were removed in order to test the passive mechanical properties. A first mechanical test consisted of an incremental stepwise extension test using fast velocity stretching (500 mm/s) enabling us to measure, for each extension stepwise, the dynamic stress (σd) and the steady stress (σs). A second test consisted of a slow velocity stretch in order to calculate normalized stiffness and tangent modulus from the stress-strain relationship.

RESULTS

The results for the mechanical properties showed an important increase in passive stiffness in both the soleus and EDL muscles in weaned rat. In contrast, no modification was observed in young adult rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in passive stiffness in skeletal muscle of weaned rat submitted to intrauterine undernutrition it is most likely due to changes in muscle passive stiffness.

Insulin release, peripheral insulin resistance and muscle function in protein malnutrition: a role of tricarboxylic acid cycle anaplerosis

Pancreatic β-cells and skeletal muscle act in a synergic way in the control of systemic glucose homeostasis. Several pyruvate-dependent and -independent shuttles enhance tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate (TACI) anaplerosis and increase β-cell ATP:ADP ratio, triggering insulin exocytotic mechanisms. In addition, mitochondrial TACI cataplerosis gives rise to the so-called metabolic coupling factors, which are also related to insulin release. Peripheral insulin resistance seems to be related to skeletal muscle fatty acid (FA) accumulation and oxidation imbalance. In this sense, exercise has been shown to enhance skeletal muscle TACI anaplerosis, increasing FA oxidation and by this manner restores insulin sensitivity. Protein malnutrition reduces β-cell insulin synthesis, release and peripheral sensitivity. Despite little available data concerning mitochondrial metabolism under protein malnutrition, evidence points towards reduced β-cell and skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity. The observed decrease in insulin synthesis and release may reflect reduced anaplerotic and cataplerotic capacity. Furthermore, insulin release is tightly coupled to ATP:ADP rise which in turn is related to TACI anaplerosis. The effect of protein malnutrition upon peripheral insulin resistance is time-dependent and directly related to FA oxidation capacity. In contrast to β-cells, TACI anaplerosis and cataplerosis pathways in skeletal muscle seem to control FA oxidation and regulate insulin resistance.

Comparison of sarcomere alterations after muscle contraction and tension loading in the rat soleus muscle

Muscle contraction induced by 30 min of continuous nerve stimulation at 50 Hz resulted in sarcomere changes of the soleus muscle in the rat in our previous study. To further investigate the cause of sarcomere alterations, the sciatic nerve was electrically stimulated intermittently for 30 min. Nerve stimulation was also conducted after cutting the tendons of the soleus, gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles in order to prevent imposing tension on these muscles as a result to their own contractions. In addition, the muscles were pulled by weights via their tendons to load high tension for 30 min without nerve stimulation. Sarcomere alterations immediately after treatments were quantified by electron microscopy. The percentages of aberrant sarcomere areas of the soleus muscle were 25.7 +/- 16.4% (mean +/- SD) in the group of intermittent nerve stimulation with intact tendons and 21.1 +/- 35.4% in the group of tenotomy and continuous nerve stimulation, which were roughly equal to or more severe than the group of continuous nerve stimulation with intact tendons (18.8 +/- 15.8%) in our previous study. Sarcomere alterations consisted mainly of hypercontraction in these groups. Almost all sarcomere changes in the tension-loaded (pulled) soleus muscles were scarce myofilaments (1.7 +/- 1.0% by 600 g; 4.5 +/- 2.9% by 1200 g), and hypercontraction was not observed. These findings indicate that neither high tension nor a decrease of muscle blood flow during continuous contraction seems to be the primary cause of sarcomere alterations in the present study. There are probably other causes that produce aberrant sarcomeres.

Injury and repair of the soleus muscle after electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve in the rat

To study injury and subsequent changes in skeletal muscles, the rat sciatic nerve was electrically stimulated at 50 Hz and muscle contraction was induced for 30 min. Muscle damage was classified into five types (hypercontraction, hyperstretching, Z band disorders, misalignment of myofilament and regions of scarce myofilaments) by electron microscopy and quantified by ultrastructural assessment. After electrical nerve stimulation, the percentages of the injured areas of the soleus muscle were 18.8 +/- 15.8% (mean +/- SD) at 0 h, 9.7 +/- 1.0% at 6 h, 22.0 +/- 23.6% at 12 h, 13.1 +/- 3.2% at 24 h, 4.9 +/- 6.0% at 3 days and 0.5 +/- 0.4% at 7 days. At 0 h, the vast majority of ultrastructural alterations were sarcomere hypercontraction. At 6 h, hypercontraction was not recognizable and sarcomere hyperstretching and Z band disarrangement constituted the major findings. At 12 h, when the injury reached its maximum, myofilament disorganization and hyperstretching were predominant. At 24 h or afterwards, the injury began to decrease and recovered to almost normal conditions by 7 days. There were very few necrotic muscle fibers in all specimens. It is considered that the muscle lesions in the present study were reversible, and recovered through changes in various types of sarcomere alterations. Z band streaming and free ribosomes were frequently found at 12 and 24 h, which may indicate repair processes rather than newly formed lesions.