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Wang Q, Cui C, Zhang N, Lin W, Chai S, Chow SKH, Wong RMY, Hu Y, Law SW, Cheung WH. Effects of physical exercise on neuromuscular junction degeneration during ageing: A systematic review. J Orthop Translat 2024; 46:91-102. [PMID: 38817243 PMCID: PMC11137388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2024.03.007] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialized chemical synapse that converts neural impulses into muscle action. Age-associated NMJ degeneration, which involves nerve terminal and postsynaptic decline, denervation, and loss of motor units, significantly contributes to muscle weakness and dysfunction. Although physical training has been shown to make substantial modifications in NMJ of both young and aged animals, the results are often influenced by methodological variables in existing studies. Moreover, there is still lack of strong consensus on the specific effects of exercise on improving the morphology and function of the ageing NMJ. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to elucidate the effects of exercise training on NMJ compartments in the elderly. We conducted a systematic review using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, employing relevant keywords. Two independent reviewers selected studies that detailed NMJ changes during exercise in ageing, written in English, and available in full text. In total, 20 papers were included. We examined the altered adaptation of the NMJ to exercise, focusing on presynaptic and postsynaptic structures and myofibers in older animals or humans. Our findings indicated that aged NMJs exhibited different adaptive responses to physical exercise compared to younger counterparts. Endurance training, compared with resistance and voluntary exercise regimens, was found to have a more pronounced effect on NMJ structural remodeling, particularly in fast twitch muscle fibers. Physical exercise was observed to promote the formation and maintenance of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters by increasing the recombinant docking protein 7 (Dok7) expression and stabilizing Agrin and lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4). These insights suggest that research on exercise-related therapies could potentially attenuate the progression of neuromuscular degeneration. Translational potential of this article: This systematic review provides a detailed overview of the effects of different types of physical exercise on improving NMJ in the elderly, providing scientific support for the timely intervention of muscle degeneration in the elderly by physical exercise, and providing help for the development of new therapeutic interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianjin Wang
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Can Cui
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wujian Lin
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Senlin Chai
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Simon Kwoon-Ho Chow
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ronald Man Yeung Wong
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Sheung Wai Law
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wing-Hoi Cheung
- Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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Livshits G, Kalinkovich A. Restoration of epigenetic impairment in the skeletal muscle and chronic inflammation resolution as a therapeutic approach in sarcopenia. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102267. [PMID: 38462046 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is an age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, accompanied by severe adverse health outcomes, such as falls and fractures, functional decline, high health costs, and mortality. Hence, its prevention and treatment have become increasingly urgent. However, despite the wide prevalence and extensive research on sarcopenia, no FDA-approved disease-modifying drugs exist. This is probably due to a poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology. Recent evidence demonstrate that sarcopenia development is characterized by two key elements: (i) epigenetic dysregulation of multiple molecular pathways associated with sarcopenia pathogenesis, such as protein remodeling, insulin resistance, mitochondria impairments, and (ii) the creation of a systemic, chronic, low-grade inflammation (SCLGI). In this review, we focus on the epigenetic regulators that have been implicated in skeletal muscle deterioration, their individual roles, and possible crosstalk. We also discuss epidrugs, which are the pharmaceuticals with the potential to restore the epigenetic mechanisms deregulated in sarcopenia. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms underlying failed SCLGI resolution in sarcopenia and the potential application of pro-resolving molecules, comprising specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and their stable mimetics and receptor agonists. These compounds, as well as epidrugs, reveal beneficial effects in preclinical studies related to sarcopenia. Based on these encouraging observations, we propose the combination of epidrugs with SCLI-resolving agents as a new therapeutic approach for sarcopenia that can effectively attenuate of its manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Livshits
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 4077625, Israel; Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6905126, Israel.
| | - Alexander Kalinkovich
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6905126, Israel
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Schellino R, Boido M, Vrijbloed JW, Fariello RG, Vercelli A. Synergistically Acting on Myostatin and Agrin Pathways Increases Neuromuscular Junction Stability and Endurance in Old Mice. Aging Dis 2024; 15:893-910. [PMID: 37548943 PMCID: PMC10917542 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is the primary cause of impaired motor performance in the elderly. The current prevailing approach to counteract such condition is increasing the muscle mass through inhibition of the myostatin system: however, this strategy only moderately improves muscular strength, not being able to sustain the innervation of the hypertrophic muscle per se, leading to a progressive worsening of motor performances. Thus, we proposed the administration of ActR-Fc-nLG3, a protein that combines the soluble activin receptor, a strong myostatin inhibitor, with the C-terminal agrin nLG3 domain. This compound has the potential of reinforcing neuro-muscular stability to the hypertrophic muscle. We previously demonstrated an enhancement of motor endurance and ACh receptor aggregation in young mice after ActR-Fc-nLG3 administration. Now we extended these observations by demonstrating that also in aged (2 years-old) mice, long-term administration of ActR-Fc-nLG3 increases in a sustained way both motor endurance and muscle strength, compared with ActR-Fc, a myostatin inhibitor, alone. Histological data demonstrate that the administration of this biological improves neuromuscular stability and fiber innervation maintenance, preventing muscle fiber atrophy and inducing only moderate hypertrophy. Moreover, at the postsynaptic site we observe an increased folding in the soleplate, a likely anatomical substrate for improved neurotransmission efficiency in the NMJ, that may lead to enhanced motor endurance. We suggest that ActR-Fc-nLG3 may become a valid option for treating sarcopenia and possibly other disorders of striatal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Schellino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Italy
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Bao Z, Cui C, Liu C, Long Y, Wong RMY, Chai S, Qin L, Rubin C, Yip BHK, Xu Z, Jiang Q, Chow SKH, Cheung WH. Prevention of age-related neuromuscular junction degeneration in sarcopenia by low-magnitude high-frequency vibration. Aging Cell 2024:e14156. [PMID: 38532712 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration is one of pathological factors of sarcopenia. Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) was reported effective in alleviating the sarcopenia progress. However, no previous study has investigated treatment effects of LMHFV targeting NMJ degeneration in sarcopenia. We first compared morphological differences of NMJ between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic subjects, as well as young and old C57BL/6 mice. We then systematically characterized the age-related degeneration of NMJ in SAMP8 against its control strain, SAMR1 mice, from 3 to 12 months old. We also investigated effects of LMHFV in SAMP8 on the maintenance of NMJ during the onset of sarcopenia with respect to the Agrin-LRP4-MuSK-Dok7 pathway and investigated the mechanism related to ERK1/2 signaling. We observed sarcopenic/old NMJ presented increased acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) cluster fragmentation and discontinuity than non-sarcopenic/young NMJ. In SAMP8, NMJ degeneration (morphologically at 6 months and functionally at 8 months) was observed associated with the sarcopenia onset (10 months). SAMR1 showed improved NMJ morphology and function compared with SAMP8 at 10 months. Skeletal muscle performance was improved at Month 4 post-LMHFV treatment. Vibration group presented improved NMJ function at Months 2 and 6 posttreatment, accompanied with alleviated morphological degeneration at Month 4 posttreatment. LMHFV increased Dok7 expression at Month 4 posttreatment. In vitro, LMHFV could promote AChRs clustering in myotubes by increasing Dok7 expression through suppressing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, NMJ degeneration was observed associated with the sarcopenia onset in SAMP8. LMHFV may attenuate NMJ degeneration and sarcopenia progression by increasing Dok7 expression through suppressing ERK1/2 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyuan Bao
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Can Cui
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chaoran Liu
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yufeng Long
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ronald Man Yeung Wong
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Senlin Chai
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Clinton Rubin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin Hon Kei Yip
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhihong Xu
- Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Simon Kwoon-Ho Chow
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Wing-Hoi Cheung
- Musculoskleletal Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Sugimoto T, Sakamaki C, Kimura T, Eguchi T, Miura S, Kamei Y. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α regulates downstream of tyrosine kinase-7 (Dok-7) expression important for neuromuscular junction formation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1780. [PMID: 38245592 PMCID: PMC10799880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52198-x] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ)-formed between a motor nerve terminal and skeletal muscle fiber-plays an important role in muscle contraction and other muscle functions. Aging and neurodegeneration worsen NMJ formation and impair muscle function. Downstream of tyrosine kinase-7 (Dok-7), expressed in skeletal muscle fibers, is essential for the formation of NMJ. Exercise increases the expression of the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) in skeletal muscles and restores NMJ formation. In this study, we used skeletal muscle-specific PGC1α knockout or overexpression mice to examine the role of PGC1α in regulating Dok-7 expression and NMJ formation. Our findings revealed that Dok-7 expression is regulated by PGC1α, and luciferase activity of the Dok-7 promoter is greatly increased by coexpressing PGC1α and estrogen receptor-related receptor α. Thus, we suggest PGC1α is involved in exercise-mediated restoration of NMJ formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Sugimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sakamaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tokushi Kimura
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Eguchi
- Brain-Skeletal Muscle Connection in Aging Project Team, Geroscience Research Center, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinji Miura
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Graduate School of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yasutomi Kamei
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto, Japan.
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Li MCM, Cheng YK, Cui C, Chow SKH, Wong RMY, Kwok TC, Siu PM, Yang M, Tian M, Rubin C, Welch AA, Qin L, Law SW, Cheung WH. Biophysical and nutritional combination treatment for myosteatosis in patients with sarcopenia: a study protocol for single-blinded randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e074858. [PMID: 38176874 PMCID: PMC10773315 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sarcopenia is characterised by age-related loss of skeletal muscle and function and is associated with risks of adverse outcomes. The prevalence of sarcopenia increases due to ageing population and effective interventions is in need. Previous studies showed that β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplement and vibration treatment (VT) enhanced muscle quality, while the coapplication of the two interventions had further improved muscle mass and function in sarcopenic mice model. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of this combination treatment in combating sarcopenia in older people. The findings of this study will demonstrate the effect of combination treatment as an alternative for managing sarcopenia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this single-blinded randomised controlled trial, subjects will be screened based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 definition. 200 subjects who are aged 65 or above and identified sarcopenic according to the AWGS algorithm will be recruited. They will be randomised to one of the following four groups: (1) Control+ONS; (2) HMB+ONS; (3) VT+ONS and (4) HMB+VT + ONS, where ONS stands for oral nutritional supplement. ONS will be taken in the form of protein formular once/day; HMB supplements will be 3 g/day; VT (35 Hz, 0.3 g, where g=gravitational acceleration) will be received for 20 mins/day and at least 3 days/week. The primary outcome assessments are muscle strength and function. Subjects will be assessed at baseline, 3-month and 6-month post treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by Joint CUHK-NTEC (The Chinese University of Hong Kong and New Territories East Cluster) Clinical Research Management Office (Ref: CRE-2022.223-T) and conformed to the Declaration of Helsinki. Trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05525039.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chen Michelle Li
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu Kin Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Can Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Simon Kwoon Ho Chow
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ronald Man Yeung Wong
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Timothy Cy Kwok
- Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Parco M Siu
- University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Minghui Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Maoyi Tian
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clinton Rubin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - A A Welch
- University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sheung Wai Law
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wing Hoi Cheung
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Piétri-Rouxel F, Falcone S, Traoré M. [GDF5: a therapeutic candidate for combating sarcopenia]. Med Sci (Paris) 2023; 39 Hors série n° 1:47-53. [PMID: 37975770 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a complex age-related muscular disease affecting 10 to 16 % of people over 65 years old. It is characterized by excessive loss of muscle mass and strength. Despite a plethora of studies aimed at understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying this pathology, the pathophysiology of sarcopenia remains poorly understood. To date, there is no pharmacological treatment for this disease. In this context, our team develop therapeutic approaches based on the GDF5 protein to counteract the loss of muscle mass and function in various pathological conditions, including sarcopenia. After deciphering one of the molecular mechanisms governing GDF5 expression, we have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this protein in the preservation of muscle mass and strength in aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- France Piétri-Rouxel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sestina Falcone
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Massiré Traoré
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013 Paris, France
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Huang YT, Crick HR, Chaytow H, van der Hoorn D, Alhindi A, Jones RA, Hector RD, Cobb SR, Gillingwater TH. Long-term muscle-specific overexpression of DOK7 in mice using AAV9-tMCK-DOK7. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:617-628. [PMID: 37637210 PMCID: PMC10457688 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dysfunction underlies several diseases, including congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) and motor neuron disease (MND). Molecular pathways governing NMJ stability are therefore of interest from both biological and therapeutic perspectives. Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is necessary for the formation and maintenance of post-synaptic elements of the NMJ, and downstream of tyrosine kinases 7 (DOK7) is crucial for activation of the MuSK pathway. Overexpression of DOK7 using AAV9 has been shown to ameliorate neuromuscular pathology in pre-clinical disease models of CMS and MND. However, long-term consequences of DOK7 expression have been sparsely investigated and targeted overexpression of DOK7 in skeletal muscle yet to be established. Here, we developed and characterized a novel AAV9-DOK7 facilitating forced expression of DOK7 under a skeletal muscle-specific promoter. AAV9-tMCK-DOK7 was systemically delivered to newborn mice that were monitored over 6 months. DOK7 overexpression was restricted to skeletal muscles. Body weight, blood biochemistry, and histopathological assessments were unaffected by AAV9-tMCK-DOK7 treatment. In contrast, forced expression of DOK7 resulted in enlargement of both the pre- and post-synaptic components of the NMJ, without causing denervation. We conclude that muscle-specific DOK7 overexpression can be achieved in a safe manner, with the capacity to target NMJs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Huang
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Hannah R. Crick
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Helena Chaytow
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Abrar Alhindi
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ross A. Jones
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas H. Gillingwater
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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9
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Arnold WD, Clark BC. Neuromuscular junction transmission failure in aging and sarcopenia: The nexus of the neurological and muscular systems. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101966. [PMID: 37270145 PMCID: PMC10847753 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia, or age-related decline in muscle form and function, exerts high personal, societal, and economic burdens when untreated. Integrity and function of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), as the nexus between the nervous and muscular systems, is critical for input and dependable neural control of muscle force generation. As such, the NMJ has long been a site of keen interest in the context of skeletal muscle function deficits during aging and in the context of sarcopenia. Historically, changes of NMJ morphology during aging have been investigated extensively but primarily in aged rodent models. Aged rodents have consistently shown features of NMJ endplate fragmentation and denervation. Yet, the presence of NMJ changes in older humans remains controversial, and conflicting findings have been reported. This review article describes the physiological processes involved in NMJ transmission, discusses the evidence that supports NMJ transmission failure as a possible contributor to sarcopenia, and speculates on the potential of targeting these defects for therapeutic development. The technical approaches that are available for assessment of NMJ transmission, whether each approach has been applied in the context of aging and sarcopenia, and the associated findings are summarized. Like morphological studies, age-related NMJ transmission deficits have primarily been studied in rodents. In preclinical studies, isolated synaptic electrophysiology recordings of endplate currents or potentials have been mostly used, and paradoxically, have shown enhancement, rather than failure, with aging. Yet, in vivo assessment of single muscle fiber action potential generation using single fiber electromyography and nerve-stimulated muscle force measurements show evidence of NMJ failure in aged mice and rats. Together these findings suggest that endplate response enhancement may be a compensatory response to post-synaptic mechanisms of NMJ transmission failure in aged rodents. Possible, but underexplored, mechanisms of this failure are discussed including the simplification of post-synaptic folding and altered voltage-gated sodium channel clustering or function. In humans, there is limited clinical data that has selectively investigated single synaptic function in the context of aging. If sarcopenic older adults turn out to exhibit notable impairments in NMJ transmission (this has yet to be examined but based on available evidence appears to be plausible) then these NMJ transmission defects present a well-defined biological mechanism and offer a well-defined pathway for clinical implementation. Investigation of small molecules that are currently available clinically or being testing clinically in other disorders may provide a rapid route for development of interventions for older adults impacted by sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- W David Arnold
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri System, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI) Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
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Comfort N, Gade M, Strait M, Merwin SJ, Antoniou D, Parodi C, Marcinczyk L, Jean‐Francois L, Bloomquist TR, Memou A, Rideout HJ, Corti S, Kariya S, Re DB. Longitudinal transcriptomic analysis of mouse sciatic nerve reveals pathways associated with age-related muscle pathology. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:1322-1336. [PMID: 36905126 PMCID: PMC10235898 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia, the age-associated decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength, has long been considered a disease of muscle only, but accumulating evidence suggests that sarcopenia could originate from the neural components controlling muscles. To identify early molecular changes in nerves that may drive sarcopenia initiation, we performed a longitudinal transcriptomic analysis of the sciatic nerve, which governs lower limb muscles, in aging mice. METHODS Sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius muscle were obtained from female C57BL/6JN mice aged 5, 18, 21 and 24 months old (n = 6 per age group). Sciatic nerve RNA was extracted and underwent RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Functional enrichment analysis of clusters of genes associated with patterns of gene expression across age groups (adjusted P-value < 0.05, likelihood ratio test [LRT]) was performed. Pathological skeletal muscle aging was confirmed between 21 and 24 months by a combination of molecular and pathological biomarkers. Myofiber denervation was confirmed with qRT-PCR of Chrnd, Chrng, Myog, Runx1 and Gadd45ɑ in gastrocnemius muscle. Changes in muscle mass, cross-sectional myofiber size and percentage of fibres with centralized nuclei were analysed in a separate cohort of mice from the same colony (n = 4-6 per age group). RESULTS We detected 51 significant DEGs in sciatic nerve of 18-month-old mice compared with 5-month-old mice (absolute value of fold change > 2; false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05). Up-regulated DEGs included Dbp (log2 fold change [LFC] = 2.63, FDR < 0.001) and Lmod2 (LFC = 7.52, FDR = 0.001). Down-regulated DEGs included Cdh6 (LFC = -21.38, FDR < 0.001) and Gbp1 (LFC = -21.78, FDR < 0.001). We validated RNA-seq findings with qRT-PCR of various up- and down-regulated genes including Dbp and Cdh6. Up-regulated genes (FDR < 0.1) were associated with the AMP-activated protein kinase signalling pathway (FDR = 0.02) and circadian rhythm (FDR = 0.02), whereas down-regulated DEGs were associated with biosynthesis and metabolic pathways (FDR < 0.05). We identified seven significant clusters of genes (FDR < 0.05, LRT) with similar expression patterns across groups. Functional enrichment analysis of these clusters revealed biological processes that may be implicated in age-related changes in skeletal muscles and/or sarcopenia initiation including extracellular matrix organization and an immune response (FDR < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Gene expression changes in mouse peripheral nerve were detected prior to disturbances in myofiber innervation and sarcopenia onset. These early molecular changes we report shed a new light on biological processes that may be implicated in sarcopenia initiation and pathogenesis. Future studies are warranted to confirm the disease modifying and/or biomarker potential of the key changes we report here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Comfort
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Meethila Gade
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Madeleine Strait
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Samantha J. Merwin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Daphne Antoniou
- Center for Basic ResearchBiomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Chiara Parodi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Lina Marcinczyk
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Lea Jean‐Francois
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Tessa R. Bloomquist
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Anna Memou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery, and Translational ResearchBiomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Hardy J. Rideout
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery, and Translational ResearchBiomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Stefania Corti
- Neuroscience Section, Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Shingo Kariya
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Diane B. Re
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and DiseaseColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- NIEHS Center for Environmental Health Sciences in Northern ManhattanColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
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Rutin Prevents Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Loss in C2C12 Myotube and Mouse Model by Controlling FOXO3-Dependent Signaling. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030639. [PMID: 36978887 PMCID: PMC10045290 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the causes of sarcopenia is that homeostasis between anabolism and catabolism breaks down due to muscle metabolism changes. Rutin has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases, but there are few studies on the effect on muscle loss with aging. The effect of rutin on muscle loss was evaluated using dexamethasone-induced muscle loss C2C12 myoblast and mouse model. In the group treated with dexamethasone, the muscle weight of gastrocnemius (GA), tibialis anterior (TA), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) in the mouse model were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001 in GA, p < 0.0001 in TA, and p < 0.001 in EDL) but recovered (p < 0.01 in GA, p < 0.0001 in TA, and p < 0.01 in EDL) when treated with rutin. MAFbx, MuRF1, and FOXO3 protein expression of C2C12 myoblast were significantly increased (p < 0.01 in MAFbx, p < 0.01 in MuRF1, and p < 0.01 in FOXO3) when treated with dexamethasone, but it was recovered (p < 0.01 in MAFbx, p < 0.01 in MuRF1, and p < 0.01 in FOXO3) when rutin was treated. In addition, MAFbx and FOXO3 protein expression in GA of mouse model was significantly increased (p < 0.0001 in MAFbx and p < 0.001 in FOXO3) when treated with dexamethasone, but it was also recovered (p < 0.01 in MAFbx and p < 0.001 in FOXO3) when rutin was treated. The present study shows that rutin blocks the FOXO3/MAFbx and FOXO3/MuRf1 pathways to prevent protein catabolism. Therefore, rutin could be a potential agent for muscle loss such as sarcopenia through the blocking ubiquitin-proteasome pathway associated with catabolic protein degradation.
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12
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Deschenes MR, Mifsud MK, Patek LG, Flannery RE. Cellular and Subcellular Characteristics of Neuromuscular Junctions in Muscles with Disparate Duty Cycles and Myofiber Profiles. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030361. [PMID: 36766702 PMCID: PMC9913535 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular system accounts for a large portion (~40%) of whole body mass while enabling body movement, including physical work and exercise. At the core of this system is the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) which is the vital synapse transducing electrical impulses from the motor neurons to their post-synaptic myofibers. Recent findings suggest that subcellular features (active zones) of the NMJ are distinctly sensitive to changes in activity relative to cellular features (nerve terminal branches, vesicles, receptors) of the NMJ. In the present investigation, muscles with different recruitment patterns, functions, and myofiber type profiles (soleus, plantaris, extensor digitorum longus [EDL]) were studied to quantify both cellular and subcellular NMJ characteristics along with myofiber type profiles. Results indicated that, in general, dimensions of subcellular components of NMJs mirrored cellular NMJ features when examining inter-muscle NMJ architecture. Typically, it was noted that the NMJs of the soleus, with its most pronounced recruitment pattern, were larger (p < 0.05) than NMJs of less recruited muscles. Moreover, it was revealed that myofiber size did not dictate NMJ size as soleus muscles displayed the smallest fibers (p < 0.05) while the plantaris muscles exhibited the largest fibers. In total, these data show that activity determines the size of NMJs and that generally, size dimensions of cellular and subcellular components of the NMJ are matched, and that the size of NMJs and their underlying myofibers are uncoupled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Deschenes
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-757-221-2778
| | - Mia K. Mifsud
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
| | - Leah G. Patek
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
| | - Rachel E. Flannery
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
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13
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Liu C, Wong PY, Chow SKH, Cheung WH, Wong RMY. Does the regulation of skeletal muscle influence cognitive function? A scoping review of pre-clinical evidence. J Orthop Translat 2023; 38:76-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Cheng KYK, Bao Z, Long Y, Liu C, Huang T, Cui C, Chow SKH, Wong RMY, Cheung WH. Sarcopenia and Ageing. Subcell Biochem 2023; 103:95-120. [PMID: 37120466 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26576-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal ageing is a major health challenge as muscles and bones constitute around 55-60% of body weight. Ageing muscles will result in sarcopenia that is characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse outcomes. In recent years, a few consensus panels provide new definitions for sarcopenia. It was officially recognized as a disease in 2016 with an ICD-10-CM disease code, M62.84, in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). With the new definitions, there are many studies emerging to investigate the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, exploring new interventions to treat sarcopenia and evaluating the efficacy of combination treatments for sarcopenia. The scope of this chapter is to summarize and appraise the evidence in terms of (1) clinical signs, symptoms, screening, and diagnosis, (2) pathogenesis of sarcopenia with emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction, intramuscular fat infiltration and neuromuscular junction deterioration, and (3) current treatments with regard to physical exercises and nutritional supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Yu-Kin Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhengyuan Bao
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufeng Long
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chaoran Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Can Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Kwoon-Ho Chow
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ronald Man Yeung Wong
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Hoi Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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15
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Fogarty MJ, Khurram OU, Mantilla CB, Sieck GC. Brain derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin related kinase B signaling impacts diaphragm neuromuscular transmission in a novel rat chemogenetic model. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1025463. [PMID: 36385943 PMCID: PMC9650098 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1025463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) mediates neural control of skeletal muscle fibers. Neurotrophic signaling, specifically brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acting through its high-affinity tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB) receptor is known to improve neuromuscular transmission. BDNF/TrkB signaling also maintains the integrity of antero- and retrograde communication between the motor neuron soma, its distal axons and pre-synaptic terminals and influences neuromuscular transmission. In this study, we employed a novel rat chemogenetic mutation (TrkB F616), in which a 1-naphthylmethyl phosphoprotein phosphatase 1 (1NMPP1) sensitive knock-in allele allowed specific, rapid and sustained inhibition of TrkB kinase activity. In adult female and male TrkB F616 rats, treatment with either 1NMPP1 (TrkB kinase inhibition) or DMSO (vehicle) was administered in drinking water for 14 days. To assess the extent of neuromuscular transmission failure (NMTF), diaphragm muscle isometric force evoked by nerve stimulation at 40 Hz (330 ms duration trains repeated each s) was compared to isometric forces evoked by superimposed direct muscle stimulation (every 15 s). Chronic TrkB kinase inhibition (1NMPP1 group) markedly worsened NMTF compared to vehicle controls. Acute BDNF treatment did not rescue NMTF in the 1NMPP1 group. Chronic TrkB kinase inhibition did not affect the apposition of pre-synaptic terminals (labeled with synaptophysin) and post-synaptic endplates (labeled with α-Bungarotoxin) at diaphragm NMJs. We conclude that inhibition of BDNF/TrkB signaling in TrkB F616 rats disrupts diaphragm neuromuscular transmission in a similar manner to TrkB F616A mice, likely via a pre-synaptic mechanism independent of axonal branch point failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Fogarty
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Obaid U. Khurram
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Carlos B. Mantilla
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Gary C. Sieck
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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16
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Ubiquitin Ligases in Longevity and Aging Skeletal Muscle. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147602. [PMID: 35886949 PMCID: PMC9315556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and prevalence of diseases associated with aging presents a global health burden on society. One hallmark of aging is the loss of proteostasis which is caused in part by alterations to the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and lysosome-autophagy system leading to impaired function and maintenance of mass in tissues such as skeletal muscle. In the instance of skeletal muscle, the impairment of function occurs early in the aging process and is dependent on proteostatic mechanisms. The UPS plays a pivotal role in degradation of misfolded and aggregated proteins. For the purpose of this review, we will discuss the role of the UPS system in the context of age-related loss of muscle mass and function. We highlight the significant role that E3 ubiquitin ligases play in the turnover of key components (e.g., mitochondria and neuromuscular junction) essential to skeletal muscle function and the influence of aging. In addition, we will briefly discuss the contribution of the UPS system to lifespan. By understanding the UPS system as part of the proteostasis network in age-related diseases and disorders such as sarcopenia, new discoveries can be made and new interventions can be developed which will preserve muscle function and maintain quality of life with advancing age.
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17
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Hildebrandt W, Keck J, Schmich S, Bonaterra GA, Wilhelm B, Schwarzbach H, Eva A, Bertoune M, Slater EP, Fendrich V, Kinscherf R. Inflammation and Wasting of Skeletal Muscles in Kras-p53-Mutant Mice with Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Pancreatic Cancer-When Does Cachexia Start? Cells 2022; 11:1607. [PMID: 35626644 PMCID: PMC9139525 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle wasting critically impairs the survival and quality of life in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To identify the local factors initiating muscle wasting, we studied inflammation, fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), composition, amino acid metabolism and capillarization, as well as the integrity of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ, pre-/postsynaptic co-staining) and mitochondria (electron microscopy) in the hindlimb muscle of LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-TrP53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre mice with intraepithelial-neoplasia (PanIN) 1-3 and PDAC, compared to wild-type mice (WT). Significant decreases in fiber CSA occurred with PDAC but not with PanIN 1-3, compared to WT: These were found in the gastrocnemius (type 2x: −20.0%) and soleus (type 2a: −21.0%, type 1: −14.2%) muscle with accentuation in the male soleus (type 2a: −24.8%, type 1: −17.4%) and female gastrocnemius muscle (−29.6%). Significantly higher densities of endomysial CD68+ and cyclooxygenase-2+ (COX2+) cells were detected in mice with PDAC, compared to WT mice. Surprisingly, CD68+ and COX2+ cell densities were also higher in mice with PanIN 1-3 in both muscles. Significant positive correlations existed between muscular and hepatic CD68+ or COX2+ cell densities. Moreover, in the gastrocnemius muscle, suppressor-of-cytokine-3 (SOCS3) expressions was upregulated >2.7-fold with PanIN 1A-3 and PDAC. The intracellular pools of proteinogenic amino acids and glutathione significantly increased with PanIN 1A-3 compared to WT. Capillarization, NMJ, and mitochondrial ultrastructure remained unchanged with PanIN or PDAC. In conclusion, the onset of fiber atrophy coincides with the manifestation of PDAC and high-grade local (and hepatic) inflammatory infiltration without compromised microcirculation, innervation or mitochondria. Surprisingly, muscular and hepatic inflammation, SOCS3 upregulation and (proteolytic) increases in free amino acids and glutathione were already detectable in mice with precancerous PanINs. Studies of initial local triggers and defense mechanisms regarding cachexia are warranted for targeted anti-inflammatory prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wulf Hildebrandt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Jan Keck
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
- Department of General, Visceral and Pedriatic Surgery, University Clinics, Georg-August University, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Simon Schmich
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Gabriel A. Bonaterra
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Beate Wilhelm
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Hans Schwarzbach
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Anna Eva
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Mirjam Bertoune
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Emily P. Slater
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Clinics of Giessen and Marburg, Baldinger Str., 35043 Marburg, Germany; (E.P.S.); (V.F.)
| | - Volker Fendrich
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Clinics of Giessen and Marburg, Baldinger Str., 35043 Marburg, Germany; (E.P.S.); (V.F.)
- Center for Endocrine Surgery, Schön Klinik Hamburg-Eilbek, Dehnhaide 120, 22081 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Kinscherf
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (J.K.); (S.S.); (G.A.B.); (B.W.); (H.S.); (A.E.); (M.B.); (R.K.)
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Deschenes MR, Flannery R, Hawbaker A, Patek L, Mifsud M. Adaptive Remodeling of the Neuromuscular Junction with Aging. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071150. [PMID: 35406714 PMCID: PMC8997609 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with gradual degeneration, in mass and function, of the neuromuscular system. This process, referred to as “sarcopenia”, is considered a disease by itself, and it has been linked to a number of other serious maladies such as type II diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even dementia. While the molecular causes of sarcopenia remain to be fully elucidated, recent findings have implicated the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as being an important locus in the development and progression of that malady. This synapse, which connects motor neurons to the muscle fibers that they innervate, has been found to degenerate with age, contributing both to senescent-related declines in muscle mass and function. The NMJ also shows plasticity in response to a number of neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Here, the structural and functional degradation of the NMJ associated with aging and disease is described, along with the measures that might be taken to effectively mitigate, if not fully prevent, that degeneration.
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Moreira-Pais A, Ferreira R, Oliveira PA, Duarte JA. A neuromuscular perspective of sarcopenia pathogenesis: deciphering the signaling pathways involved. GeroScience 2022; 44:1199-1213. [PMID: 34981273 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The escalation of life expectancy is accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of age-related conditions, such as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia, a muscle condition defined by low muscle strength, muscle quality or quantity, and physical performance, has a high prevalence among the elderly and is associated to increased mortality. The neuromuscular system has been emerging as a key contributor to sarcopenia pathogenesis. Indeed, the age-related degeneration of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) function and structure may contribute to the loss of muscle strength and ultimately to the loss of muscle mass that characterize sarcopenia. The present mini-review discusses important signaling pathways involved in the function and maintenance of the NMJ, giving emphasis to the ones that might contribute to sarcopenia pathogenesis. Some conceivable biomarkers, such as C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and therapeutic targets, namely acetylcholine and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), can be retrieved, making way to future studies to validate their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Moreira-Pais
- CIAFEL, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal. .,LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal. .,Centre for Research and Technology of Agro Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Rita Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José A Duarte
- CIAFEL, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal.,TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
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Liu C, Cheung W, Li J, Chow SK, Yu J, Wong SH, Ip M, Sung JJY, Wong RMY. Understanding the gut microbiota and sarcopenia: a systematic review. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:1393-1407. [PMID: 34523250 PMCID: PMC8718038 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota dysbiosis and sarcopenia commonly occur in the elderly. Although the concept of the gut-muscle axis has been raised, the casual relationship is still unclear. This systematic review analyses the current evidence of gut microbiota effects on muscle/sarcopenia. METHODS A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases using the keywords (microbiota* OR microbiome*) AND (sarcopen* OR muscle). Studies reporting the alterations of gut microbiota and muscle/physical performance were analysed. RESULTS A total of 26 pre-clinical and 10 clinical studies were included. For animal studies, three revealed age-related changes and relationships between gut microbiota and muscle. Three studies focused on muscle characteristics of germ-free mice. Seventy-five per cent of eight faecal microbiota transplantation studies showed that the recipient mice successfully replicated the muscle phenotype of donors. There were positive effects on muscle from seven probiotics, two prebiotics, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Ten studies investigated on other dietary supplements, antibiotics, exercise, and food withdrawal that affected both muscle and gut microbiota. Twelve studies explored the potential mechanisms of the gut-muscle axis. For clinical studies, 6 studies recruited 676 elderly people (72.8 ± 5.6 years, 57.8% female), while 4 studies focused on 244 young adults (29.7 ± 7.8 years, 55.4% female). The associations of gut microbiota and muscle had been shown in four observational studies. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fermented milk, caloric restriction, and exercise in six studies displayed inconsistent effects on muscle mass, function, and gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS Altering the gut microbiota through bacteria depletion, faecal transplantation, and various supplements was shown to directly affect muscle phenotypes. Probiotics, prebiotics, SCFAs, and bacterial products are potential novel therapies to enhance muscle mass and physical performance. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains restored age-related muscle loss. Potential mechanisms of microbiome modulating muscle mainly include protein, energy, lipid, and glucose metabolism, inflammation level, neuromuscular junction, and mitochondrial function. The role of the gut microbiota in the development of muscle loss during aging is a crucial area that requires further studies for translation to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Wing‐Hoi Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Simon Kwoon‐Ho Chow
- Department of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Margaret Ip
- Department of MicrobiologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Joseph Jao Yiu Sung
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Ronald Man Yeung Wong
- Department of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
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21
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Deschenes MR, Patek LG, Trebelhorn AM, High MC, Flannery RE. Juvenile Neuromuscular Systems Show Amplified Disturbance to Muscle Unloading. Front Physiol 2021; 12:754052. [PMID: 34759841 PMCID: PMC8573242 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.754052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle unloading results in severe disturbance in neuromuscular function. During juvenile stages of natural development, the neuromuscular system experiences a high degree of plasticity in function and structure. This study aimed to determine whether muscle unloading imposed during juvenile development would elicit more severe disruption in neuromuscular function than when imposed on fully developed, mature neuromuscular systems. Twenty juvenile (3 months old) and 20 mature (8 months old) rats were equally divided into unloaded and control groups yielding a total of four groups (N = 10/each). Following the 2 week intervention period, soleus muscles were surgically extracted and using an ex vivo muscle stimulation and recording system, were examined for neuromuscular function. The unloading protocol was found to have elicited significant (P ≤ 0.05) declines in whole muscle wet weight in both juvenile and mature muscles, but of a similar degree (P = 0.286). Results also showed that juvenile muscles displayed significantly greater decay in peak force due to unloading than mature muscles, such a finding was also made for specific tension or force/muscle mass. When examining neuromuscular efficiency, i.e., function of the neuromuscular junction, it again was noted that juvenile systems were more negatively affected by muscle unloading than mature systems. These results indicate that juvenile neuromuscular systems are more sensitive to the effects of unloading than mature ones, and that the primary locus of this developmental related difference is likely the neuromuscular junction as indicated by age-related differences in neuromuscular transmission efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Deschenes
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States.,Program in Neuroscience, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Leah G Patek
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Audrey M Trebelhorn
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Madeline C High
- Program in Neuroscience, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Rachel E Flannery
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
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22
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Olson LC, Redden JT, Schwartz Z, Cohen DJ, McClure MJ. Advanced Glycation End-Products in Skeletal Muscle Aging. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8110168. [PMID: 34821734 PMCID: PMC8614898 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced age causes skeletal muscle to undergo deleterious changes including muscle atrophy, fast-to-slow muscle fiber transition, and an increase in collagenous material that culminates in the age-dependent muscle wasting disease known as sarcopenia. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) non-enzymatically accumulate on the muscular collagens in old age via the Maillard reaction, potentiating the accumulation of intramuscular collagen and stiffening the microenvironment through collagen cross-linking. This review contextualizes known aspects of skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) aging, especially the role of collagens and AGE cross-linking, and underpins the motor nerve’s role in this aging process. Specific directions for future research are also discussed, with the understudied role of AGEs in skeletal muscle aging highlighted. Despite more than a half century of research, the role that intramuscular collagen aggregation and cross-linking plays in sarcopenia is well accepted yet not well integrated with current knowledge of AGE’s effects on muscle physiology. Furthermore, the possible impact that motor nerve aging has on intramuscular cross-linking and muscular AGE levels is posited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas C. Olson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (J.T.R.); (Z.S.); (D.J.C.)
- Department of Gerontology, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - James T. Redden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (J.T.R.); (Z.S.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Zvi Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (J.T.R.); (Z.S.); (D.J.C.)
- Department of Periodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - David J. Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (J.T.R.); (Z.S.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Michael J. McClure
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (J.T.R.); (Z.S.); (D.J.C.)
- Correspondence:
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23
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Dobrowolny G, Barbiera A, Sica G, Scicchitano BM. Age-Related Alterations at Neuromuscular Junction: Role of Oxidative Stress and Epigenetic Modifications. Cells 2021; 10:1307. [PMID: 34074012 PMCID: PMC8225025 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With advancing aging, a decline in physical abilities occurs, leading to reduced mobility and loss of independence. Although many factors contribute to the physio-pathological effects of aging, an important event seems to be related to the compromised integrity of the neuromuscular system, which connects the brain and skeletal muscles via motoneurons and the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). NMJs undergo severe functional, morphological, and molecular alterations during aging and ultimately degenerate. The effect of this decline is an inexorable decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength, a condition generally known as sarcopenia. Moreover, several studies have highlighted how the age-related alteration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis can contribute to changes in the neuromuscular junction morphology and stability, leading to the reduction in fiber number and innervation. Increasing evidence supports the involvement of epigenetic modifications in age-dependent alterations of the NMJ. In particular, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA-dependent gene expression represent the major epigenetic mechanisms that play a crucial role in NMJ remodeling. It is established that environmental and lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise and nutrition that are susceptible to change during aging, can modulate epigenetic phenomena and attenuate the age-related NMJs changes. This review aims to highlight the recent epigenetic findings related to the NMJ dysregulation during aging and the role of physical activity and nutrition as possible interventions to attenuate or delay the age-related decline in the neuromuscular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Dobrowolny
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics (DAHFMO)-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Barbiera
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Gigliola Sica
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Bianca Maria Scicchitano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Histology and Embryology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (G.S.)
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24
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Pisano C, Polisano D, Balistreri CR, Altieri C, Nardi P, Bertoldo F, Trombetti D, Asta L, Ferrante MS, Buioni D, Foti C, Ruvolo G. Role of Cachexia and Fragility in the Patient Candidate for Cardiac Surgery. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020517. [PMID: 33562449 PMCID: PMC7915488 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Frailty is the major expression of accelerated aging and describes a decreased resistance to stressors, and consequently an increased vulnerability to additional diseases in elderly people. The vascular aging related to frail phenotype reflects the high susceptibility for cardiovascular diseases and negative postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. Sarcopenia can be considered a biological substrate of physical frailty. Malnutrition and physical inactivity play a key role in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. We searched on Medline (PubMed) and Scopus for relevant literature published over the last 10 years and analyzed the strong correlation between frailty, sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases in elderly patient. In our opinion, a right food intake and moderate intensity resistance exercise are mandatory in order to better prepare patients undergoing cardiac operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calogera Pisano
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-328-329-7692; Fax: +39-(06)-2090-3538
| | - Daniele Polisano
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (C.F.)
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Claudia Altieri
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Paolo Nardi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Fabio Bertoldo
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Daniele Trombetti
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Laura Asta
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Maria Sabrina Ferrante
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Dario Buioni
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Calogero Foti
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (C.F.)
| | - Giovanni Ruvolo
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (P.N.); (F.B.); (D.T.); (L.A.); (M.S.F.); (D.B.); (G.R.)
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