Skeletal muscle as a molecular and cellular biomarker of disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:a narrative review

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal multisystemic neurodegenerative disease with motor neurons being a primary target.Although progressive weakness is a hallmark feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,there is considerable heterogeneity,including clinical presentation,progression,and the underlying triggers for disease initiation.Based on longitudinal studies with families harboring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated gene mutations,it has become apparent that overt disease is preceded by a prodromal phase,possibly in years,where compensatory mechanisms delay symptom onset.Since 85-90%of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is sporadic,there is a strong need for identifying biomarkers that can detect this prodromal phase as motor neurons have limited capacity for regeneration.Current Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies work by slowing the degenerative process and are most effective early in the disease.Skeletal muscle,including the neuromuscular junction,manifests abnormalities at the earliest stages of the disease,before motor neuron loss,making it a promising source for identifying biomarkers of the prodromal phase.The accessibility of muscle through biopsy provides a lens into the distal motor system at earlier stages and in real time.The advent of“omics”technology has led to the identification of numerous dysregulated molecules in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis muscle,ranging from coding and non-coding RNAs to proteins and metabolites.This technology has opened the door for identifying biomarkers of disease activity and providing insight into disease mechanisms.A major challenge is correlating the myriad of dysregulated molecules with clinical or histological progression and understanding their relevance to presymptomatic phases of disease.There are two major goals of this review.The first is to summarize some of the biomarkers identified in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis muscle that have a clinicopathological correlation with disease activity,evidence of a similar dysregulation in the SOD1G93A mouse during presymptomatic stages,and evidence of progressive change during disease progression.The second goal is to review the molecular pathways these biomarkers reflect and their potential role in mitigating or promoting disease progression,and as such,their potential as therapeutic targets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Biology of Hippo signaling pathway:Skeletal muscle development and beyond

Global demand for farm animals and their meat products i.e.,pork,chicken and other livestock meat,is steadily incresing.With the ongoing life science research and the rapid development of biotechnology,it is a great opportunity to develop advanced molecular breeding markers to efficiently improve animal meat production traits.Hippo is an important study subject because of its crucial role in the regulation of organ size.In recent years,with the increase of research on Hippo signaling pathway,the integrative application of multi-omics technologies such as genomics,transcriptomics,proteomics,and metabolomics can help promote the in-depth involvement of Hippo signaling pathway in skeletal muscle development research.The Hippo signaling pathway plays a key role in many biological events,including cell division,cell migration,cell proliferation,cell differentiation,cell apoptosis,as well as cell adhesion,cell polarity,homeostasis,maintenance of the face of mechanical overload,etc.Its influence on the development of skeletal muscle has important research value for enhancing the efficiency of animal husbandry production.In this study,we traced the origin of the Hippo pathway,comprehensively sorted out all the functional factors found in the pathway,deeply analyzed the molecular mechanism of its function,and classified it from a novel perspective based on its main functional domain and mode of action.Our aim is to systematically explore its regulatory role throughout skeletal muscle development.We specifically focus on the Hippo signaling pathway in embryonic stem cell development,muscle satellite cell fate determination,myogenesis,skeletal muscle meat production and organ size regulation,muscle hypertrophy and atrophy,muscle fiber formation and its transformation between different types,and cardiomyocytes.The roles in proliferation and regeneration are methodically summarized and analyzed comprehensively.The summary and prospect of the Hippo signaling pathway within this article will provide ideas for further improving meat production and muscle deposition and developing new molecular breeding technologies for livestock and poultry,which will be helpful for the development of animal molecular breeding.

SWIR FluorescenceImaging In Vivo Monitoring and Evaluating Implanted M2 Macrophages in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration

Skeletal muscle has a robust regeneration ability that is impaired by severe injury,disease,and aging.resulting in a decline in skeletal muscle function.Therefore,improving skeletal muscle regeneration is a key challenge in treating skeletal muscle-related disorders.Owing to their significant role in tissue regeneration,implantation of M2 macrophages(M2MФ)has great potential for improving skeletal muscle regeneration.Here,we present a short-wave infrared(SWIR)fluorescence imaging technique to obtain more in vivo information for an in-depth evaluation of the skeletal muscle regeneration effect after M2MФtransplantation.SWIR fluorescence imaging was employed to track implanted M2MФin the injured skeletal muscle of mouse models.It is found that the implanted M2MФaccumulated at the injury site for two weeks.Then,SWIR fluorescence imaging of blood vessels showed that M2MФimplantation could improve the relative perfusion ratio on day 5(1.09±0.09 vs 0.85±0.05;p=0.01)and day 9(1.38±0.16 vs 0.95±0.03;p=0.01)post-injury,as well as augment the degree of skeletal muscle regencration on day 13 post-injury.Finally,multiple linear regression analyses determined that post-injury time and relative perfusion ratio could be used as predictive indicators to evaluate skeletal muscle regeneration.These results provide more in vivo details about M2MФin skeletal muscle regeneration and confirm that M2MФcould promote angiogenesis and improve the degree of skeletal muscle repair,which will guide the research and development of M2MФimplantation to improve skeletal muscle regeneration.

Catalpa bignonioides extract improves exercise performance through regulation of growth and metabolism in skeletal muscles

Objective:To evaluate the effects of Catalpa bignonioides fruit extract on the promotion of muscle growth and muscular capacity in vitro and in vivo.Methods:Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.Cell proliferation was assessed using a 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine(BrdU)assay kit.Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expressions of related factors.The effects of Catalpa bignonioides extract were investigated in mice using the treadmill exhaustion test and whole-limb grip strength assay.Chemical composition analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Results:Catalpa bignonioides extract increased the proliferation of C2C12 mouse myoblasts by activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.It also induced metabolic changes,increasing the number of mitochondria and glucose metabolism by phosphorylating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase.In an in vivo study,the extract-treated mice showed improved motor abilities,such as muscular endurance and grip strength.Additionally,HPLC analysis showed that vanillic acid may be the main component of the Catalpa bignonioides extract that enhanced muscle strength.Conclusions:Catalpa bignonioides improves exercise performance through regulation of growth and metabolism in skeletal muscles,suggesting its potential as an effective natural agent for improving muscular strength.

Low skeletal muscle mass and high visceral adiposity are associated with recurrence of acute cholecystitis after conservative management:A propensity score-matched cohort study

Background:Recurrent acute cholecystitis(RAC)can occur after non-surgical treatment for acute cholecystitis(AC),and can be more severe in comparison to the first episode of AC.Low skeletal muscle mass or adiposity have various effects in several diseases.We aimed to clarify the relationship between RAC and body parameters.Methods:Patients with AC who were treated at our hospital between January 2011 and March 2022 were enrolled.The psoas muscle mass and adipose tissue area at the third lumbar level were measured using computed tomography at the first episode of AC.The areas were divided by height to obtain the psoas muscle mass index(PMI)and subcutaneous/visceral adipose tissue index(SATI/VATI).According to median VATI,SATI and PMI values by sex,patients were divided into the high and low PMI groups.We performed propensity score matching to eliminate the baseline differences between the high PMI and low PMI groups and analyzed the cumulative incidence and predictors of RAC.Results:The entire cohort was divided into the high PMI(n=81)and low PMI(n=80)groups.In the propensity score-matched cohort there were 57 patients in each group.In Kaplan-Meier analysis,the low PMI group and the high VATI group had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of RAC than their counterparts(log-rank P=0.001 and 0.015,respectively).In a multivariate Cox regression analysis,the hazard ratios of low PMI and low VATI for RAC were 5.250(95%confidence interval 1.083-25.450,P=0.039)and 0.158(95%confidence interval:0.026-0.937,P=0.042),respectively.Conclusions:Low skeletal muscle mass and high visceral adiposity were independent risk factors for RAC.

Temporal and spatial regulation of biomimetic vascularization in 3D-printed skeletal muscles

In the intricate skeletal muscle tissue,the symbiotic relationship between myotubes and their supporting vasculature is pivotal in delivering essential oxygen and nutrients.This study explored the complex interplay between skeletal muscle and endothelial cells in the vascularization ofmuscle tissue.By harnessing the capabilities of three-dimensional(3D)bioprinting and modeling,we developed a novel approach involving the co-construction of endothelial and muscle cells,followed by their subsequent differentiation.Our findings highlight the importance of the interaction dynamics between these two cell types.Notably,introducing endothelial cells during the advanced phases of muscle differentiation enhanced myotube assembly.Moreover,it stimulated the development of the vascular network,paving the way for the early stages of vascularized skeletal muscle development.The methodology proposed in this study indicates the potential for constructing large-scale,physiologically aligned skeletal muscle.Additionally,it highlights the need for exploring the delicate equilibrium and mutual interactions between muscle and endothelial cells.Based on the multicell-type interaction model,we can predict promising pathways for constructing even more intricate tissues or organs.

Crosstalk among canonical Wnt and Hippo pathway members in skeletal muscle and at the neuromuscular junction

Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function.The process of muscle contra ction,orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events,is at the core of skeletal muscle function.Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction.Within muscle fibers,calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force.Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling.The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis.Myogenic regulators coordinate the diffe rentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability.Seve ral muscle-related diseases,including congenital myasthenic disorders,sarcopenia,muscular dystrophies,and metabolic myopathies,are underpinned by dys regulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle.Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function,enhancing regeneration,and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways.Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway,a critical regulator of myogenesis,muscle regeneration,and metabolic function,and the Hippo signaling pathway.In recent years,more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers,and at the neuromuscular junction.In fact,research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers.In this review,we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways,focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology.However,an in-depth discussion of the noncanonical Wnt pathway,the fibro/a dipogenic precursors,or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.

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.

Exploring the therapeutic effect of Xiaoyan d ecoction on lung cancer cachexia skeletal muscle atrophy based on L3-SMI

Background:Lung cancer cachexia has received widespread attention as one of the most common complications in patients with advanced lung cancer.As a multifactorial syndrome,lung cancer cachexia is characterized by a persistent decline in muscle mass that cannot be reversed by conventional nutrition Xiaoyan d ecoction can promote appetite and improve skeletal muscle mass in patients with lung cancer cachexia,while the third lumbar skeletal muscle index(L3-SMI)is able to determine whole-body skeletal muscle mass.To analyze the relationship between L3-SMI and hematological indexes and lung cancer cachexia,and to study the clinical efficacy of Xiaoyan decoction on skeletal muscle atrophy in lung cancer cachexia patients,with the aim of providing a reference basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer cachexia patients and skeletal muscle atrophy.Methods:148 patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer in the Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2022 were included,and were divided into cachexia and non-cachexia groups according to the diagnostic criteria of cachexia,and analyzed the differences of hematological indexes and L3-SMI between cachexia patients and non-cachexia patients.And the patients with cachexia were divided into control group and treatment group,analyzed and compared the changes of body mass index(BMI),L 3-SMI,Karnofsky functional status score,albumin and other hematological indexes of the two groups before and after the treatment,and evaluated the safety of the Xiaoyan decoction in the treatment of cachexia.Results:A total of 148 lung cancer patients were included in this study,including 67 patients in the cachexia group and 81 patients in the non-cachexia group.According to the pre-treatment statistical analysis,the BMI of patients in the cachexia group was lower than that of patients in the non-cachexia group(P<0.05);among the biochemical function indexes,the proportions of creatinine(P<0.05),total protein(P<0.05),The levels of albumin in the cachexia group were significantly lower(P<0.05)compared to the non-cachexia group;in the cachexia group,both males and females had lower L3-SMIs than in the non-cachexia group(P<0.05).A total of 62 cases of lung cancer cachexia were studied,30 cases in the control group and 32 cases in the treatment group,according to statistical analysis,BMI was significantly different before and after treatment(P<0.05);L3-SMI was significantly different in the treatment group before and after treatment(P<0.05);Karnofsky significantly differed in the treatment group before and after treatment(P<0.05);and there was a significant difference in albumin before and after(P<0.05).Conclusion:Cachexia patients had significantly lower third lumbar skeletal muscle mass than non-cachexia patients,according to this study;Xiaoyan decoction was able to improve skeletal muscle mass,nutritional status as well as functional status of patients with cachexia in lung cancer,among others.

Clemastine in remyelination and protection of neurons and skeletal muscle after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injuries affect nearly five to ten individuals per million every year. Spinal cord injury causes damage to the nerves, muscles, and the tissue surrounding the spinal cord. Depending on the severity, spinal injuries are linked to degeneration of axons and myelin, resulting in neuronal impairment and skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. The protection of neurons and promotion of myelin regeneration during spinal cord injury is important for recovery of function following spinal cord injury. Current treatments have little to no effect on spinal cord injury and neurogenic muscle loss. Clemastine, an Food and Drug Administration-approved antihistamine drug, reduces inflammation, protects cells, promotes remyelination, and preserves myelin integrity. Recent clinical evidence suggests that clemastine can decrease the loss of axons after spinal cord injury, stimulating the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into mature oligodendrocytes that are capable of myelination. While clemastine can aid not only in the remyelination and preservation of myelin sheath integrity, it also protects neurons. However, its role in neurogenic muscle loss remains unclear. This review discusses the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, and the role of clemastine in the protection of neurons, myelin, and axons as well as attenuation of skeletal muscle loss following spinal cord injury.

Selenoproteins synergistically protect porcine skeletal muscle from oxidative damage via relieving mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Background The skeletal muscle of pigs is vulnerable to oxidative damage,resulting in growth retardation.Selenoproteins are important components of antioxidant systems for animals,which are generally regulated by dietary selenium(Se)level.Here,we developed the dietary oxidative stress(DOS)-inducing pig model to investigate the protective effects of selenoproteins on DOS-induced skeletal muscle growth retardation.Results Dietary oxidative stress caused porcine skeletal muscle oxidative damage and growth retardation,which is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction,endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress,and protein and lipid metabolism disorders.Supplementation with Se(0.3,0.6 or 0.9 mg Se/kg)in form of hydroxy selenomethionine(OH-SeMet)linearly increased muscular Se deposition and exhibited protective effects via regulating the expression of selenotranscriptome and key selenoproteins,which was mainly reflected in lower ROS levels and higher antioxidant capacity in skeletal muscle,and the mitigation of mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress.What’s more,selenoproteins inhibited DOS induced protein and lipid degradation and improved protein and lipid biosynthesis via regulating AKT/mTOR/S6K1 and AMPK/SREBP-1 signalling pathways in skeletal muscle.However,several parameters such as the activity of GSH-Px and T-SOD,the protein abundance of JNK2,CLPP,SELENOS and SELENOF did not show dose-dependent changes.Notably,several key selenoproteins such as MSRB1,SELENOW,SELENOM,SELENON and SELENOS play the unique roles during this protection.Conclusions Increased expression of selenoproteins by dietary OH-SeMet could synergistically alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress,recover protein and lipid biosynthesis,thus alleviate skeletal muscle growth retardation.Our study provides preventive measure for OS-dependent skeletal muscle retardation in livestock husbandry.

Skeletal muscle atrophy,regeneration,and dysfunction in heart failure:Impact of exercise training

This review highlights some established and some more contemporary mechanisms responsible for heart failure(HF)-induced skeletal muscle wasting and weakness.We first describe the effects of HF on the relationship between protein synthesis and degradation rates,which determine muscle mass,the involvement of the satellite cells for continual muscle regeneration,and changes in myofiber calcium homeostasis linked to contractile dysfunction.We then highlight key mechanistic effects of both aerobic and resistance exercise training on skeletal muscle in HF and outline its application as a beneficial treatment.Overall,HF causes multiple impairments related to autophagy,anabolic-catabolic signaling,satellite cell proliferation,and calcium homeostasis,which together promote fiber atrophy,contractile dysfunction,and impaired regeneration.Although both wasting and weakness are partly rescued by aerobic and resistance exercise training in HF,the effects of satellite cell dynamics remain poorly explored.

SCSMRD: A database for single-cell skeletal muscle regeneration

Skeletal muscle regeneration is a complex process where various cell types and cytokines are involved.Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides the opportunity to deconvolute heterogeneous tissue into individual cells based on their transcriptomic profiles.Recent scRNA-seq studies on mouse muscle regeneration have provided insights to understand the transcriptional dynamics that underpin muscle regeneration.However,a database to investigate gene expression profiling during skeletal muscle regeneration at the single-cell level is lacking.Here,we collected over 105 000 cells at 7 key regenerative time-points and non-injured muscles and developed a database,the Singlecell Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Database (SCSMRD).SCSMRD allows users to search the dynamic expression profiles of genes of interest across different cell types during the skeletal muscle regeneration process.It also provides a network to show the activity of regulons in different cell types at different time points.Pesudotime analysis showed the state changes trajectory of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) during skeletal muscle regeneration.This database is freely available at https://scsmrd.fengs-lab.com.

Kaempferol improves glucose uptake in skeletal muscle via an AMPK-dependent mechanism

Insulin resistance is a hallmark of type-2 diabetes(T2D)pathogenesis.Because skeletal muscle(SkM)is the major tissue for insulin-mediated glucose disposal,insulin resistance in SkM is considered a major risk factor for developing T2D.Thus,the identifi cation of compounds that enhance the ability of SkM to take up glucose is a promising strategy for preventing T2D.Our previous work showed that kaempferol,a fl avonol present in many foods,improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice,however,the mechanism underlying this beneficial action remains unclear.Here,we show that kaempferol directly stimulates glucose uptake and prevents lipotoxicity-impaired glucose uptake in primary human SkM.Kaempferol stimulates Akt phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner in human SkM cells.The effect of kaempferol on glucose uptake was blunted by inhibition of glucose transporter 4,phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K),or AMPK.In addition,kaempferol induced AMPK phosphorylation,and inhibition of AMPK prevented kaempferol-stimulated Akt phosphorylation.In vivo,kaempferol administration induced rapid glucose disposal accompanied with increased Akt and AMPK phosphorylation in SkM tissue of the mice.Taken together,these fi ndings suggest that kaempferol stimulates glucose uptake in SkM via an AMPK/Akt dependent mechanism,and it may be a viable therapeutic agent for insulin resistance.

Age-dependent Changes in Skeletal Muscle Mass and Visceral Fat Area in a Chinese Population

Objective:The present study was conducted to demonstrate the age-dependent changes in skeletal muscle mass and visceral fat area in a population of Chinese adults aged 30-92 years old.Methods:A total of 6669 healthy Chinese men and 4494 healthy Chinese women aged 30-92 years old were assessed for their skeletal muscle mass and visceral fat area.Results:The results showed age-dependent decreases in the total skeletal muscle mass indexes in both men and women aged 40-92 years old as well as age-dependent increases in the visceral fat area in men aged 30-92 years old and in women aged 30-80 years old.Multivariate regression models showed that the total skeletal muscle mass index was positively associated with the body mass index and negatively associated with the age and visceral fat area in both sexes.Conclusion:The loss of skeletal muscle mass becomes obvious at approximately 50 years of age,and the visceral fat area commences to increase at approximately 40 years of age in this Chinese population.

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 Astragalus membranaceus on Energy Metabolism and Expression of CNTF Protein in Skeletal Muscle of Exercise-induced Fatigue Rats

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus in different groups on energy metabolism and CNTF protein expression in skeletal muscle of exercise-induced fatigue rats.[Methods]Thirty-five clean male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group,and low-,meddle-and high-dose groups of A.membranaceus aqueous solution,with 7 rats in each group.The low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups were given by gavage at 0.65,1.3 and 2.6 g/kg,respectively,while the normal group and the model group were given normal food and water.The weight of rats was observed.The contents of serum urea,lactate,muscle glycogen,liver glycogen and CNTF expression were detected.[Results]After modeling,compared with the normal group,the serum lactate and urea contents of rats in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01),while the muscle glycogen content(P<0.01)and liver glycogen content(P<0.05)of the skeletal muscle significantly decreased.Compared with the model group,the low-,meddle-and high-dose groups of A.membranaceus significantly reduced the levels of lactate and urea in serum(P<0.01),while the levels of muscle glycogen and liver glycogen in the skeletal muscle significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).[Conclusions]This study provides a good research foundation for the treatment of exercise-induced fatigue using traditional Chinese herb A.membranaceus in modern clinical practice.

Effect of berberine on glucolipid metabolization in diabetic skeletal muscle and its mechanism

Aim To investigate the effect of berberine on damaged morphology and glucolipid metabolization in skeletal muscle of diabetic rat and the relationship between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor （PPARs） α/γ/δ protein expression. Methods Type 2 diabetes mellitus rats were induced by an injection of 35 mg.kg^-1 streptozotocin （STZ） and a high-carbohydrate/ high-fat diet for 16 weeks. From week 17 to 32, diabetic rats were given low-, middle-, high-dose berberine （75, 150, 300 mg.kg^-1）, fenofibrate （100 mg.kg^-1） and rosiglitazone （4 mg.kg^-1） by oral administration, respectively. The skeletal muscle structure was observed with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining, glycogen and triglyceride contents were measured by spectrophotometry and PPAR α/γ/δ protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Fiber distribution remained normal in skeletal muscles of all the groups, middle-, high-dose berberine partly improved diabetic fibre atrophy, increased glycogen and decreased triglyceride levels in diabetic muscle （P〈 0.01）. Middle-, high-dose berberine and rosiglitazone all significantly reduced PPARy protein level in diabetic skeletal muscle （P 〈 0.01）; middle-, high-dose berberine and fenofibrate strikingly increased both PPARu and PPAR8 expression （P〈 0.01）. Conclusion Berberine modulates PPAR α/γ/δ protein expression in diabetic skeletal muscle which may contribute to ameliorate fibre damage and glucolipid metabolization.

Biological Characteristics of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells and Its Application Prospects in Muscle Trauma Repair

As the only source of stem cells, satellite cells play and extraordinary role in the remediation process of skeletal muscle after injury. This paper overviewed the biological characteristic of skeletal muscle satellite cells and its role in repairing muscle injury, and put forward the prospects of its application in muscle trauma repair.

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.