Mitochondrial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes:A neglected path to skeletal muscle atrophy

Over the course of several decades,robust research has firmly established the significance of mitochondrial pathology as a central contributor to the onset of skeletal muscle atrophy in individuals with diabetes.However,the specific intricacies governing this process remain elusive.Extensive evidence highlights that individuals with diabetes regularly confront the severe consequences of skeletal muscle degradation.Deciphering the sophisticated mechanisms at the core of this pathology requires a thorough and meticulous exploration into the nuanced factors intricately associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Inflammation and apoptosis accelerate progression to irreversible atrophy in denervated intrinsic muscles of the hand compared with biceps: proteomic analysis of a rat model of obstetric brachial plexus palsy

In treating patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy,we noticed that denervated intrinsic muscles of the hand become irreversibly atrophic at a faster than denervated biceps.In a rat model of obstetric brachial plexus palsy,denervated intrinsic musculature of the forepaw entered the irreversible atrophy far earlier than denervated biceps.In this study,isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation were examined in the intrinsic musculature of forepaw and biceps on denervated and normal sides at 3 and 5 weeks to identify dysregulated proteins.Enrichment of pathways mapped by those proteins was analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis.At 3 weeks,119 dysregulated proteins in denervated intrinsic musculature of the forepaw were mapped to nine pathways for muscle regulation,while 67 dysregulated proteins were mapped to three such pathways at 5 weeks.At 3 weeks,27 upregulated proteins were mapped to five pathways involving inflammation and apoptosis,while two upregulated proteins were mapped to one such pathway at 5 weeks.At 3 and 5 weeks,53 proteins from pathways involving regrowth and differentiation were downregulated.At 3 weeks,64 dysregulated proteins in denervated biceps were mapped to five pathways involving muscle regulation,while,five dysregulated proteins were mapped to three such pathways at 5 weeks.One protein mapped to inflammation and apoptotic pathways was upregulated from one pathway at 3 weeks,while three proteins were downregulated from two other pathways at 5 weeks.Four proteins mapped to regrowth and differentiation pathways were upregulated from three pathways at 3 weeks,while two proteins were downregulated in another pathway at 5 weeks.These results implicated inflammation and apoptosis as critical factors aggravating atrophy of denervated intrinsic muscles of the hand during obstetric brachial plexus palsy.All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Fudan University,China(approval No.DF-325)in January 2015.

Denervated muscle extract promotes recovery of muscle atrophy through activation of satellite cells. An experimental study

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to determine whether a denervated muscle extract(DmEx) could stimulate satellite cell response in denervated muscle.Methods: Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: normal rats, normal rats treated with DmEx, denervated rats, and denervated rats treated with DmEx. The soleus muscles were examined using immunohistochemical techniques for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, desmin, and myogenic differentiation antigen(MyoD), and electron microscopy was used for analysis of the satellite cells.Results: The results indicate that while denervation causes activation of satellite cells, DmEx also induces myogenic differentiation of cells localized in the interstitial space and the formation of new muscle fibers. Although DmEx had a similar effect in nature on innervated and denervated muscles, this response was of greater magnitude in denervated vs. intact muscles.Conclusion: Our study shows that treatment of denervated rats with DmEx potentiates the myogenic response in atrophic denervated muscles.

GSK3β inhibitor promotes myelination and mitigates muscle atrophy after peripheral nerve injury

Delay of axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury usually leads to progressive muscle atrophy and poor functional recovery. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered to be one of the main molecular mechanisms that lead to skeletal muscle atrophy in the elderly. We hold the hypothesis that the innervation of target muscle can be promoted by accelerating axon regeneration and decelerating muscle cell degeneration so as to improve functional recovery of skeletal muscle following peripheral nerve injury. This process may be associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our study designed in vitro cell models to simulate myelin regeneration and muscle atrophy. We investigated the effects of SB216763, a glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta inhibitor, on the two major murine cell lines RSC96 and C2C12 derived from Schwann cells and muscle satellite cells. The results showed that SB216763 stimulated the Schwann cell migra- tion and myotube contraction. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated that myelin related genes, myelin associated glycoprotein and cyclin-D1, muscle related gene myogenin and endplate-associated gene nicotinic acetylcholine receptors levels were stimulated by SB216763. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that the expressions of ^-catenin in the RSC96 and C2C12 cytosolic and nuclear compartments were increased in the SB216763-treated cells. These findings confirm that the glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta in- hibitor, SB216763, promoted the myelination and myotube differentiation through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and contributed to nerve remyelination and reduced denervated muscle atrophy after peripheral nerve injury.

Apoptosis in skeletal muscle and its relevance to atrophy

Apoptosis is necessary for maintaining the integrity of proliferative tissues, such as epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal system. The role of apoptosis in post mitotic tissues, such as skeletal muscle, is less well defined. Apoptosis during muscle atrophy occurs in both myonuclei and other muscle cell types. Apoptosis of myonuclei likely contributes to the loss of muscle mass, but the mechanisms underlying this process are largely unknown. Caspase-dependent as well as -independent pathways have been implicated and the mode by which atrophy is induced likely determines the apoptotic mechanisms that are utilized. It remains to be determined whether a decrease in apoptosis will alleviate atrophy and distinct research strategies may be required for different causes of skeletal muscle loss.

TAZ and myostatin involved in muscle atrophy of congenital neurogenic clubfoot

BACKGROUND Muscular atrophy is the basic defect of neurogenic clubfoot.Muscle atrophy of clubfoot needs more scientific and reasonable imaging measurement parameters to evaluate.The Hippo pathway and myostatin pathway may be directly correlated in myogenesis.In this study,we will use congenital neurogenic clubfoot muscle atrophy model to verify in vivo.Further,the antagonistic mechanism of TAZ on myostatin was studied in the C2C12 cell differentiation model.AIM To identify muscle atrophy in fetal neurogenic clubfoot by ultrasound imaging and detect the expression of TAZ and myostatin in gastrocnemius muscle.To elucidate the possible mechanisms by which TAZ antagonizes myostatin-induced atrophy in an in vitro cell model.METHODS Muscle atrophy in eight cases of fetal unilateral clubfoot with nervous system abnormalities was identified by 2D and 3D ultrasound.Western blotting and immunostaining were performed to detect expression of myostatin and TAZ.TAZ overexpression in C2C12 myotubes and the expression of associated proteins were analyzed by western blotting.RESULTS The maximum cross-sectional area of the fetal clubfoot on the varus side was reduced compared to the contralateral side.Myostatin was elevated in the atrophied gastrocnemius muscle,while TAZ expression was decreased.They were negatively correlated.TAZ overexpression reversed the diameter reduction of the myotube,downregulated phosphorylated Akt,and increased the expression of forkhead box O4 induced by myostatin.CONCLUSION Ultrasound can detect muscle atrophy of fetal clubfoot.TAZ and myostatin are involved in the pathological process of neurogenic clubfoot muscle atrophy.TAZ antagonizes myostatin-induced myotube atrophy,potentially through regulation of the Akt/forkhead box O4 signaling pathway.

Transferrin receptor 1 plays an important role in muscle development and denervation-induced muscular atrophy

Previous studies demonstrate an accumulation of transferrin and transferrin receptor 1(TfR1) in regenerating peripheral nerves.However, the expression and function of transferrin and TfR1 in the denervated skeletal muscle remain poorly understood.In this study, a mouse model of denervation was produced by complete tear of the left brachial plexus nerve.RNA-sequencing revealed that transferrin expression in the denervated skeletal muscle was upregulated, while TfR1 expression was downregulated.We also investigated the function of TfR1 during development and in adult skeletal muscles in mice with inducible deletion or loss of TfR1.The ablation of TfR1 in skeletal muscle in early development caused severe muscular atrophy and early death.In comparison, deletion of TfR1 in adult skeletal muscles did not affect survival or glucose metabolism, but caused skeletal muscle atrophy and motor functional impairment, similar to the muscular atrophy phenotype observed after denervation.These findings suggest that TfR1 plays an important role in muscle development and denervation-induced muscular atrophy.This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, China(approval No.SYXK 2017-C023) on June 1, 2018.

Exercise attenuates angiotensinⅡ-induced muscle atrophy by targeting PPARγ/miR-29b

Background:Exercise is beneficial for muscle atrophy.Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ) and microRNA-29 b(miR-29 b) have been reported to be responsible for angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ)-induced muscle atrophy.However,it is unclear whether exercise can protect AngⅡ-induced muscle atrophy by targeting PPARγ/miR-29 b.Methods:Skeletal muscle atrophy in both the control group and the run group was established by AngⅡ infusion;after 1 week of exercise training,the mice were sacrificed,and muscle weight was determined.Myofiber size was measured by hematoxylin-eosin and wheat-germ agglutinin staining.Apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining.The expression level of muscle atrogenes,including F-box only protein 32(FBXO32,also called Atrogin-1) and muscle-specific RING-finger 1(MuRF-1),the phosphorylation level of protein kinase B(PKB,also called AKT)/forkhead box 03 A(FOX03 A)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway proteins,the expression level of PPARγ and apoptosis-related proteins,including B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X(Bax),cysteine-aspartic acid protease 3(caspase-3),and cleaved-caspase-3,were determined by western blot.The expression level of miR-29 b was checked by reversetranscription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.A PPARγ inhibitor(T0070907) or adeno-associated virus serotype-8(AAV8)-mediated miR-29 b overexpression was used to demonstrate whether PPARγ activation or miR-29 b inhibition mediates the beneficial effects of exercise in AngⅡ-induced muscle atrophy.Results:Exercise can significantly attenuate AngⅡ-induced muscle atrophy,which is demonstrated by increased skeletal muscle weight,cross-sectional area of myofiber,and activation of AKT/mTOR signaling and by decreased atrogenes expressions and apoptosis.In AngⅡ-induced muscle atrophy mice models,PPARγ was elevated whereas miR-29 b was decreased by exercise.The protective effects of exercise in AngⅡ-induced muscle atrophy were inhibited by a PPARγ inhibitor(T0070907) or adeno-associated virus serotype-8(AAV8)-mediated miR-29 b overexpression.Conclusion:Exercise attenuates AngⅡ-induced muscle atrophy by activation of PPARγ and suppression of miR-29 b.

Icaritin requires phosphatidylinositol 3kinase/Akt signaling to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy following mechanical unloading

OBJECTIVE Skeletal muscle undergoes rapid and profound atrophy in response to decreased mechanical loading,e.g.,limb immobilization and bed rest.Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway is critical for regulating the balance between protein synthesis and degradation during disuse/inactivity-induced muscle atrophy.The present study aimed to investigate whether natural product Icaritin(ICT)required PI3K/Akt signaling to exert counteractive effect on skeletal muscle atrophy following mechanical unloading.METHODS Two oral dosages of ICT(80and 120mg·kg-1·d-1)were administrated daily to adult male rats with or without daily injection of PI3K/Akt signaling inhibitor wortmannin(15μg·kg-1·d-1)during 28-d hindlimb suspension(HS).Ex vivo muscle functional testing,histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to determine the changes of soleus muscle function,mean muscle fiber cross-sectional area(CSA)and fiber type distribution.Western blot and real-time PCR analysis were also performed to evaluate the protein or mRNA expression of the markers involved in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.RESULTS After 28-d HS,soleus muscle underwent profound muscle atrophy(-52.7% muscle mass vs.pre-HS baseline).The high dose ICT treatment significantly attenuated the decreases in soleus muscle mass(+22.6% vs.HS),muscle fiber CSA(+52.8% vs.HS),as well as the muscle functional testing parameters during the unloading.Molecularly,the high dose ICT treatment significantly attenuated the decreases in protein synthesis markers at protein levels(phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream proteins)during the unloading,whereas the increases in protein degradation markers at mRNA(atrogin-1and MuRF-1)and protein(nuclear FOXO1 and FOXO3a)levels during the unloading were significantly attenuated by the high dose ICT treatment.The low dose ICT treatment moderately attenuated the above changes induced by the unloading.Mechanistically,Wortmannin could abolish the above effects of ICT.CONCLUSION ICT requires participation of PI3K/Akt signaling to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy following mechanical unloading in a dose-dependent manner.

Overexpression of MyoD Attenuates Denervated Rat Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Dysfunction

Nerve injury commonly contributes to irreversible functional impairment, reconstruction of the function of muscle is big challenge. In denervated skeletal muscle, therapid expression of MyoD mRNA and protein also occurs during early postdenervation, which suggested that the function of denervation-induced MyoD may be to prevent denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the detail mechanism is not clear. Therefore, in this study, we established a stable-transfected MyoD L6 cell line. After the operation for cutting the rats’ tibial nerve, the MyoD-L6 cells were injected in the gastrocnemius, the function of the gastronemius was monitored. It was found that injected the MyoD-L6 cells could attenuate the muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Therefore, overexpression of MyoD could serve as a new therapy strategy to cure denervation-induced dysfunction of skeletal muscle.

Atrophy and Fibrosis of Extra-Ocular Muscles in Anti-Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder involving the neuromuscular junction that frequently affects the extra-ocular muscles (EOMs). It has been described as a very rare cause of bilateral EOM atrophy, but histological analysis of such cases is lacking. A 66-year-old man presented with two months of right eyelid drooping and vertical diplopia. Examination showed bilateral ophthalmoparesis and complete right ptosis. The remainder of his exam was normal, and an MRI showed small EOMs. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies were elevated, establishing the diagnosis of MG. Oral corticosteroids and pyridostigmine followed by azathioprine improved his ptosis, but not his ophthalmoparesis. One year later he had surgical correction of his diplopia, and the resected superior rectus muscle showed complete replacement of EOM by connective tissue. MG can rarely cause bilateral EOM atrophy, which is characterized histologically by fibrosis in the muscle itself. Atrophy in the EOMs of a myasthenic patient may indicate a poor response to medical management alone.

EFFECTS OF PASSIVE STRETCH ON SOLEUS MUSCLE ATROPHY IN IMMOBILIZED RATS

Objective To study the possible mechanism and prevention of disused muscle atrophy. Methods The shortened immobilization (plaster fixation) of rat’s soleus muscle(SOL) was used as the model of muscle "disuse" and the lengthened immobilization of rat’s SOL muscle as "passive stretch" method. Types of skeletal muscle fibers were differentiated with m-ATPase staining technique. The changes of rat’s SOL weight (wet weight) as well as the types and the mean cross sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers were examined respectively on days 2,4,7,14 and 21 under both shortened and lengthened immobilization, and then the effect of passive stretch on soleus muscle atrophy in immobilized rats was observed. Results When shortened immobilization was applied for 4 days, SOL weight (wet weight ) became lighter, the fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) shrank, and type Ⅰ muscle fibers started to transform into type Ⅱ, which all indicated that immobilized muscles began to atrophy, and as immobilization proceeded, muscle atrophy proceeded toward higher level. In contrast to that, when lengthened immobilization was applied, SOL didn’t show any signs of atrophy until day 7, the sign reached its highest level on day 14 and maintained that level even though immobilization continued. Conclusion From the results, we conclude that the passive stretch can either relieve or retard the disused muscle atrophy.

THE ROLE OF MUSCLE SPINDLE IN MUSCLE ATROPHY INDUCED BY SIMULATED MICROGRAVITY

Objective To compare the cross section area (CSA) and the immunoreactivity of conjugated ubiquitin in soleus extrafusal and intrafusal fibers after simulated microgravity and to demonstrate the role of muscle spindle in muscle atrophy induced by simulated microgravity. Methods The immunohistochemical technique (ABC) and image analysis were used to assess the conjugated ubiquitin immunostaining and the cross sectional area of intrafusal and extrafusal fibers of soleus in simulated microgravity rats. Results ①Tail suspension caused a progressive loss of soleus mass. Mean fiber CSA of extrafusal fibers were (7±2)%, (21±4)% and (32±7)% smaller after 3 days, 7 days and 14 days suspension, respectively. While the CAS of intrafusal fibers (bag + chain fibers) were (14±3)% ( P < 0.05 ), (30±7)% ( P < 0.01 ) and (44±10)% ( P < 0.01 ) smaller after 3 days, 7 days and 14 days suspension. ② The immunoreactivity of conjugated ubiquitin both in extrafusal and intrafusal fibers increased after tail suspension. The immunoreactivity of intrafusal fibers increased 1 day after suspension and reached the hightest level at 3 days after tail suspension. The immunoreactivity of extrafusal fibers increased after 3 days suspension and reached the highest level after 7 days tail suspension, which was lower than that in intrafusal fibers after 3 days tail suspension. Conclusion These results suggest that soleus atrophy of intrafusal fibers caused by tail suspension is earlier and more severe than that in extrafusal fibers.

Comparative study of surface electromyography of masticatory muscles in patients with different types of bruxism

BACKGROUND Bruxism is a rhythmic masticatory muscle activity that occurs involuntarily in a non-physiologically functional state.There is a lack of research classifying the functional status of masticatory muscles in patients with different mandibular movement types(centric clenching or eccentric grinding)of bruxism.AIM To assess the differences of the masticatory muscle activity in patients with different types of bruxism.METHODS A total of 21 subjects with centric bruxism(CB)and 21 subjects with eccentric bruxism(ECB)were screened from college students according to a questionnaire and their tooth wear features.Sixteen subjects with no bruxism were also recruited.The surface electromyography(EMG)signals of the temporalis anterior(TA)and superficial masseter muscle(MM)were measured in different mandibular positions and during the chewing task.The EMG amplitude and chewing cycle duration parameters were then analyzed.RESULTS The CB group showed fewer muscle maximal motor units,with the MM being more pronounced,a higher proportion of muscle contractions to be recruited for the same load of chewing activity,and a longer chewing cycle.The ECB group showed more TA maximal motor units and higher MM activity on the nonworking side in unilateral chewing.CONCLUSION CB mainly affects the MM,and patients with CB show reduced masticatory muscle contraction efficiency and chewing cycle efficiency.ECB mainly affects the TA,and patients with ECB show enhanced contraction of non-functional lateral muscle bundles.

Depletion of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor by Disuse Muscle Atrophy Exacerbates the Degeneration of Alpha Motor Neurons in Caudal Regions Remote from the Spinal Cord Injury

We have been previously reported that disuse muscle atrophy exacerbates both motor neuron (MN) degeneration in caudal regions remote from a spinal cord injury, and decrease in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein level in paralyzed muscle. In this study we found that disuse muscle atrophy exacerbated the decrease in GDNF protein level in the L4/5 spinal cord, which was not immunopositive for GDNF. Our results were consistent with the fact that in the lumbar spinal cord of rats with mid-thoracic contusion, GDNF expression was not detected, while expression of GDNF receptors (GFRα1 and RET) was. Our study showed that administration of exogenous recombinant GDNF into the atrophic muscle partially rescued α-MN degeneration in the L4/5 spinal cord. These results suggest that the depletion of GDNF protein by muscle atrophy exacerbates α-MN degeneration in caudal regions remote from the injury.

Functional recovery and muscle atrophy in pre-clinical models of peripheral nerve transection and gap-grafting in mice:effects of 4-aminopyridine

We recently demonstrated a repurposing beneficial effect of 4-aminopyridine(4-AP),a potassium channel blocker,on functional recove ry and muscle atrophy after sciatic nerve crush injury in rodents.However,this effect of 4-AP is unknown in nerve transection,gap,and grafting models.To evaluate and compare the functional recovery,nerve morphology,and muscle atrophy,we used a novel stepwise nerve transection with gluing(STG),as well as 7-mm irreparable nerve gap(G-7/0)and 7-mm isografting in 5-mm gap(G-5/7)models in the absence and presence of 4-AP treatment.Following surgery,sciatic functional index was determined wee kly to evaluate the direct in vivo global motor functional recovery.After 12 weeks,nerves were processed for whole-mount immunofluorescence imaging,and tibialis anterior muscles were harvested for wet weight and quantitative histomorphological analyses for muscle fiber crosssectional area and minimal Feret's diameter.Average post-injury sciatic functional index values in STG and G-5/7 models were significantly greater than those in the G-7/0 model.4-AP did not affect the sciatic functional index recovery in any model.Compared to STG,nerve imaging revealed more misdirected axons and distorted nerve architecture with isografting.While muscle weight,cross-sectional area,and minimal Feret's diameter were significantly smaller in G-7/0 model compared with STG and G-5/7,4-AP treatment significantly increased right TA muscle mass,cross-sectional area,and minimal Feret's diameter in G-7/0 model.These findings demonstrate that functional recovery and muscle atrophy after peripheral nerve injury are directly related to the intervening nerve gap,and 4-AP exerts diffe rential effects on functional recove ry and muscle atrophy.

Pharmacological effects of denervated muscle atrophy due to metabolic imbalance in different periods

Denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy can potentially cause the decline in the quality of life of patients and an increased risk of mortality.Complex pathophysiological mechanisms with dynamic alterations have been documented in skeletal muscle atrophy resulting from innervation loss.Hence,an in-depth comprehension of the key mechanisms and molecules governing skeletal muscle atrophy at varying stages,along with targeted treatment and protection,becomes essential for effective atrophy management.Our preliminary research categorizes the skeletal muscle atrophy process into four stages using microarray analysis.This review extensively discusses the pathways and molecules potentially implicated in regulating the four stages of denervation and muscle atrophy.Notably,drugs targeting the reactivare oxygen species stage and the inflammation stage assume critical roles.Timely intervention during the initial atrophy stages can expedite protection against skeletal muscle atrophy.Additionally,pharmaceutical intervention in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway associated with atrophy and autophagy lysosomes can effectively slow down skeletal muscle atrophy.Key molecules within this stage encompass MuRF1,MAFbx,LC3II,p62/SQSTM1,etc.This review also compiles a profile of drugs with protective effects against skeletal muscle atrophy at distinct postdenervation stages,thereby augmenting the evidence base for denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy treatment.

Screening and verification of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury

Objective:To find the key targets of muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury(SCI)were excavated,to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network based on bioinformatics analysis,and to verify the expression changes of key regulatory networks in muscle atrophy after SCI by animal experiments,so as to seek new research directions for the pathogenesis and treatment of muscle atrophy after SCI.Methods:The GSE21497 data set was downloaded from the GEO database for differential expression gene screening and WGCNA treatment.Combined with the online prediction database,key mRNAs were screened out.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of key mRNAs were performed using the DAVID database to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network.The key regulatory genes were selected and then verified by RT-qPCR.Results:A total of 1405 differentially expressed genes were screened,and 30 key mRNAs were predicted by the WGCNA and online database.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that it was mainly enriched in the functions of neuron regeneration,protection,signal transmission,the HIF signaling pathway,PD-L1 expression and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway.Four key regulatory networks were identified(LINC00410/miR-17-5p/KCNK10,LINC00410/miR-17-5p/PCDHA3,LINC00410/miR-20b-5p/KCNK10,LINC00410/miR-20b-5p/PCDHA3).The results of RT-qPCR showed that,compared with the control group,the expression of miR-17-5p and miR-20b-5p in the observation group increased,and the expression of KCNK10 and PCDHA3 decreased.Conclusions:MiR-17-5p,miR-20b-5p,KCNK10,and PCDHA3 may play an important regulatory role in the regeneration,protection,and signal transmission of neurons,which is expected to become a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of muscle atrophy after SCI.

The role of 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)in skeletal muscle atrophy

As a key coordinator of metabolism,AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)is vitally involved in skeletal muscle maintenance.AMPK exerts its cellular effects through its function as a serine/threonine protein kinase by regulating many downstream targets and plays important roles in the development and growth of skeletal muscle.AMPK is activated by phosphorylation and exerts its function as a kinase in many processes,including synthesis and degradation of proteins,mitochondrial biogenesis,glucose uptake,and fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism.Skeletal muscle atrophy is a result of various diseases or disorders and is characterized by a decrease in muscle mass.The pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of skeletal muscle atrophy are still under investigation.In this review,we discuss the role of AMPK in skeletal muscle metabolism and atrophy.We also discuss targeting AMPK for skeletal muscle treatment,including exercise,AMPK activators including 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide ribonucleoside and metformin,and low-level lasers.These studies show the important roles of AMPK in regulating muscle metabolism and function;thus,the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy needs to take into account the roles of AMPK.

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Combination with Glutamine Administration on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Colon-26 Tumor-Bearing Mice

The depressed protein synthetic response,a phenomenon termed anabolic resistance,has been shown to be involved in muscle wasting induced by cancer cachexia.Moreover,a positive relationship between the protein synthetic rate and intracellular glutamine(GLN)concentration has been found in skeletal muscles.This study investigated the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation(ES)and GLN administration on muscle wasting and GLN metabolism in colon-26(C-26)tumor-bearing mice.CD2F1 mice were divided into 8 groups:control(CNT),CNT+ES,CNT+GLN,CNT+ES+GLN,C-26,C-26+ES,C-26+GLN,C-26+ES+GLN.Cancer cachexia was induced by subcutaneous injection of C-26 cells and developed for four weeks.ES was performed on the left plantar flexor muscles every other day,and GLN(1 g/kg)was administered daily intraperitoneally starting one day after the C-26 injection.Tumor-free body mass and fast-twitch gastrocnemius(Gas)muscle weight were lower in the C-26 group than in the CNT group(-19%and-17%,respectively).Neither ES training nor GLN administration,alone or in combination,ameliorated the loss of Gas muscle weight in the C-26 mice.However,ES training in combination with GLN administration inhibited the increased expression of GLN synthetase(GS)in the C-26 muscles.Thus,it is likely that GLN plays a critical role in muscle protein metabolism and,therefore,can be targeted as a tentative treatment of cancer cachexia.