1
|
Ramirez-Sanchez I, Navarrete-Yañez V, Ramirez L, Galera L, Mendez-Bolaina E, Najera V, Ceballos G, Villarreal F. Restorative effects of (+)-epicatechin in a rodent model of aging induced muscle atrophy: underlying mechanisms. Food Funct 2024; 15:3669-3679. [PMID: 38487922 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo04004f] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized age-related skeletal muscle (SkM) disorder characterized by the accelerated loss of muscle mass (atrophy) and function. SkM atrophy is associated with increased incidence of falls, functional decline, frailty and mortality. In its early stage, SkM atrophy is associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and proteasome-mediated protein degradation. These processes also link to the activation of atrophy associated factors and signaling pathways for which, there is a lack of approved pharmacotherapies. The objective of this study, was to characterize the capacity of the flavanol (+)-epicatechin (+Epi) to favorably modulate SkM mass and function in a rat model of aging induced sarcopenia and profile candidate mechanisms. Using 23 month old male Sprague-Dawley rats, an 8 weeks oral administration of the +Epi (1 mg per kg per day in water by gavage) was implemented while control rats only received water. SkM strength (grip), treadmill endurance, muscle mass, myofiber area, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, troponin, α-actin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and atrophy related endpoints (follistatin, myostatin, NFκB, MuRF 1, atrogin 1) were quantified in plasma and/or gastrocnemius. We also evaluated effects on insulin growth factor (IGF)-1 levels and downstream signaling (AKT/mTORC1). Treatment of aged rats with +Epi, led to significant increases in front paw grip strength, treadmill time and SkM mass vs. controls as well as beneficial changes in makers of myofiber integrity. Treatment significantly reversed adverse changes in plasma and/or SkM TNF-α, IGF-1, atrophy and protein synthesis related endpoints vs. controls. In conclusion, +Epi has the capacity to reverse sarcopenia associated detrimental changes in regulatory pathways leading to improved SkM mass and function. Given these results and its recognized safety and tolerance profile, +Epi warrants consideration for clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Israel Ramirez-Sanchez
- School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Del. Miguel Hidalgo C.P. 11340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Viridiana Navarrete-Yañez
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Del. Miguel Hidalgo C.P. 11340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Leonor Galera
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Del. Miguel Hidalgo C.P. 11340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | | | - Guillermo Ceballos
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Del. Miguel Hidalgo C.P. 11340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Francisco Villarreal
- School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
- VA San Diego Health Care, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ismaeel A, McDermott MM, Joshi JK, Sturgis JC, Zhang D, Ho KJ, Sufit R, Ferrucci L, Peterson CA, Kosmac K. Cocoa flavanols, Nrf2 activation, and oxidative stress in peripheral artery disease: mechanistic findings in muscle based on outcomes from a randomized trial. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C589-C605. [PMID: 38189132 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00573.2023] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of muscle damage in peripheral artery disease (PAD) includes increased oxidant production and impaired antioxidant defenses. Epicatechin (EPI), a naturally occurring flavanol, has antioxidant properties that may mediate the beneficial effects of natural products such as cocoa. In a phase II randomized trial, a cocoa-flavanol-rich beverage significantly improved walking performance compared with a placebo in people with PAD. In the present work, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of cocoa flavanols were investigated by analyzing baseline and follow-up muscle biopsies from participants. Increases in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) target antioxidants heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) in the cocoa group were significantly associated with reduced accumulation of central nuclei, a myopathy indicator, in type II muscle fibers (P = 0.017 and P = 0.023, respectively). Protein levels of the mitochondrial respiratory complex III subunit, cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 2 (UQCRC2), were significantly higher in the cocoa group than in the placebo group (P = 0.032), and increases in UQCRC2 were significantly associated with increased levels of Nrf2 target antioxidants HO-1 and NQO1 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.035, respectively). Exposure of non-PAD human myotubes to ex vivo serum from patients with PAD reduced Nrf2 phosphorylation, an indicator of activation, increased hydrogen peroxide production and oxidative stress, and reduced mitochondrial respiration. Treatment of myotubes with EPI in the presence of serum from patients with PAD increased Nrf2 phosphorylation and protected against PAD serum-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, these findings suggest that cocoa flavanols may enhance antioxidant capacity in PAD via Nrf2 activation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study supports the hypothesis that in people with PAD, cocoa flavanols activate Nrf2, thereby increasing antioxidant protein levels, protecting against skeletal muscle damage, and increasing mitochondrial protein abundance. These results suggest that Nrf2 activation may be an important therapeutic target for improving walking performance in people with PAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ismaeel
- Deparment of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Mary M McDermott
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Jai K Joshi
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Jada C Sturgis
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Dongxue Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Karen J Ho
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Robert Sufit
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Charlotte A Peterson
- Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Kate Kosmac
- Department of Physical Therapy, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
German IJS, Pomini KT, Andreo JC, Shindo JVTC, de Castro MVM, Detregiachi CRP, Araújo AC, Guiguer EL, Fornari Laurindo L, Bueno PCDS, de Souza MDSS, Gabaldi M, Barbalho SM, Shinohara AL. New Trends to Treat Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review of Epicatechin. Nutrients 2024; 16:326. [PMID: 38276564 PMCID: PMC10818576 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020326] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Epicatechin is a polyphenol compound that promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and counteracts the pathways that participate in the degradation of proteins. Several studies present contradictory results of treatment protocols and therapeutic effects. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the current literature showing the molecular mechanism and clinical protocol of epicatechin in muscle atrophy in humans, animals, and myoblast cell-line. The search was conducted in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that there is a commonness of epicatechin inhibitory action in myostatin expression and atrogenes MAFbx, FOXO, and MuRF1. Epicatechin showed positive effects on follistatin and on the stimulation of factors related to the myogenic actions (MyoD, Myf5, and myogenin). Furthermore, the literature also showed that epicatechin can interfere with mitochondrias' biosynthesis in muscle fibers, stimulation of the signaling pathways of AKT/mTOR protein production, and amelioration of skeletal musculature performance, particularly when combined with physical exercise. Epicatechin can, for these reasons, exhibit clinical applicability due to the beneficial results under conditions that negatively affect the skeletal musculature. However, there is no protocol standardization or enough clinical evidence to draw more specific conclusions on its therapeutic implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Jasmin Santos German
- Department of Biological Sciences (Anatomy), School of Dentistry of Bauru, University of São Paulo, (FOB-USP), Alameda Doutor Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Bauru 17012-901, São Paulo, Brazil (J.V.T.C.S.)
| | - Karina Torres Pomini
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marilia (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (K.T.P.); (M.V.M.d.C.); (A.C.A.); (E.L.G.); (S.M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
| | - Jesus Carlos Andreo
- Department of Biological Sciences (Anatomy), School of Dentistry of Bauru, University of São Paulo, (FOB-USP), Alameda Doutor Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Bauru 17012-901, São Paulo, Brazil (J.V.T.C.S.)
| | - João Vitor Tadashi Cosin Shindo
- Department of Biological Sciences (Anatomy), School of Dentistry of Bauru, University of São Paulo, (FOB-USP), Alameda Doutor Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Bauru 17012-901, São Paulo, Brazil (J.V.T.C.S.)
| | - Marcela Vialogo Marques de Castro
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marilia (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (K.T.P.); (M.V.M.d.C.); (A.C.A.); (E.L.G.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Claudia Rucco P. Detregiachi
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marilia (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (K.T.P.); (M.V.M.d.C.); (A.C.A.); (E.L.G.); (S.M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
| | - Adriano Cressoni Araújo
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marilia (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (K.T.P.); (M.V.M.d.C.); (A.C.A.); (E.L.G.); (S.M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
| | - Elen Landgraf Guiguer
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marilia (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (K.T.P.); (M.V.M.d.C.); (A.C.A.); (E.L.G.); (S.M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
| | - Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
| | - Patrícia Cincotto dos Santos Bueno
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maricelma da Silva Soares de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
| | - Marcia Gabaldi
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
| | - Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marilia (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (K.T.P.); (M.V.M.d.C.); (A.C.A.); (E.L.G.); (S.M.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), Avenida Hygino Muzzy Filho, 1001, Marília 17525-902, São Paulo, Brazil; (L.F.L.); (M.d.S.S.d.S.)
| | - André Luis Shinohara
- Department of Biological Sciences (Anatomy), School of Dentistry of Bauru, University of São Paulo, (FOB-USP), Alameda Doutor Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Bauru 17012-901, São Paulo, Brazil (J.V.T.C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kodali M, Jankay T, Shetty AK, Reddy DS. Pathophysiological basis and promise of experimental therapies for Gulf War Illness, a chronic neuropsychiatric syndrome in veterans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:673-697. [PMID: 36790443 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the pathophysiology and potential treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI), which is a chronic neuropsychiatric illness linked to a combination of chemical exposures experienced by service personnel during the first Gulf War in 1991. However, there is currently no effective treatment for veterans with GWI. The article focuses on the current status and efficacy of existing therapeutic interventions in preclinical models of GWI, as well as potential perspectives of promising therapies. GWI stems from changes in brain and peripheral systems in veterans, leading to neurocognitive deficits, as well as physiological and psychological effects resulting from multifaceted changes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. Aging not only renders veterans more susceptible to GWI symptoms, but also attenuates their immune capabilities and response to therapies. A variety of experimental models are being used to investigate the pathophysiology and develop therapies that have the ability to alleviate devastating symptoms. Over two dozen therapeutic interventions targeting neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal injury, and neurogenesis are being tested, including agents such as curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles, monosodium luminol, melatonin, resveratrol, fluoxetine, rolipram, oleoylethanolamide, ketamine, levetiracetam, nicotinamide riboside, minocycline, pyridazine derivatives, and neurosteroids. Preclinical outcomes show that some agents have promise, including curcumin, resveratrol, and ketamine, which are being tested in clinical trials in GWI veterans. Neuroprotectants and other compounds such as monosodium luminol, melatonin, levetiracetam, oleoylethanolamide, and nicotinamide riboside appear promising for future clinical trials. Neurosteroids have been shown to have neuroprotective and disease-modifying properties, which makes them a promising medicine for GWI. Therefore, accelerated clinical studies are urgently needed to evaluate and launch an effective therapy for veterans displaying GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tanvi Jankay
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Texas A&M Health Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA. .,Texas A&M Health Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nguyen JP, Ramirez-Sanchez I, Garate-Carrillo A, Navarrete-Yañez V, Carballo-Castañeda RA, Ceballos G, Moreno-Ulloa A, Villarreal F. Effects of aging and type 2 diabetes on cardiac structure and function: Underlying mechanisms. Exp Gerontol 2023; 173:112108. [PMID: 36708752 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We characterized long-term changes in cardiac structure and function in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin mouse model of aging and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and examined how the intersection of both conditions alters plasma metabolomics. We also evaluated the possible roles played by oxidative stress, arginase activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines. C57BL/6 male mice (13-month-old) were used. Control animals (n = 13) were fed regular chow for 10 months (aged group). T2D animals (n = 25) were provided a single injection of streptozotocin and fed a high fat diet for 10 months. In select endpoints, young animals were used for comparison. To monitor changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function, echocardiography was used. At the terminal study (23 months), blood was collected and hearts processed for biochemical or histological analysis. Echo yielded diminished diastolic function with aging and T2D. LV fractional shortening and ejection fraction decreased with T2D by 16 months peaking at 23 months. Western blots noted increases in fibronectin and type I collagen with aging/T2D and greater levels with T2D in α-smooth muscle actin. Increases in plasma and/or myocardial protein carbonyls, arginase activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines occurred with aging and T2D. Untargeted metabolomics and cheminformatics revealed differences in the plasma metabolome of T2D vs. aged mice while select classes of lipid metabolites linked to insulin resistance, were dysregulated. We thus, document changes in LV structure and function with aging that in select endpoints, are accentuated with T2D and link them to increases in OS, arginase activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel Ramirez-Sanchez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Garate-Carrillo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Viridiana Navarrete-Yañez
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico
| | | | - Guillermo Ceballos
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Aldo Moreno-Ulloa
- Laboratorio MS2, Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Mexico
| | - Francisco Villarreal
- Veteran Affairs San Diego Health Care, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|