AT1receptors are necessary for eccentric training-induced hypertrophy and strength gains in rat skeletal muscle

Electrically stimulated eccentric contraction training enhances muscle mass, function, and size following volumetric muscle loss

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) overwhelms muscle's innate capacity for repair and can lead to permanent disability. The standard of care for VML injuries includes physical therapy, which can improve muscle function. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a rehabilitative therapy using electrically stimulated eccentric contraction training (EST) and determine the structural, biomolecular, and functional response of the VML-injured muscle. This study implemented EST using three different frequencies (50, 100, and 150 Hz) in VML-injured rats starting at 2 weeks postinjury. Four weeks of EST at 150 Hz showed a progressive increase in eccentric torque with an improvement in muscle mass (~39%), myofiber cross-sectional area, and peak isometric torque (~37.5%) relative to the untrained VML-injured sham group. EST at 150 Hz group also increased the number of large type 2B fibers (>5000 µm2 ). Elevated gene expression of markers associated with angiogenesis, myogenesis, neurogenesis, and an anti-inflammatory response was also observed. These results suggest that VML-injured muscles can respond and adapt to eccentric loading. The results of this study may aid in developing physical therapy regimens for traumatized muscles.

Mechanisms of mechanical overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy: current understanding and future directions

Mechanisms underlying mechanical overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy have been extensively researched since the landmark report by Morpurgo (1897) of "work-induced hypertrophy" in dogs that were treadmill trained. Much of the preclinical rodent and human resistance training research to date supports that involved mechanisms include enhanced mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, an expansion in translational capacity through ribosome biogenesis, increased satellite cell abundance and myonuclear accretion, and postexercise elevations in muscle protein synthesis rates. However, several lines of past and emerging evidence suggest that additional mechanisms that feed into or are independent of these processes are also involved. This review first provides a historical account of how mechanistic research into skeletal muscle hypertrophy has progressed. A comprehensive list of mechanisms associated with skeletal muscle hypertrophy is then outlined, and areas of disagreement involving these mechanisms are presented. Finally, future research directions involving many of the discussed mechanisms are proposed.

Effect of losartan treatment on Smad signaling and recovery from hindlimb unloading-induced soleus muscle atrophy in female rats

Losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, exerts protective effect on soleus muscle atrophy in female rats. Thus, we aimed to examine the effect of losartan treatment on the recovery of atrophied soleus muscles. Female Wistar rats were subjected to hindlimb unloading for 7 d and then reloading for 7 d with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; n = 9) or losartan (40 mg/kg/day; n = 9). The soleus muscles were removed at rest (sedentary control [SED]; n = 9), after 7 d of hindlimb unloading (HU; n = 9), and after 7 d of reloading (HUR-PBS or HUR-LOS; n = 9 each). The absolute and relative weights, and fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) of the soleus muscles of rats in the HU group were significantly reduced as compared to those of the rats in the SED group at 7 d post-hindlimb unloading. Seven days of reloading significantly increased the muscle weights of rats in the HUR-PBS and HUR-LOS groups, with the recovery rate of the absolute muscle weight and type I fiber CSA being significantly higher in the HUR-LOS group (6.1% and 10.1%, respectively) than in the HUR-PBS group (4.7% and 5.2%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the absolute and relative muscle weight in HUR-PBS were lower than SED; however, no significant difference was observed between the SED and HUR-LOS groups. CSAs of type I and IIa fiber were significantly higher in the HUR-LOS group than in the HU group. Losartan administration during reloading resulted in increased Smad1/5/8 and mTOR signaling and decreased Smad2/3 signaling and protein ubiquitination, facilitating the recovery of atrophied soleus muscle. Therefore, losartan administration-induced muscle recovery may partially be attributed to enhanced Smad1/5/8 and mTOR signaling activation, and reduced activation of canonical TGF-β signaling (Smad2/3) in the soleus muscle.

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on cardiovascular adaptation to exercise training

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity may be one determinant of adaptability to exercise training, but well-controlled studies in humans without confounding conditions are lacking. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether ACE inhibition affects cardiovascular adaptations to exercise training in healthy humans. Healthy participants of both genders (40 ± 7 years) completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eight weeks of exercise training combined with placebo (PLA, n = 25) or ACE inhibitor (ACEi, n = 23) treatment was carried out. Before and after the intervention, cardiovascular characteristics were investigated. Mean arterial blood pressure was reduced (p < 0.001) by -5.5 [-8.4; -2.6] mmHg in ACEi , whereas the 0.7 [-2.0; 3.5] mmHg fluctuation in PLA was non-significant. Maximal oxygen uptake increased (p < 0.001) irrespective of ACE inhibitor treatment by 13 [8; 17] % in ACEi and 13 [9; 17] % in PLA. In addition, skeletal muscle endurance increased (p < 0.001) to a similar extent in both groups, with magnitudes of 82 [55; 113] % in ACEi and 74 [48; 105] % in PLA. In contrast, left atrial volume decreased (p < 0.05) by -9 [-16; -2] % in ACEi , but increased (p < 0.01) by 14 [5; 23] % in PLA. Total hemoglobin mass was reduced (p < 0.01) by -3 [-6; -1] % in ACEi , while a non-significant numeric increase of 2 [-0.4; 4] % existed in PLA. The lean mass remained constant in ACEi but increased (p < 0.001) by 3 [2; 4] % in PLA. In healthy middle-aged adults, 8 weeks of high-intensity exercise training increases maximal oxygen uptake and skeletal muscle endurance irrespective of ACE inhibitor treatment. However, ACE inhibitor treatment counteracts exercise training-induced increases in lean mass and left atrial volume. ACE inhibitor treatment compromises total hemoglobin mass.

Obesity and aging affects skeletal muscle renin-angiotensin system and myosin heavy chain proportions in pre-diabetic Zucker rats

There is a gap in the knowledge regarding regulation of local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in skeletal muscle during development of obesity and insulin resistance in vivo. This study evaluates the obesity- and age-related changes in the expression of local RAS components. Since RAS affects skeletal muscle remodelling, we also evaluated the muscle fibre type composition, defined by myosin heavy chain (MyHC) mRNAs and protein content. Gene expressions were determined by qPCR and/or Western blot analysis in musculus quadriceps of 3- and 8-month-old male obese Zucker rats and their lean controls. The enzymatic activity of aminopeptidase A (APA) was determined flourometrically. Activation of renin receptor (ReR)/promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) negative feedback mechanism was observed in obesity. The expression of angiotensinogen and AT1 was downregulated by obesity, while neutral endopeptidase and AT2 expressions were upregulated in obese rats with aging. Skeletal muscle APA activity was decreased by obesity, which negatively correlated with the increased plasma APA activity and plasma cholesterol. The expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) positively correlated with MyHC mRNAs characteristic for fast-twitch muscle fibres. The obesity- and age-related alterations in the expression of both classical and alternative RAS components suggest an onset of a new equilibrium between ACE/AngII/AT1 and ACE2/Ang1-7/Mas at lower level accompanied by increased renin/ReR/PLZF activation. Increased APA release from the skeletal muscle in obesity might contribute to increased plasma APA activity. There is a link between reduced ACE expression and altered muscle MyHC proportion in obesity and aging.

Losartan has no additive effect on the response to heavy-resistance exercise in human elderly skeletal muscle

Our purpose here was to investigate the potential of blocking the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) on the hypertrophy response of elderly human skeletal muscle to 4 mo of heavy-resistance exercise training. Fifty-eight healthy elderly men (+65 yr) were randomized into three groups, consuming either AT1R blocker (losartan, 100 mg/day) or placebo for 4 mo. Two groups performed resistance training (RT) and were treated with either losartan or placebo, and one group did not train but was treated with losartan. Quadriceps muscle biopsies, MR scans, and strength tests were performed at baseline and after 8 and 16 wk. Biopsies were sectioned for immunohistochemistry to determine the number of satellite cells, capillaries, fiber type distribution, and fiber area. Gene expression levels of myostatin, connective tissue, and myogenic signaling pathways were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Four months of heavy-resistance training led in both training groups to expected improvements in quadriceps (∼3-4%) and vastus lateralis (∼5-6%), cross-sectional area, and type II fiber area (∼10-18%), as well as dynamic (∼13%) and isometric (∼19%) quadriceps peak force, but with absolutely no effect of losartan on these outcomes. Furthermore, no changes were seen in satellite cell number with training, and most gene targets failed to show any changes induced by training or losartan treatment. We conclude that there does not appear to be any effect of AT1R blocking in elderly men during 4 mo of resistance training. Therefore, we do not find any support for using AT1R blockers for promoting muscle adaptation to training in humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Animal studies have suggested that blocking angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) enhances muscle regeneration and prevents disuse atrophy, but studies in humans are limited. Focusing on hypertrophy, satellite cells, and gene expression, we found that AT1R blocking did not result in any greater responses with 4 mo of resistance training. These results do not support previous findings and question the value of blocking AT1R in the context of preserving aging human muscle.

Laminin-111 enriched fibrin hydrogels for skeletal muscle regeneration

Laminin (LM)-111 supplementation has improved muscle regeneration in several models of disease and injury. This study investigated a novel hydrogel composed of fibrinogen and LM-111. Increasing LM-111 concentration (50-450 μg/mL) in fibrin hydrogels resulted in highly fibrous scaffolds with progressively thinner interlaced fibers. Rheological testing showed that all hydrogels had viscoelastic behavior and the Young's modulus ranged from 2-6KPa. C₂C₁₂ myobalsts showed a significant increase in VEGF production and decrease in IL-6 production on LM-111 enriched fibrin hydrogels as compared to pure fibrin hydrogels on day 4. Western blotting results showed a significant increase in MyoD and desmin protein quantity but a significant decrease in myogenin protein quantity in myoblasts cultured on the LM-111 (450 μg/mL) enriched fibrin hydrogel. Combined application of electromechanical stimulation significantly enhanced the production of VEGF and IGF-1 from myoblast seeded fibrin-LM-111 hydrogels. Taken together, these observations offer an important first step toward optimizing a tissue engineered constructs for skeletal muscle regeneration.

The renin-angiotensin system and prevention of age-related functional decline: where are we now?

Declining physical function is a major health problem for older adults as it is associated with multiple comorbidities and mortality. Exercise has been shown to improve physical function, though response to exercise is variable. Conversely, drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) pathway, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), are also reported to improve physical function. In the past decade, significant strides have been made to understand the complexity and specificity of the RAS system as it pertains to physical function in older adults. Prior findings have also determined that interactions between antihypertensive medications and exercise may influence physical function above and beyond either factor alone. We review the latest research on RAS, exercise, and physical function for older adults. We also outline future research aims in this area, including genetic influences and clinical phenotyping, for the purpose of maintaining or improving physical function through tailored treatments.

Characterization of angiotensin-converting enzymes 1 and 2 in the soleus and plantaris muscles of rats

Angiotensin-converting enzymes 1 (ACE1) and 2 (ACE2) are key enzymes of the renin-angiotensin system, which act antagonistically to regulate the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7). Considerable data show that ACE1 acts on normal skeletal muscle functions and architecture. However, little is known about ACE1 levels in muscles with different fiber compositions. Furthermore, ACE2 levels in skeletal muscle are not known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize protein expression and ACE1 and ACE2 activities in the soleus and plantaris muscles. Eight-week-old female Wistar rats (N = 8) were killed by decapitation and the muscle tissues harvested for biochemical and molecular analyses. ACE1 and ACE2 activities were investigated by a fluorometric method using Abz-FRK(Dnp)P-OH and Mca-YVADAPK(Dnp)-OH fluorogenic substrates, respectively. ACE1 and ACE2 protein expression was analyzed by Western blot. ACE2 was expressed in the skeletal muscle of rats. There was no difference between the soleus (type I) and plantaris (type II) muscles in terms of ACE2 activity (17.35 ± 1.7 vs 15.09 ± 0.8 uF·min(-1)·mg(-1), respectively) and protein expression. ACE1 activity was higher in the plantaris muscle than in the soleus (71.5 ± 3.9 vs 57.9 ± 1.1 uF·min(-1)·mg(-1), respectively). Moreover, a comparative dose-response curve of protein expression was established in the soleus and plantaris muscles, which indicated higher ACE1 levels in the plantaris muscle. The present findings showed similar ACE2 levels in the soleus and plantaris muscles that might result in a similar Ang II response; however, lower ACE1 levels could attenuate Ang II production and reduce bradykinin degradation in the soleus muscle compared to the plantaris. These effects should enhance the aerobic capacity necessary for oxidative muscle activity.

ACE genotype and the muscle hypertrophic and strength responses to strength training

PURPOSE

Previous studies have linked an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with variability in muscle strength responses to strength training (ST), though conclusions have been inconsistent across investigations. Moreover, most previous studies have not investigated the influence of sex on the association of ACE I/D genotype with muscle phenotypes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of ACE genotype with muscle phenotypes before and after ST in older men and women.

METHODS

Eighty-six inactive men and 139 inactive women, ages 50-85 yr (mean: 62 yr), were studied before and after 10 wk of unilateral knee extensor ST. The one-repetition maximum (1RM) test was used to assess knee extensor muscle strength, and computed tomography was used to measure quadriceps muscle volume (MV). Differences were compared among ACE genotype groups (II vs ID vs DD).

RESULTS

Across the entire cohort at baseline, ACE genotype was significantly associated with total lean mass and body weight, with higher values in DD genotype carriers (both P < 0.05). At baseline, DD genotype carriers exhibited significantly greater MV compared with II genotype carriers for both the trained leg (men: 1828 +/- 44 vs 1629 +/- 70; women: 1299 +/- 34 vs 1233 +/- 49; P = 0.02) and untrained leg (men: 1801 +/- 46 vs 1559 +/- 72; women: 1268 +/- 36 vs 1189 +/- 51; P = 0.01), with no significant genotype x sex interaction. No ACE genotype associations were observed for the 1RM or MV adaptations to ST in either men or women.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, ACE genotype was associated with baseline differences in muscle volume, but it was not associated with the muscle hypertrophic response to ST.

Variation in ACE activity affects myogenic differentiation in C2C12 cells

Variation in ACE activity is related to affect the skeletal muscle function. To elucidate the mechanism by which ACE affects skeletal muscle function, we examined the effects of loss and gain of ACE activity on myogenic differentiation in C2C12 myoblasts. The treatment of captopril, an ACE inhibitor, in differentiating cells significantly induced the up-regulation of myosin heavy chain, and the hypertrophic myotubes. In addition, an AT2 antagonist PD123319, not AT1 antagonist losartan, induced the up-regulation of myosin heavy chain. On the other hand, overexpression of ACE induced the down-regulation of myosin heavy chain. These results suggest that ACE negatively regulate the myogenesis through the mechanism at least in part via production of angiotensin II followed by its binding to AT2 receptor.