Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitophagy-mediated S1P facilitates muscle adaptive responses to endurance exercise through SPHK1-S1PR1/S1PR2 in slow-twitch myofibers

Endurance exercise triggers adaptive responses especially in slow-twitch myofibers of skeletal muscles, leading to the remodeling of myofiber structure and the mitochondrial network. However, molecular mechanisms underlying these adaptive responses, with a focus on the fiber type-specific perspective, remains largely unknown. In this study we analyzed the alterations of transcriptomics and metabolomics in distinct skeletal myofibers in response to endurance exercise. We determined that genes associated with sphingolipid metabolism, namely those encoding SPHK1, S1PR1, and S1PR2, are enriched in slow-twitch but not fast-twitch myofibers from both mouse and human skeletal muscles, and found that the SPHK1-S1PR pathway is essential for adaptive responses of slow-twitch to endurance exercise. Importantly, we demonstrate that endurance exercise causes the accumulation of ceramides on stressed mitochondria, and the mitophagic degradation of ceramides results in an increase of the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) level. The elevated S1P thereby facilitates mitochondrial adaptation and enhances endurance capacity via the SPHK1-S1PR1/S1PR2 axis in slow-twitch muscles. Moreover, administration of S1P improves endurance performance in muscle atrophy mice by emulating these adaptive responses. Our findings reveal that the SPHK1-S1P-S1PR1/S1PR2 axis through mitophagic degradation of ceramides in slow-twitch myofibers is the central mediator to endurance exercise and highlight a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating muscle atrophy diseases.Abbreviations CQ: chloroquine; DMD: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; EDL: extensor digitorum longus; FCCP: carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone; FUNDC1: FUN14 domain containing 1; GTEx: genotype-tissue expression; MYH: myosin heavy chain; mtDNA: mitochondrial DNA; PPARGC1A/PGC-1α: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, gamma, coactivator 1 alpha; RG: red gastrocnemius; S1P: sphingosine-1-phosphate; S1PR: sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor; Sol: soleus; SPHK1: sphingosine kinase 1; TA: tibialis anterior; WG: white gastrocnemius.

Mitochondrial mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders

Chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders characterized by prolonged muscle inflammation, resulting in enduring pain and diminished functionality, pose significant challenges for the patients. Emerging scientific evidence points to mitochondrial malfunction as a pivotal factor contributing to these ailments. Mitochondria play a critical role in powering skeletal muscle activity, but in the context of persistent inflammation, disruptions in their quantity, configuration, and performance have been well-documented. Various disturbances, encompassing alterations in mitochondrial dynamics (such as fission and fusion), calcium regulation, oxidative stress, biogenesis, and the process of mitophagy, are believed to play a central role in the progression of these disorders. Additionally, unfolded protein responses and the accumulation of fatty acids within muscle cells may adversely affect the internal milieu, impairing the equilibrium of mitochondrial functioning. The structural discrepancies between different mitochondrial subsets namely, intramyofibrillar and subsarcolemmal mitochondria likely impact their metabolic capabilities and susceptibility to inflammatory influences. The release of signals from damaged mitochondria is known to incite inflammatory responses. Intriguingly, migrasomes and extracellular vesicles serve as vehicles for intercellular transfer of mitochondria, aiding in the removal of impaired mitochondria and regulation of inflammation. Viral infections have been implicated in inducing stress on mitochondria. Prolonged dysfunction of these vital organelles sustains oxidative harm, metabolic irregularities, and heightened cytokine release, impeding the body's ability to repair tissues. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of advancements in understanding changes in the intracellular environment, mitochondrial architecture and distribution, biogenesis, dynamics, autophagy, oxidative stress, cytokines associated with mitochondria, vesicular structures, and associated membranes in the context of chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. Strategies targeting key elements regulating mitochondrial quality exhibit promise in the restoration of mitochondrial function, alleviation of inflammation, and enhancement of overall outcomes.

When GETomics meets aging and exercise in COPD

The term GETomics has been recently proposed to illustrate that human health and disease are actually the final outcome of many dynamic, interacting and cumulative gene (G) - environment (E) interactions that occur through the lifetime (T) of the individual. According to this new paradigm, the final outcome of any GxE interactions depends on both the age of the individual at which such GxE interaction occurs as well as on the previous, cumulative history of previous GxE interactions through the induction of epigenetic changes and immune memory (both lasting overtime). Following this conceptual approach, our understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has changed dramatically. Traditionally believed to be a self-inflicted disease induced by tobacco smoking occurring in older men and characterized by an accelerated decline of lung function with age, now we understand that there are many other risk factors associated with COPD, that it occurs also in females and young individuals, that there are different lung function trajectories through life, and that COPD is not always characterized by accelerated lung function decline. In this paper we discuss how a GETomics approach to COPD may open new perspectives to better understand its relationship with exercise limitation and the ageing process.

Targeting the molecular & cellular pillars of human aging with exercise

Biological aging is the main driver of age-associated chronic diseases. In 2014, the United States National Institute of Aging (NIA) sponsored a meeting between several investigators in the field of aging biology, who identified seven biological pillars of aging and a consensus review, "Geroscience: Linking Aging to Chronic Disease," was published. The pillars of aging demonstrated the conservation of aging pathways in diverse model organisms and thus represent a useful framework with which to study human aging. In this present review, we revisit the seven pillars of aging from the perspective of exercise and discuss how regular physical exercise can modulate these pillars to stave off age-related chronic diseases and maintain functional capacity.

Determinants of age-related decline in walking speed in older women

Background

Walking speed is reduced with aging. However, it is not certain whether the reduced walking speed is associated with physical and coordination fitness. This study explores the physical and coordination determinants of the walking speed decline in older women.

Methods

One-hundred-eighty-seven active older women (72.2 ± 6.8 years) were asked to perform a 10-m walk test (self-selected and maximal walking speed) and a battery of the Senior fitness test: lower body strength, lower body flexibility, agility/dynamic balance, and aerobic endurance. Two parameters characterized the walking performance: closeness to the modeled speed minimizing the energetic cost per unit distance (locomotor rehabilitation index, LRI), and the ratio of step length to step cadence (walk ratio, WR). For dependent variables (self-selected and maximal walking speeds), a recursive partitioning algorithm (classification and regression tree) was adopted, highlighting interactions across all the independent variables.

Results

Participants were aged from 60 to 88 years, and their self-selected and maximal speeds declined by 22% and 26% (p < 0.05), respectively. Similarly, all physical fitness variables worsened with aging (muscle strength: 33%; flexibility: 0 to -8 cm; balance: 22%; aerobic endurance: 12%; all p < 0.050). The predictors of maximal walking speed were only WR and balance. No meaningful predictions could be made using LRI and WR as dependent variables.

Discussion

The results suggest that at self-selected speed, the decrease in speed itself is sufficient to compensate for the age-related decline in the motor functions tested; by contrast, lowering the WR is required at maximal speed, presumably to prevent imbalance. Therefore, any excessive lowering of LRI and WR indicates loss of homeostasis of walking mechanics and invites diagnostic investigation.

The crosstalk between BAT thermogenesis and skeletal muscle dysfunction

Metabolic defects increase the risk of skeletal muscle diseases, and muscle impairment might worsen metabolic disruption, leading to a vicious cycle. Both brown adipose tissue (BAT) and skeletal muscle play important roles in non-shivering thermogenesis to regulate energy homeostasis. BAT regulates body temperature, systemic metabolism, and seretion of batokines that have positive or negative impacts on skeletal muscle. Conversely, muscle can secrete myokines that regulate BAT function. This review explained the crosstalk between BAT and skeletal muscle, and then discussed the batokines and highlighted their impact on skeletal muscle under physiological conditions. BAT is now considered a potential therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes treatment. Moreover, manipulation of BAT may be an attractive approach for the treatment of muscle weakness by correcting metabolic deficits. Therefore, exploring BAT as a potential treatment for sarcopenia could be a promising avenue for future research.

Developing and pilot testing a frailty-focused education and communication training workshop

Objective

To describe development and pilot testing of a multi-modal frailty-focused education and communication training workshop for health care clinicians.

Methods

Pilot testing was conducted via two workshops (#1:face-to-face [2019], #2:virtual [2020]). Participants: convenience sample of clinicians and students who volunteered. Workshop #1 included registered nurses working in an acute care and one medical student (N=14); #2: nursing students enrolled in an APRN program. Design: Pre/post observational study. Data analysis: descriptive statistics, paired t-tests and Wilcoxon rank test.

Results

Statistically significant increases in frailty knowledge (#1: p = 0.02, d = 0.44; #2: p = 0.006, d = 0.55) and self-reported competency with older adult interactions (#1: p < 0.001, d = 0.62; #2: p = 0.001, d = 0.63) were reported for both workshops. Post course evaluations of the workshop were positive, with scores ranging from 3.5-3.9 (range: 0-4) for increased understanding of the concept of frailty, communication to support health-related behavior, and best practice empathic communication skills.

Conclusion

The FCOM workshop was successful. Participants gained knowledge and skills for use in working with older adults across the aging continuum from non-frail to frail.

Innovation

Our FCOM training workshop expands prior communication training on shared decision-making with frail individuals to a broader population of all older adults.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction as an Underlying Cause of Skeletal Muscle Disorders

Mitochondria are an important energy source in skeletal muscle. A main function of mitochondria is the generation of ATP for energy through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mitochondrial defects or abnormalities can lead to muscle disease or multisystem disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction can be caused by defective mitochondrial OXPHOS, mtDNA mutations, Ca2+ imbalances, mitochondrial-related proteins, mitochondrial chaperone proteins, and ultrastructural defects. In addition, an imbalance between mitochondrial fusion and fission, lysosomal dysfunction due to insufficient biosynthesis, and/or defects in mitophagy can result in mitochondrial damage. In this review, we explore the association between impaired mitochondrial function and skeletal muscle disorders. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for more research to determine the specific clinical benefits of mitochondrial therapy in the treatment of skeletal muscle disorders.

Exercise rescues mitochondrial coupling in aged skeletal muscle: a comparison of different modalities in preventing sarcopenia

Skeletal muscle aging is associated with a decline in motor function and loss of muscle mass- a condition known as sarcopenia. The underlying mechanisms that drive this pathology are associated with a failure in energy generation in skeletal muscle, either from age-related decline in mitochondrial function, or from disuse. To an extent, lifelong exercise is efficacious in preserving the energetic properties of skeletal muscle and thus may delay the onset of sarcopenia. This review discusses the cellular and molecular changes in skeletal muscle mitochondria during the aging process and how different exercise modalities work to reverse these changes. A key factor that will be described is the efficiency of mitochondrial coupling—ATP production relative to O₂ uptake in myocytes and how that efficiency is a main driver for age-associated decline in skeletal muscle function. With that, we postulate the most effective exercise modality and protocol for reversing the molecular hallmarks of skeletal muscle aging and staving off sarcopenia. Two other concepts pertinent to mitochondrial efficiency in exercise-trained skeletal muscle will be integrated in this review, including- mitophagy, the removal of dysfunctional mitochondrial via autophagy, as well as the implications of muscle fiber type changes with sarcopenia on mitochondrial function.

Skeletal muscle mitochondria in health and disease

Mitochondrial activity warrants energy supply to oxidative myofibres to sustain endurance workload. The maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis is ensured by the control of fission and fusion processes and by the mitophagic removal of aberrant organelles. Many diseases are due to or characterized by dysfunctional mitochondria, and altered mitochondrial dynamics or turnover trigger myopathy per se. In this review, we will tackle the role of mitochondrial dynamics, turnover and metabolism in skeletal muscle, both in health and disease.

Locomotion as a Powerful Model to Study Integrative Physiology: Efficiency, Economy, and Power Relationship

Locomotion is the most common form of movement in nature. Its study allows analysis of interactions between muscle functions (motor) and lever system arrangements (transmission), thereby facilitating performance analysis of various body organs and systems. Thus, it is a powerful model to study various aspects of integrative physiology. The results of this model can be applied in understanding body functions and design principles as performance outputs of interest for medical and biological sciences. The overall efficiency (eff_overall) during locomotion is an example of an integrative parameter, which results from the ratio between mechanical output and metabolic input. Although the concepts of cost (i.e., metabolic expenditure relative to distance) and power (i.e., metabolic expenditure relative to time) are included in its calculation, the eff_overall establishes peculiar relations with these variables. For a better approach to these aspects, in this study, we presented the physical-mathematical formulation of efficiency, as well as its conceptual definitions and applications. Furthermore, the concepts of efficiency, cost, and power are discussed from the biological and medical perspectives. Terrestrial locomotion is a powerful model to study integrative physiology in humans, because by analyzing the mechanical and metabolic determinants, we may verify the efficiency and economy relationship through locomotion type, and its characteristics and restrictions. Thus, it is possible to elaborate further on various improved intervention strategies, such as physical training, competition strategies, and ergogenic supplementation.

Neither total muscle activation nor co-activation explains the youthful walking economy of older runners

BACKGROUND

Older adults (≥65 years) exhibit greater metabolic rates during walking (worse walking economy) compared to young adults. Yet, previous research suggests that habitual running, but not habitual walking, exercise mitigates the age-related deterioration of walking economy.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does total leg muscle activation and/or agonist-antagonist co-activation explain the superior walking economy of older runners versus older walkers?

METHODS

We quantified metabolic power, leg muscle activation, and co-activation in older walkers and older runners during walking at 0.75, 1.25, and 1.75 m/s.

RESULTS

While accounting for multiple comparisons, neither total stride (each speed p ≥ 0.024), stance- (each speed p ≥ 0.217), nor swing- (each speed p ≥ 0.170) phase EMG amplitude differed between older walkers and older runners at 0.75, 1.25, or 1.75 m/s. Stride averaged medial gastrocnemius and biceps femoris activation was lower in older runners than older walkers at 1.25 and 1.75 m/s (all p ≤ 0.025). We also calculated shank, thigh, and overall (shank and thigh) agonist-antagonist leg muscle co-activation over each stride, and the only difference between groups was a greater shank co-activation in older runners at 0.75 m/s (p = 0.024). Across groups, stride, stance-, and swing-phase total muscle activation positively correlated with gross metabolic power (R2 = 0.58-0.66; all p < 0.001). Paradoxically, across groups, stride, stance-, and swing-phase muscle co-activation indices were negatively correlated with gross metabolic power (R2 = 0.08-0.29; all p ≤ 0.007).

SIGNIFICANCE

Neither total leg muscle activation nor co-activation explains the superior walking economy of older runners versus older walkers.

Near infrared spectroscopy-guided exercise training for claudication in peripheral arterial disease

Rationale

Supervised treadmill exercise for claudication in peripheral arterial disease is effective but poorly tolerated because of ischemic leg pain. Near infrared spectroscopy allows non-invasive detection of muscle ischemia during exercise, allowing for characterization of tissue perfusion and oxygen utilization during training.

Objective

We evaluated walking time, muscle blood flow, and muscle mitochondrial capacity in patients with peripheral artery disease after a traditional pain-based walking program and after a muscle oxygen-guided walking program.

Method and results

Patients with peripheral artery disease trained thrice weekly in 40-minute-long sessions for 12 weeks, randomized to oxygen-guided training ( n = 8, age 72 ± 9.7 years, 25% female) versus traditional pain-based training ( n = 10, age 71.6 ± 8.8 years, 20% female). Oxygen-guided training intensity was determined by maintaining a 15% reduction in skeletal muscle oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy rather than relying on symptoms of pain to determine exercise effort. Pain free and maximal walking times were measured with a 12-minute Gardner treadmill test. Gastrocnemius mitochondrial capacity and blood flow were measured using near infrared spectroscopy. Baseline pain-free walking time was similar on a Gardner treadmill test (2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 3.6 ± 1.0 min, p = 0.5). After training, oxygen-guided cohorts improved similar to pain-guided cohorts (pain-free walking time 6.7 ± 0.9 vs. 6.9 ± 1.1 min, p < 0.01 for change from baseline and p = 0.97 between cohorts). Mitochondrial capacity improved in both groups but more so in the pain-guided cohort than in the oxygen-guided cohort (38.8 ± 8.3 vs. 14.0 ± 9.3, p = 0.018). Resting muscle blood flow did not improve significantly in either group with training.

Conclusions

Oxygen-guided exercise training improves claudication comparable to pain-based training regimens. Adaptations in mitochondrial function rather than increases in limb perfusion may account for functional improvement. Increases in mitochondrial oxidative capacity may be proportional to the degree of tissue hypoxia during exercise.

Potentiating role of copper on spatial memory deficit induced by beta amyloid and evaluation of mitochondrial function markers in the hippocampus of rats

Mounting evidence suggests that copper, a crucial element in normal brain function, plays an important role in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease, which is known as a neurodegenerative mitochondrial disorder. However, the precise mechanisms of its effects on cognitive and mitochondrial functions through the CNS have not been thoroughly recognized yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the long-term (3-week) effects of copper sulfate (50, 100 and 200 mg kg^-1 day^-1) exposure on learning and memory as well as on mitochondrial function in the hippocampus of rats in the presence and absence of beta amyloid (1 μg μl^-1 per side) intrahippocampally (IH). After three weeks of copper exposure through drinking water, acquisition and retention of spatial memory were measured by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Various parameters of mitochondrial function were also evaluated. Our data show that copper damaged the spatial learning and memory and also exacerbated the memory deficit induced by Aβ injection in rats in a dose-dependent manner. Mitochondria isolated from the hippocampus of rats treated with copper showed significant increases in ROS formation, mitochondrial swelling, lipid peroxidation, glutathione oxidation, outer membrane damage, and collapse of MMP, decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity, and finally increased ADP/ATP ratios. Our results indicate that copper overloading in the hippocampus of rats causes mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent oxidative stress leading to cognitive impairment. This study also reveals that copper can potentiate Aβ deleterious effects on spatial memory and brain mitochondrial function.

Mitochondrial impairments contribute to spatial learning and memory dysfunction induced by chronic tramadol administration in rat: Protective effect of physical exercise

Despite the worldwide use of tramadol, few studies have been conducted about its effects on memory and mitochondrial function, and controversial results have been reported. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in physical exercise as a protective approach to neuronal and cognitive impairments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on spatial learning and memory and brain mitochondrial function in tramadol-treated rats. After completion of 2-week (short-term) and 4-week (long-term) treadmill exercise regimens, male Wistar rats received tramadol (20, 40, 80mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 30days. Then spatial learning and memory was assessed by Morris water maze test (MWM). Moreover, brain mitochondrial function was evaluated by determination of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Chronic administration of tramadol impaired spatial learning and memory as well as brain mitochondrial function as indicated by increased ROS level, MMP collapse, increased mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Conversely, treadmill exercise significantly attenuated the impairments of spatial learning and memory and brain mitochondrial dysfunction induced by tramadol. The results revealed that chronic tramadol treatment caused memory impairments through induction of brain mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, pre-exposure to physical exercise markedly mitigated these impairments through its positive effects on brain mitochondrial function.

Hybridization increases mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species in sunfish

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been suggested to be possible mechanisms underlying hybrid breakdown, as a result of mito-nuclear incompatibilities in respiratory complexes of the electron transport system. However, it remains unclear whether hybridization increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mitochondria. We used high-resolution respirometry and fluorometry on isolated liver mitochondria to examine mitochondrial physiology and ROS emission in naturally occurring hybrids of pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) and bluegill (L. macrochirus). ROS emission was greater in hybrids than in both parent species when respiration was supported by complex I (but not complex II) substrates, and was associated with increases in lipid peroxidation. However, respiratory capacities for oxidative phosphorylation, phosphorylation efficiency, and O₂  kinetics in hybrids were intermediate between those in parental species. Flux control ratios of capacities for electron transport (measured in uncoupled mitochondria) relative to oxidative phosphorylation suggested that the limiting influence of the phosphorylation system is reduced in hybrids. This likely helped offset impairments in electron transport capacity and complex III activity, but contributed to augmenting ROS production. Therefore, hybridization can increase mitochondrial ROS production, in support of previous suggestions that mitochondrial dysfunction can induce oxidative stress and thus contribute to hybrid breakdown.

GSNOR Deficiency Enhances In Situ Skeletal Muscle Strength, Fatigue Resistance, and RyR1 S-Nitrosylation Without Impacting Mitochondrial Content and Activity

AIM

Nitric oxide (NO) plays important, but incompletely defined roles in skeletal muscle. NO exerts its regulatory effects partly though S-nitrosylation, which is balanced by denitrosylation by enzymes such as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), whose functions in skeletal muscle remain to be fully deciphered.

RESULTS

GSNOR null (GSNOR^-/-) tibialis anterior (TA) muscles showed normal growth and were stronger and more fatigue resistant than controls in situ. However, GSNOR^-/- lumbrical muscles showed normal contractility and Ca²⁺ handling in vitro, suggesting important differences in GSNOR function between muscles or between in vitro and in situ environments. GSNOR^-/- TA muscles exhibited normal mitochondrial content, and capillary densities, but reduced type IIA fiber content. GSNOR inhibition did not impact mitochondrial respiratory complex I, III, or IV activities. These findings argue that enhanced GSNOR^-/- TA contractility is not driven by changes in mitochondrial content or activity, fiber type, or blood vessel density. However, loss of GSNOR led to RyR1 hypernitrosylation, which is believed to increase muscle force output under physiological conditions. cGMP synthesis by soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) was decreased in resting GSNOR^-/- muscle and was more responsive to agonist (DETANO, BAY 41, and BAY 58) stimulation, suggesting that GSNOR modulates cGMP production in skeletal muscle.

INNOVATION

GSNOR may act as a "brake" on skeletal muscle contractile performance under physiological conditions by modulating nitrosylation/denitrosylation balance.

CONCLUSIONS

GSNOR may play important roles in skeletal muscle contractility, RyR1 S-nitrosylation, fiber type specification, and sGC activity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 165-181.

Older Runners Retain Youthful Running Economy despite Biomechanical Differences

PURPOSE

Sixty-five years of age typically marks the onset of impaired walking economy. However, running economy has not been assessed beyond the age of 65 yr. Furthermore, a critical determinant of running economy is the spring-like storage and return of elastic energy from the leg during stance, which is related to leg stiffness. Therefore, we investigated whether runners older than 65 yr retain youthful running economy and/or leg stiffness across running speeds.

METHODS

Fifteen young and 15 older runners ran on a force-instrumented treadmill at 2.01, 2.46, and 2.91 m·s(-1). We measured their rates of metabolic energy consumption (i.e., metabolic power), ground reaction forces, and stride kinematics.

RESULTS

There were only small differences in running economy between young and older runners across the range of speeds. Statistically, the older runners consumed 2% to 9% less metabolic energy than the young runners across speeds (P = 0.012). Also, the leg stiffness of older runners was 10% to 20% lower than that of young runners across the range of speeds (P = 0.002), and in contrast to the younger runners, the leg stiffness of older runners decreased with speed (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Runners beyond 65 yr of age maintain youthful running economy despite biomechanical differences. It may be that vigorous exercise, such as running, prevents the age related deterioration of muscular efficiency and, therefore, may make everyday activities easier.

Mitochondria to motion: optimizing oxidative phosphorylation to improve exercise performance

Mitochondria oxidize substrates to generate the ATP that fuels muscle contraction and locomotion. This review focuses on three steps in oxidative phosphorylation that have independent roles in setting the overall mitochondrial ATP flux and thereby have direct impact on locomotion. The first is the electron transport chain, which sets the pace for oxidation. New studies indicate that the electron transport chain capacity per mitochondria declines with age and disease, but can be revived by both acute and chronic treatments. The resulting higher ATP production is reflected in improved muscle power output and locomotory performance. The second step is the coupling of ATP supply from O2 uptake (mitochondrial coupling efficiency). Treatments that elevate mitochondrial coupling raise both exercise efficiency and the capacity for sustained exercise in both young and old muscle. The final step is ATP synthesis itself, which is under dynamic control at multiple sites to provide the 50-fold range of ATP flux between resting muscle and exercise at the mitochondrial capacity. Thus, malleability at sites in these subsystems of oxidative phosphorylation has an impact on ATP flux, with direct effects on exercise performance. Interventions are emerging that target these three independent subsystems to provide many paths to improve ATP flux and elevate the muscle performance lost to inactivity, age or disease.

Protective effects of physical exercise on MDMA-induced cognitive and mitochondrial impairment

Debate continues about the effect of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on cognitive and mitochondrial function through the CNS. It has been shown that physical exercise has an important protective effect on cellular damage and death. Therefore, we investigated the effect of physical exercise on MDMA-induced impairments of spatial learning and memory as well as MDMA effects on brain mitochondrial function in rats. Male wistar rats underwent short-term (2 weeks) or long-term (4 weeks) treadmill exercise. After completion of exercise duration, acquisition and retention of spatial memory were evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) test. Rats were intraperitoneally (I.P) injected with MDMA (5, 10, and 15mg/kg) 30min before the first training trial in 4 training days of MWM. Different parameters of brain mitochondrial function were measured including the level of ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial outermembrane damage, the amount of cytochrome c release from the mitochondria, and ADP/ATP ratio. MDMA damaged the spatial learning and memory in a dose-dependent manner. Brain mitochondria isolated from the rats treated with MDMA showed significant increase in ROS formation, collapse of MMP, mitochondrial swelling, and outer membrane damage, cytochrome c release from the mitochondria, and finally increased ADP/ATP ratio. This study also found that physical exercise significantly decreased the MDMA-induced impairments of spatial learning and memory and also mitochondrial dysfunction. The results indicated that MDMA-induced neurotoxicity leads to brain mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent oxidative stress is followed by cognitive impairments. However, physical exercise could reduce these deleterious effects of MDMA through protective effects on brain mitochondrial function.

Effects of aging on mechanical efficiency and muscle activation during level and uphill walking

PURPOSE

The metabolic cost of walking is greater in old compared to young adults. This study examines the relation between metabolic cost, muscular efficiency, and leg muscle co-activation during level and uphill walking in young and older adults.

PROCEDURES

Metabolic cost and leg muscle activation were measured in young (22.3 ± 3.6 years) and older adults (74.5 ± 2.9 years) walking on a treadmill at six different slopes (0.0-7.5% grade) and a speed of 1.3 ms(-1). Across the range of slopes, 'delta mechanical efficiency' of the muscular system and antagonist muscle co-activation were quantified.

MAIN FINDINGS

Across all slopes, older adults walked with a 13-17% greater metabolic cost, 12% lower efficiency, and 25% more leg muscle co-activation than young adults. Among older adults, co-activation was weakly correlated to metabolic cost (r=.233) and not correlated to the lower delta efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Lower muscular efficiency and increased leg muscle co-activation contribute to the greater metabolic cost of uphill slope walking among older adults but are unrelated to one another.

Running for exercise mitigates age-related deterioration of walking economy

INTRODUCTION

Impaired walking performance is a key predictor of morbidity among older adults. A distinctive characteristic of impaired walking performance among older adults is a greater metabolic cost (worse economy) compared to young adults. However, older adults who consistently run have been shown to retain a similar running economy as young runners. Unfortunately, those running studies did not measure the metabolic cost of walking. Thus, it is unclear if running exercise can prevent the deterioration of walking economy.

PURPOSE

To determine if and how regular walking vs. running exercise affects the economy of locomotion in older adults.

METHODS

15 older adults (69 ± 3 years) who walk ≥ 30 min, 3x/week for exercise, "walkers" and 15 older adults (69 ± 5 years) who run ≥ 30 min, 3x/week, "runners" walked on a force-instrumented treadmill at three speeds (0.75, 1.25, and 1.75 m/s). We determined walking economy using expired gas analysis and walking mechanics via ground reaction forces during the last 2 minutes of each 5 minute trial. We compared walking economy between the two groups and to non-aerobically trained young and older adults from a prior study.

RESULTS

Older runners had a 7-10% better walking economy than older walkers over the range of speeds tested (p = .016) and had walking economy similar to young sedentary adults over a similar range of speeds (p =  .237). We found no substantial biomechanical differences between older walkers and runners. In contrast to older runners, older walkers had similar walking economy as older sedentary adults (p =  .461) and ∼ 26% worse walking economy than young adults (p<.0001).

CONCLUSION

Running mitigates the age-related deterioration of walking economy whereas walking for exercise appears to have minimal effect on the age-related deterioration in walking economy.

Skeletal muscle nitric oxide (NO) synthases and NO-signaling in "diabesity"--what about the relevance of exercise training interventions?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with obesity, or "diabesity", coincides with an altered nitric oxide (NO) metabolism in skeletal muscle. Three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) exist in human skeletal muscle tissue. Both neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are constitutively expressed under physiological conditions, producing low levels of NO, while the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is strongly up-regulated only under pathophysiological conditions, excessively increasing NO concentrations. Due to chronic inflammation, overweight/obese type 2 diabetic patients exhibit up-regulated protein contents of iNOS and concomitant elevated amounts of NO in skeletal muscle. Low muscular NO levels are important for attaining an adequate cellular redox state--thereby maintaining metabolic integrity--while high NO levels are believed to destroy cellular components and to disturb metabolic processes, e.g., through strongly augmented posttranslational protein S-nitrosylation. Physical training with submaximal intensity has been shown to attenuate inflammatory profiles and iNOS protein contents in the long term. The present review summarizes signaling pathways which induce iNOS up-regulation under pathophysiological conditions and describes molecular mechanisms by which high NO concentrations are likely to contribute to triggering skeletal muscle insulin resistance and to reducing mitochondrial capacity during the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Based on this information, it discusses the beneficial effects of regular physical exercise on the altered NO metabolism in the skeletal muscle of overweight/obese type 2 diabetic subjects, thus unearthing new perspectives on training strategies for this particular patient group.

Mitochondrial and skeletal muscle health with advancing age

With increasing age there is a temporal relationship between the decline of mitochondrial and skeletal muscle volume, quality and function (i.e., health). Reduced mitochondrial mRNA expression, protein abundance, and protein synthesis rates appear to promote the decline of mitochondrial protein quality and function. Decreased mitochondrial function is suspected to impede energy demanding processes such as skeletal muscle protein turnover, which is critical for maintaining protein quality and thus skeletal muscle health with advancing age. The focus of this review was to discuss promising human physiological systems underpinning the decline of mitochondrial and skeletal muscle health with advancing age while highlighting therapeutic strategies such as aerobic exercise and caloric restriction for combating age-related functional impairments.

Exercise efficiency is reduced by mitochondrial uncoupling in the elderly

A reduction in exercise efficiency accompanies ageing in humans. Here we evaluated the impact of changes in the contractile-coupling and mitochondrial-coupling efficiencies on the reduction in exercise efficiency in the elderly. Nine adult (mean, 38.8 years old) and 40 elderly subjects (mean, 68.8 years old) performed a cycle ergometer test to measure O2 uptake and leg power output up to the aerobic limit ( ). Reduced leg power output per unit O2 uptake was reflected in a drop in delta efficiency (εD) from 0.27 ± 0.01 (mean ± SEM) in adults to 0.22 ± 0.01 in the elderly group. Similar declines with age were apparent for both the leg power output at and the ATP generation capacity (ATPmax) determined in vivo using (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These similar declines resulted in unchanged contractile-coupling efficiency values (εC) in the adult (0.50 ± 0.05) versus the elderly group (0.58 ± 0.04) and agreed with independent measures of muscle contractile-coupling efficiency in human quadriceps (0.5). The mitochondrial-coupling efficiency calculated from the ratio of delta to contractile-coupling efficiencies in the adults (εD/εC = 0.58 ± 0.08) corresponded to values for well-coupled mitochondria (0.6); however, εD/εC was significantly lower in the elderly subjects (0.44 ± 0.03). Conversion of ATPmax per mitochondrial volume (ATPmax/Vv[mt,f]) reported in these groups into thermodynamic units confirmed this drop in mitochondrial-coupling efficiency from 0.57 ± 0.08 in adults to 0.41 ± 0.03 in elderly subjects. Thus, two independent methods revealed that reduced mitochondrial-coupling efficiency was a key part of the drop in exercise efficiency in these elderly subjects and may be an important part of the loss of exercise performance with age.

Exercise training and peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular disease that reduces blood flow capacity to the legs of patients. PAD leads to exercise intolerance that can progress in severity to greatly limit mobility, and in advanced cases leads to frank ischemia with pain at rest. It is estimated that 12 to 15 million people in the United States are diagnosed with PAD, with a much larger population that is undiagnosed. The presence of PAD predicts a 50% to 1500% increase in morbidity and mortality, depending on severity. Treatment of patients with PAD is limited to modification of cardiovascular disease risk factors, pharmacological intervention, surgery, and exercise therapy. Extended exercise programs that involve walking approximately five times per week, at a significant intensity that requires frequent rest periods, are most significant. Preclinical studies and virtually all clinical trials demonstrate the benefits of exercise therapy, including improved walking tolerance, modified inflammatory/hemostatic markers, enhanced vasoresponsiveness, adaptations within the limb (angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and mitochondrial synthesis) that enhance oxygen delivery and metabolic responses, potentially delayed progression of the disease, enhanced quality of life indices, and extended longevity. A synthesis is provided as to how these adaptations can develop in the context of our current state of knowledge and events known to be orchestrated by exercise. The benefits are so compelling that exercise prescription should be an essential option presented to patients with PAD in the absence of contraindications. Obviously, selecting for a lifestyle pattern that includes enhanced physical activity prior to the advance of PAD limitations is the most desirable and beneficial.

Adjustments of pulmonary O2 uptake and muscle deoxygenation during ramp incremental exercise and constant-load moderate-intensity exercise in young and older adults

The matching of muscle O(2) delivery to O(2) utilization can be inferred from the adjustments in muscle deoxygenation (Δ[HHb]) and pulmonary O(2) uptake (Vo(2p)). This study examined the adjustments of Vo(2p) and Δ[HHb] during ramp incremental (RI) and constant-load (CL) exercise in adult males. Ten young adults (YA; age: 25 ± 5 yr) and nine older adults (OA; age: 70 ± 3 yr) completed two RI tests and six CL step transitions to a work rate (WR) corresponding to 1) 80% of the estimated lactate threshold (same relative WR) and 2) 50 W (same absolute WR). Vo(2p) was measured breath by breath, and Δ[HHb] of the vastus lateralis was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. Δ[HHb]-WR profiles were normalized from baseline (0%) to peak Δ[HHb] (100%) and fit using a sigmoid function. The sigmoid slope (d) was greater (P < 0.05) in OA (0.027 ± 0.01%/W) compared with YA (0.017 ± 0.01%/W), and the c/d value (a value corresponding to 50% of the amplitude) was smaller (P < 0.05) for OA (133 ± 40 W) than for YA (195 ± 51 W). No age-related differences in the sigmoid parameters were reported when WR was expressed as a percentage of peak WR. Vo(2p) kinetics compared with Δ[HHb] kinetics for the 50-W transition were similar between YA and OA; however, Δ[HHb] kinetics during the transition to 80% of the lactate threshold were faster than Vo(2p) kinetics in both groups. The greater reliance on O(2) extraction displayed in OA during RI exercise suggests a lower O(2) delivery-to-O(2) utilization relationship at a given absolute WR compared with YA.

Mitochondria in vascular disease

Mitochondria are often regarded as the powerhouse of the cell by generating the ultimate energy transfer molecule, ATP, which is required for a multitude of cellular processes. However, the role of mitochondria goes beyond their capacity to create molecular fuel, to include the generation of reactive oxygen species, the regulation of calcium, and activation of cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is part of both normal and premature ageing, but can contribute to inflammation, cell senescence, and apoptosis. Cardiovascular disease, and in particular atherosclerosis, is characterized by DNA damage, inflammation, cell senescence, and apoptosis. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial damage and dysfunction also occur in atherosclerosis and may contribute to the multiple pathological processes underlying the disease. This review summarizes the normal role of mitochondria, the causes and consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction, and the evidence for mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in vascular disease. Finally, we highlight areas of mitochondrial biology that may have therapeutic targets in vascular disease.

Increased mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle improves aging phenotypes in the mtDNA mutator mouse

Aging is an intricate process that increases susceptibility to sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases. The accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations is believed to contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, potentially shortening lifespan. The mtDNA mutator mouse, a mouse model with a proofreading-deficient mtDNA polymerase γ, was shown to develop a premature aging phenotype, including sarcopenia, cardiomyopathy and decreased lifespan. This phenotype was associated with an accumulation of mtDNA mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a crucial regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and function, in the muscle of mutator mice increased mitochondrial biogenesis and function and also improved the skeletal muscle and heart phenotypes of the mice. Deep sequencing analysis of their mtDNA showed that the increased mitochondrial biogenesis did not reduce the accumulation of mtDNA mutations but rather caused a small increase. These results indicate that increased muscle PGC-1α expression is able to improve some premature aging phenotypes in the mutator mice without reverting the accumulation of mtDNA mutations.

Increased systolic blood pressure after mild cold and rewarming: relation to cold-induced thermogenesis and age

AIM

Higher winter mortality in elderly has been associated with augmented systolic blood pressure (SBP) response and with impaired defense of core temperature. Here we investigated whether the augmented SBP upon mild cold exposure remains after a rewarming period, and whether SBP changes are linked to thermoregulation. Therefore, we tested the following hypotheses: cold-induced increase in SBP (1) remains augmented after rewarming in elderly compared to young adults (2) is related to non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) upon mild cold (3) is related to vasoconstriction upon mild cold.

METHODS

Blood pressure, energy expenditure (EE), skin and core temperature, skin perfusion (abdomen, forearm, both sides of hand) and % body fat were measured in 12 young adults (Y) and 12 elderly (E). Supine subjects were exposed to a thermoneutral baseline 0.5 h (T(air) = 30.1°C), 1 h mild cold (T(air) = 20.7°C), 1 h rewarming (T(air) = 34.8°C) and 1 h baseline (T(air) = 30.5°C).

RESULTS

Upon mild cold only the young adults showed significant NST (Y: +2.5 ± 0.6 W m(-2), P < 0.05). No significant age effects in vasoconstriction were observed. After rewarming per cent change in SBP (%ΔSBP) remained significantly increased in both age groups and was augmented in elderly (Y: +5.0% ± 1.2% vs. E: +14.7% ± 3.1%, P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that %ΔSBP significantly related to ΔEE upon mild cold (P < 0.01, r(2) = 0.35) and in elderly also to %body fat (P < 0.02, r(2) = 0.57).

CONCLUSION

Individual changes in SBP after rewarming correlate negatively to NST. Elderly did not show NST, which explains the greater SBP increase in this group. In elderly a relatively large %body fat protected against the adverse effects of mild cold.

MnSOD deficiency results in elevated oxidative stress and decreased mitochondrial function but does not lead to muscle atrophy during aging

In a previous study, we reported that a deficiency in MnSOD activity (approximately 80% reduction) targeted to type IIB skeletal muscle fibers was sufficient to elevate oxidative stress and to reduce muscle function in young adult mice (TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice). In this study, we used TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice to examine the effect of elevated oxidative stress on mitochondrial function and to test the hypothesis that elevated oxidative stress and decreased mitochondrial function over the lifespan of the TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice would be sufficient to accelerate muscle atrophy associated with aging. We found that mitochondrial function is reduced in both young and old TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice, when compared with control mice. Complex II activity is reduced by 47% in young and by approximately 90% in old TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice, and was found to be associated with reduced levels of the catalytic subunits for complex II, SDHA and SDHB. Complex II-linked mitochondrial respiration is reduced by approximately 70% in young TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice. Complex II-linked mitochondrial Adenosine-Tri-Phosphate (ATP) production is reduced by 39% in young and was found to be almost completely absent in old TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice. Furthermore, in old TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice, aconitase activity is almost completely abolished; mitochondrial superoxide release remains > 2-fold elevated; and oxidative damage (measured as F(2) - isoprostanes) is increased by 30% relative to age-matched controls. These data show that despite elevated skeletal muscle-specific mitochondrial oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and complex II-linked mitochondrial dysfunction, age-related muscle atrophy was not accelerated in old TnIFastCreSod2(fl/fl) mice, suggesting mitochondrial oxidative stress may not be causal for age-related muscle atrophy.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling, adaptive thermogenesis and energy expenditure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The prevalence of obesity is still increasing, despite obesity treatment strategies that aim at reducing energy intake. In addition to this, exercise programmes designed to increase energy expenditure have only a low efficiency and have generated mixed results. Therefore, strategies based on increasing energy expenditure via nonexercise means are currently under investigation. One novel strategy is the modulation of adaptive thermogenesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Among others, adaptive thermogenesis can be modulated by changing dietary composition, treatment with hormone mimetics as well as by cold exposure. In humans, a large part of the adaptive thermogenic response is, in addition to a putative role of brown adipose tissue, determined by the skeletal muscle mass via the process of mitochondrial uncoupling. Here, we describe the molecular processes involved in mitochondrial uncoupling, state-of-the-art techniques to measure mitochondrial uncoupling in vitro and in vivo, as well as the current strategies to mitochondrial uncoupling.

SUMMARY

Data generated in rodents and humans implicate that increasing adaptive thermogenesis by increasing skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling indeed elevates total energy expenditure and thus may provide a promising target for the treatment of obesity.

Neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of exercise in a chronic mouse model of Parkinson's disease with moderate neurodegeneration

The protective impact of exercise on neurodegenerative processes has not been confirmed, and the mechanisms underlying the benefit of exercise have not been determined in human Parkinson's disease or in chronic animal disease models. This research examined the long-term neurological, behavioral, and mechanistic consequences of endurance exercise in experimental chronic parkinsonism. We used a chronic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease with moderate neurodegeneration and examined the effects of treadmill exercise on movement and balance coordination, changes in dopamine neuron biomarkers, mitochondrial functions, and neurotrophic factor activities in the nigrostriatal system. The exercise results were compared with those of the control and sedentary chronic parkinsonian animals. After 18 weeks of exercise training in the chronic parkinsonian mice, we observed a significant deterrence in the loss of neuronal dopamine-producing cells and other functional indicators. The impaired movement and balance incoordination in the chronic parkinsonian mice were also markedly reduced following exercise. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the neuronal and behavioral recovery produced by exercise in the chronic parkinsonian mice was associated with an improved mitochondrial function and an increase in the brain region-specific levels of brain-derived and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors. Our findings indicate that exercise not only produces neuronal and mitochondrial protection, it also boosts nigrostriatal neurotrophic factor levels in the chronic parkinsonian mice with moderate neurodegeneration. Therefore, modifying lifestyle with increased exercise activity would be a non-pharmacological neuroprotective approach for averting neurodegenerative processes, as demonstrated in experimental chronic parkinsonism.

Compromised respiratory adaptation and thermoregulation in aging and age-related diseases

Mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production are at the heart of the aging process and are thought to underpin age-related diseases. Mitochondria are not only the primary energy-generating system but also the dominant cellular source of metabolically derived ROS. Recent studies unravel the existence of mechanisms that serve to modulate the balance between energy metabolism and ROS production. Among these is the regulation of proton conductance across the inner mitochondrial membrane that affects the efficiency of respiration and heat production. The field of mitochondrial respiration research has provided important insight into the role of altered energy balance in obesity and diabetes. The notion that respiration and oxidative capacity are mechanistically linked is making significant headway into the field of aging and age-related diseases. Here we review the regulation of cellular energy and ROS balance in biological systems and survey some of the recent relevant studies that suggest that respiratory adaptation and thermodynamics are important in aging and age-related diseases.

The coordination of nuclear and mitochondrial communication during aging and calorie restriction

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that integrate environmental signals to regulate energy production, apoptosis and Ca(2+) homeostasis. Not surprisingly, mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with aging and the pathologies observed in age-related diseases. The vast majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nuclear genome, and so communication between the nucleus and mitochondria is essential for maintenance of appropriate mitochondrial function. Several proteins have emerged as major regulators of mitochondrial gene expression, capable of increasing transcription of mitochondrial genes in response to the physiological demands of the cell. In this review, we will focus on PGC-1alpha, SIRT1, AMPK and mTOR and discuss how these proteins regulate mitochondrial function and their potential involvement in aging, calorie restriction and age-related disease. We will also discuss the pathways through which mitochondria signal to the nucleus. Although such retrograde signaling is not well studied in mammals, there is growing evidence to suggest that it may be an important area for future aging research. Greater understanding of the mechanisms by which mitochondria and the nucleus communicate will facilitate efforts to slow or reverse the mitochondrial dysfunction that occurs during aging.

AMP-activated protein kinase response to contractions and treatment with the AMPK activator AICAR in young adult and old skeletal muscle

One characteristic of ageing skeletal muscle is a decline in mitochondrial function. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) occurs in response to an increased AMP/ATP ratio, which is one potential result of mitochondrial dysfunction. We have previously observed higher AMPK activity in old (O; 30 months) vs young adult (YA; 8 months) fast-twitch muscle in response to chronic overload. Here we tested the hypothesis that AMPK would also be hyperactivated in O vs YA fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles from Fischer(344) x Brown Norway (FBN) rats (n = 8 per group) in response to high-frequency electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve (HFES) or injection of AICAR, an activator of AMPK. Muscles were harvested immediately after HFES (10 sets of six 3-s contractions, 10 s rest between contractions, 1 min rest between sets) or 1 h after AICAR injection (1 mg (g body weight)(-1) subcutaneously). The phosphorylations of AMPKalpha and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC2; a downstream AMPK target) were both greatly increased (P <or= 0.05) in response to HFES in O muscles, but were either unresponsive (AMPK alpha) or much less responsive (ACC) in YA muscles. AMPK alpha2 activity was also greatly elevated in response to HFES in O muscles (but not YA muscles) despite a lower total AMPK alpha2 protein content in O vs YA muscles. In contrast, AMPK alpha2 activity was equally responsive to AICAR treatment in both age groups. Since mitochondrial content and/or efficiency could potentially underlie AMPK hyperactivation, we measured levels of mitochondrial proteins as well as citrate synthase (CS) activity. While CS activity was increased by 25% in O vs YA muscles, uncoupling protein-3 (UCP-3) protein level was upregulated with age by 353%. Thus, AMPK hyperactivation in response to contractile activity in aged fast-twitch muscle may be the result of compromised cellular energetics and not necessarily due to an inherent defect in responsiveness of the AMPK molecule per se.

High-dose statin use does not impair aerobic capacity or skeletal muscle function in older adults

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are lipid-lowering agents widely employed for atherosclerosis prevention. HMG-CoA reductase blockade reduces skeletal muscle coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) levels and mitochondrial respiratory chain activities and may produce mild to severe skeletal muscle myopathy. This study investigated whether high-dose statin treatment would result in measurably decreased exercise capacity in older men and women. Maximal oxygen consumption, aerobic endurance, oxygen uptake kinetics, maximal strength, muscular power, and muscular endurance were measured before and after 12 weeks of statin treatment (simvastatin, 80 mg/day) in nine men and one woman, ages 55-76 years, with LDL-cholesterol levels >3.3 mmol/l (mean = 4.2 +/- 0.2 mmol/l). Myalgia symptoms were assessed every 4 weeks. As expected, statin treatment resulted in significant decreases in LDL- and total-cholesterol levels (P < 0.01) with no significant changes in HDL-cholesterol or triglyceride levels. No significant changes were observed in aerobic capacity, endurance, oxygen kinetics or any measures of muscle function. No subject reported symptoms of myalgia, cramps, or weakness during the study. In the absence of myalgia or myopathic symptoms, high-dose simvastatin treatment did not impair exercise capacity in hyperlipidemic older individuals. We conclude that decreases in intramuscular CoQ(10), in most patients on high dose statin treatment may not be clinically relevant, due to inter-individual variability in the degree of CoQ(10) depletion, sensitivity of muscle to decreases in CoQ(10), or both.

Possible Mitochondria-Associated Enzymatic Role in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Residual Disease

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms responsible for resistant or recurrent disease in childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are not yet fully understood. A unique mechanism suggesting the role of the mitochondria as the key energy source responsible for residual cells has been assessed in the clinical setting on specimens from patients on therapy were found to have increased copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) associated with positive minimal residual disease and/or persistent disease (MRD/PD) status. The potential role of mtDNA in MRD/PD emphasizes queries into the contributions of relevant enzymatic pathways responsible for MRD/PD. This study hypothesized that in an in-vitro model, recovering or residual cells from chemotoxicity will exhibit an increase in both citrate synthase and isocitrate dehydrogenase expression and decrease in succinate dehydrogenase expression. PROCEDURE: Ramos cells (Burkitt lymphoma cell line) were exposed to varying concentrations of doxorubicin and vincristine for 1 hr; and allowing for recovery in culture over a 7-day period. cDNA was extracted on days 1 and 7 of the cell culture period to assess the relative expression of the aforementioned genes. RESULTS: Increase citrate synthase, increase isocitrate dehydrogenase and decrease succinate dehydrogenase expressions were found in recovering Ramos cells. CONCLUSION: Recovering lymphoma cells appear to compensate by regulating enzymatic levels of appropriate genes in the Krebs Cycle suggesting an important role of the mitochondria in the presence of residual cells.

Parkinson's disease and resistive exercise: rationale, review, and recommendations

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) are not only burdened with disease-specific symptoms (i.e., bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor), but are also confronted with age-associated progressive loss of physical function, perhaps to a greater extent than neurologically normal adults. Suggestions for the inclusion of resistive exercise into treatment to attenuate these symptoms were made over 10 years ago, yet very few well controlled investigations are available. The objective of this review is to establish a clear rationale for the efficacy of resistance training in individuals with PD. Specifically, we highlight musculoskeletal weakness and its relationship to function as well as potential training-induced adaptive alterations in the neuromuscular system. We also review the few resistance training interventions currently available, but limit this review to those investigations that provide a quantitative exercise prescription. Finally, we recommend future lines of inquiry warranting further attention and call to question the rationale behind current exercise prescriptions. The absence of reports contraindicating resistive exercise, the potential for positive adaptation, and the noted benefits of resistance training in other populations may provide support for its inclusion into a treatment approach to PD.

Muscle-Specific PPARbeta/delta Agonism May Provide Synergistic Benefits with Life Style Modifications

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) has emerged as a powerful metabolic regulator in diverse tissues including fat, skeletal muscle, and the heart. It is now established that activation of PPARβ/δ promotes fatty acid oxidation in several tissues, such as skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In muscle, PPARβ/δ appears to act as a central regulator of fatty acid catabolism. PPARβ/δ contents are increased in muscle during physiological situations such as physical exercise or long-term fasting, characterized by increased fatty acid oxidation. Targeted expression of an activated form of PPARβ/δ in skeletal muscle induces a switch to form increased numbers of type I muscle fibers resembling the fiber type transition by endurance training. Activation of PPARβ/δ also enhances mitochondrial capacity and fat oxidation in the skeletal muscle that resembles the effect of regular exercise. Therefore, it is hypothesized that muscle-specific PPARβ/δ agonists could be a key strategy to support the poor cardiorespiratory fitness associated with metabolic disorders.

Vitamin E prevents hypobaric hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle

In the present study, the effect of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) on mice skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage induced by an in vivo acute and severe hypobaric hypoxic insult (48 h at a barometric pressure equivalent to 8500 m) has been investigated. Male mice (n=24) were randomly divided into the following four groups (n=6): control (C), hypoxia (H), vitamin E (VE; 60 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneally, three times/week for 3 weeks) and hypoxia+VE (HVE). A significant increase in mitochondrial protein CGs (carbonyl groups) was found in the H group compared with the C group. Confirming previous observations from our group, hypoxia induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as identified by altered respiratory parameters. Hypoxia exposure increased Bax content and decreased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, whereas Bcl-2 remained unchanged. Inner and outer mitochondrial membrane integrity were significantly affected by hypoxia exposure; however, vitamin E treatment attenuated the effect of hypoxia on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and on the levels of CGs. Vitamin E supplementation also prevented the Bax and Bcl-2/Bax ratio impairments caused by hypoxia, as well as the decrease in inner and outer mitochondrial membrane integrity. In conclusion, the results suggest that vitamin E prevents the loss of mitochondrial integrity and function, as well as the increase in Bax content, which suggests that mitochondria are involved in increased cell death induced by severe hypobaric hypoxia in mice skeletal muscle.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and age

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mitochondrial dysfunction is commonly thought to result from oxidative damage that leads to defects in the electron transport chain (ETC). In this review, we highlight new research indicating that there are early changes in mitochondrial function that precede ETC defects and are reversible thereby providing the possibility of slowing the tempo of mitochondrial aging and cell death.

RECENT FINDINGS

Increased mitochondrial uncoupling - reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) produced per O2 uptake - and cell ATP depletion are evident in human muscle nearly a decade before accumulation of irreversible DNA damage that causes ETC defects. New evidence points to reduction in activators of biogenesis (e.g. PGC-1alpha) and to degradation of mitochondria allowing accumulation of molecular and membrane damage in aged mitochondria. The early dysfunction appears to be reversible based on improved mitochondrial function in vivo and elevated gene expression levels after exercise training.

SUMMARY

New molecular and in vivo findings regarding the onset and reversibility of mitochondrial dysfunction with age indicate the potential: 1) for diagnostic tools to identify patients at risk for severe irreversible defects later in life; and 2) of an intervention to delay the tempo of aging and improve the quality of life of the elderly.