Time course changes in in vivo muscle mechanical function and Ca2+ regulation of force following experimentally induced gradual ovarian failure in mice

The abrupt cessation of ovarian hormone release is associated with declines in muscle contractile function, yet the impact of gradual ovarian failure on muscle contractility across peri-, early- and late-stage menopause remains unclear. In this study, a 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced ovarian failure mouse model was used to examine time course changes in muscle mechanical function. Plantar flexors of female mice (VCD: n = 10; CON: n = 8) were assessed at 40 (early perimenopause), 80 (late perimenopause), 120 (menopause onset) and 176 (late menopause) days post-initial VCD injection. A torque-frequency relationship was established across a range of frequencies (10-200 Hz). Isotonic dynamic contractions were elicited against relative loads (10-80% maximal isometric torque) to determine the torque-velocity-power relationship. Mice then performed a fatigue task using intermittent 100 Hz isometric contractions until torque dropped by 60%. Recovery of twitch, 10 Hz and 100 Hz torque were tracked for 10 min post-task failure. Additionally, intact muscle fibres from the flexor digitorum brevis underwent a fatigue task (50 repetitions at 70 Hz), and 10 and 100 Hz tetanic [Ca2+] were monitored for 10 min afterward. VCD mice exhibited 16% lower twitch torque than controls across all time points. Apart from twitch torque, 10 Hz torque and 10 Hz tetanic [Ca2+], where VCD showed greater values relative to pre-fatigue during recovery, no significant differences were observed between control and VCD mice during recovery. These results indicate that gradual ovarian failure has minimal detriments to in vivo muscle mechanical function, with minor alterations observed primarily for low-frequency stimulation during recovery from fatigue.

Carbohydrate Ingestion Increases Interstitial Glucose and Mitigates Neuromuscular Fatigue During Single-Leg Knee Extensions

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate the neuromuscular contributions to enhanced fatigue resistance with carbohydrate ingestion, and to identify whether fatigue is associated with changes in interstitial glucose levels assessed using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

METHODS

Twelve healthy participants (6 males, 6 females) performed isokinetic single-leg knee extensions (90°/s) at 20% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque until MVC torque reached 60% of its initial value (i.e, task failure). Central and peripheral fatigue were evaluated every 15 min during the fatigue task using the interpolated twitch technique (ITT), and electrically evoked torque. Using a single-blinded cross-over design, participants ingested carbohydrates (CHO) (85 g sucrose/h), or a placebo (PLA), at regular intervals during the fatigue task. Minute-by-minute interstitial glucose levels measured via CGM, and whole blood glucose readings were obtained intermittently during the fatiguing task.

RESULTS

CHO ingestion increased time to task failure over PLA (113 ± 69 vs. 81 ± 49 min; mean ± SD; p < 0.001) and was associated with higher glycemia as measured by CGM (106 ± 18 vs 88 ± 10 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and whole blood glucose sampling (104 ± 17 vs 89 ± 10 mg/dL, p < 0.001). When assessing the values in the CHO condition at a similar timepoint to those at task failure in the PLA condition (i.e., ~81 min), MVC torque, % voluntary activation, and 10 Hz torque were all better preserved in the CHO vs. PLA condition (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Exogenous CHO intake mitigates neuromuscular fatigue at both the central and peripheral levels by raising glucose concentrations rather than by preventing hypoglycemia.

Muscle weakness and mitochondrial stress occur before metastasis in a novel mouse model of ovarian cancer cachexia

Objectives

A high proportion of women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) experience weakness and cachexia. This relationship is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. EOC is the most lethal gynecological cancer, yet no preclinical cachexia model has demonstrated the combined hallmark features of metastasis, ascites development, muscle loss and weakness in adult immunocompetent mice.

Methods

Here, we evaluated a new model of ovarian cancer-induced cachexia with the advantages of inducing cancer in adult immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice through orthotopic injections of EOC cells in the ovarian bursa. We characterized the development of metastasis, ascites, muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, markers of inflammation, and mitochondrial stress in the tibialis anterior (TA) and diaphragm ∼45, ∼75 and ∼90 days after EOC injection.

Results

Primary ovarian tumour sizes were progressively larger at each time point while robust metastasis, ascites development, and reductions in body, fat and muscle weights occurred by 90 Days. There were no changes in certain inflammatory (TNFα), atrogene (MURF1 and Atrogin) or GDF15 markers within both muscles whereas IL-6 was increased at 45 and 90 Day groups in the diaphragm. TA weakness in 45 Day preceded atrophy and metastasis that were observed later (75 and 90 Day, respectively). The diaphragm demonstrated both weakness and atrophy in 45 Day. In both muscles, this pre-metastatic muscle weakness corresponded with considerable reprogramming of gene pathways related to mitochondrial bioenergetics as well as reduced functional measures of mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation and creatine-dependent ADP/ATP cycling as well as increased reactive oxygen species emission (hydrogen peroxide). Remarkably, muscle force per unit mass at 90 days was partially restored in the TA despite the presence of atrophy and metastasis. In contrast, the diaphragm demonstrated progressive weakness. At this advanced stage, mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation in both muscles exceeded control mice suggesting an apparent metabolic super-compensation corresponding with restored indices of creatine-dependent adenylate cycling.

Conclusion

This mouse model demonstrates the concurrent development of cachexia and metastasis that occurs in women with EOC. The model provides physiologically relevant advantages of inducing tumour development within the ovarian bursa in immunocompetent adult mice. Moreover, the model reveals that muscle weakness in both TA and diaphragm precedes metastasis while weakness also precedes atrophy in the TA. An underlying mitochondrial bioenergetic stress corresponded with this early weakness. Collectively, these discoveries can direct new research towards the development of therapies that target pre-atrophy and pre-metastatic weakness during EOC in addition to therapies targeting cachexia.

Highlights

This study reports the first orthotopic model of metastatic ovarian cancer cachexia that can be induced in adult immunocompetent miceDiaphragm and limb muscle weakness precedes metastasis and atrophy during ovarian cancerSkeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative and redox stress signatures occur during pre-metastatic stages of ovarian cancerSpecific muscle force as well as mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation and creatine metabolism demonstrate compensation in later stagesOvarian cancer has heterogeneous effects on distinct muscle types across time.

Celebrating a decade of exercise physiology and metabolism research in physiological reports

During its first decade of life, Physiological Reports has become a home for well-conceived and rigorously performed exercise physiology and metabolism studies. The breadth of research within this area is impressive, covering exercise-induced increases in skeletal muscle gene expression to the effects of exercise on the gut microbiome. The purpose of the current review is to highlight some of the impactful exercise physiology and metabolism papers published in the journal and to look ahead to what areas exercise physiology publications might address in the next 10 years.

Intrinsic contractile dysfunction due to impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release in compensatory hypertrophied muscle fibers following synergist ablation

Synergist ablation (SA) is an experimental procedure for the induction of hypertrophy. However, SA causes a decrease in specific force (i.e., force per cross-sectional area), likely due to excessive muscle use. Here, we investigated the mechanisms behind the SA-induced intrinsic contractile dysfunction, especially focusing on the excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. Male Wistar rats had unilateral surgical ablation of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to induce compensatory hypertrophy in the plantaris muscles. Two weeks after SA, plantaris muscle was dissected from each animal and used for later analyses. SA significantly increased the mean fiber cross-sectional area (+18%). On the other hand, the ratio of depolarization-induced force to the maximum Ca2+-activated specific force, an indicator of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release, was markedly reduced in mechanically skinned fibers from the SA group (-51%). These functional defects were accompanied by an extensive fragmentation of the SR Ca2+ release channel, the ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1), and a decrease in the amount of other triad proteins (i.e., DHPR, STAC3, and junctophilin1). SA treatment also caused activation of calpain-1 and increased the amount of NADPH oxidase 2, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins (i.e., Grp78, Grp94, PDI, and Ero1), and lipid peroxidation [i.e., 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)] in SA-treated muscles. Our findings show that SA causes skeletal muscle weakness due to impaired EC coupling. This is likely to be induced by Ca2+-dependent degradation of triad proteins, which may result from Ca2+ leak from fragmented RyR1 triggered by increased oxidative stress.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Synergist ablation (SA) has widely been used to understand the mechanisms behind skeletal muscle hypertrophy. However, compensatory hypertrophied muscles display intrinsic contractile dysfunction, i.e., a hallmark of overuse. Here, we demonstrate that SA-induced compensatory hypertrophy is accompanied by muscle weakness due to impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. This dysfunction may be caused by the degradation of triad proteins due to the reciprocal amplification of reactive oxygen species and Ca2+ signaling at the junctional space microdomain.

Increased tetanic calcium in early fatigue of mammalian muscle fibers is accompanied by accelerated force development despite a decreased force

During the initial phase of fatigue induced by repeated contractions in fast-twitch muscle fibers, tetanic force decreases despite increasing tetanic free cytosolic [Ca²⁺ ] ([Ca²⁺ ]_cyt ). Here, we hypothesized that the increase in tetanic [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt nevertheless has positive effects on force in early fatigue. Experiments on enzymatically isolated mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers showed that an increase in tetanic [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt during ten 350 ms contractions required trains of electrical pulses to be elicited at short intervals (≤2 s) and at high frequencies (≥70 Hz). Mechanically dissected mouse FDB fibers showed greater decrease in tetanic force when the stimulation frequency during contractions was gradually reduced to prevent the increase in tetanic [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt . Novel analyses of data from previous studies revealed an increased rate of force development in the tenth fatiguing contraction in mouse FDB fibers, as well as in rat FDB and human intercostal fibers. Mouse FDB fibers deficient in creatine kinase showed no increase in tetanic [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt and slowed force development in the tenth contraction; after injection of creatine kinase to enable phosphocreatine breakdown, these fibers showed an increase in tetanic [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt and accelerated force development. Mouse FDB fibers exposed to ten short contractions (43 ms) produced at short intervals (142 ms) showed increased tetanic [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt accompanied by a marked (~16%) increase in the developed force. In conclusion, the increase in tetanic [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt in early fatigue is accompanied by accelerated force development, which under some circumstances can counteract the decline in physical performance caused by the concomitant decrease in maximum force.

Orai1 as a potential "fits-all approach" therapeutic target for the treatment of DMD

Obliterating skeletal muscle Orai1 expression improves muscle pathology in the mdx mouse model of DMD—could Orai1 emerge as a potential drug target?

Muscle weakness precedes atrophy during cancer cachexia and is linked to muscle-specific mitochondrial stress

Muscle weakness and wasting are defining features of cancer-induced cachexia. Mitochondrial stress occurs before atrophy in certain muscles, but the possibility of heterogeneous responses between muscles and across time remains unclear. Using mice inoculated with Colon-26 cancer, we demonstrate that specific force production was reduced in quadriceps and diaphragm at 2 weeks in the absence of atrophy. At this time, pyruvate-supported mitochondrial respiration was lower in quadriceps while mitochondrial H2O2 emission was elevated in diaphragm. By 4 weeks, atrophy occurred in both muscles, but specific force production increased to control levels in quadriceps such that reductions in absolute force were due entirely to atrophy. Specific force production remained reduced in diaphragm. Mitochondrial respiration increased and H2O2 emission was unchanged in both muscles versus control while mitochondrial creatine sensitivity was reduced in quadriceps. These findings indicate muscle weakness precedes atrophy and is linked to heterogeneous mitochondrial alterations that could involve adaptive responses to metabolic stress. Eventual muscle-specific restorations in specific force and bioenergetics highlight how the effects of cancer on one muscle do not predict the response in another muscle. Exploring heterogeneous responses of muscle to cancer may reveal new mechanisms underlying distinct sensitivities, or resistance, to cancer cachexia.

Scientific meeting report: International Biochemistry of Exercise 2022

Exercise is one of the only nonpharmacological remedies known to counteract genetic and chronic diseases by enhancing health and improving life span. Although the many benefits of regular physical activity have been recognized for some time, the intricate and complex signaling systems triggered at the onset of exercise have only recently begun to be uncovered. Exercising muscles initiate a coordinated, multisystemic, metabolic rewiring, which is communicated to distant organs by various molecular mediators. The field of exercise research has been expanding beyond the musculoskeletal system, with interest from industry to provide realistic models and exercise mimetics that evoke a whole body rejuvenation response. The 18th International Biochemistry of Exercise conference took place in Toronto, Canada, from May 25 to May 28, 2022, with more than 400 attendees. Here, we provide an overview of the most cutting-edge exercise-related research presented by 66 speakers, focusing on new developments in topics ranging from molecular and cellular mechanisms of exercise adaptations to exercise therapy and management of disease and aging. We also describe how the manipulation of these signaling pathways can uncover therapeutic avenues for improving human health and quality of life.

Functional Impact of Post-exercise Cooling and Heating on Recovery and Training Adaptations: Application to Resistance, Endurance, and Sprint Exercise

The application of post-exercise cooling (e.g., cold water immersion) and post-exercise heating has become a popular intervention which is assumed to increase functional recovery and may improve chronic training adaptations. However, the effectiveness of such post-exercise temperature manipulations remains uncertain. The aim of this comprehensive review was to analyze the effects of post-exercise cooling and post-exercise heating on neuromuscular function (maximal strength and power), fatigue resistance, exercise performance, and training adaptations. We focused on three exercise types (resistance, endurance and sprint exercises) and included studies investigating (1) the early recovery phase, (2) the late recovery phase, and (3) repeated application of the treatment. We identified that the primary benefit of cooling was in the early recovery phase (< 1 h post-exercise) in improving fatigue resistance in hot ambient conditions following endurance exercise and possibly enhancing the recovery of maximal strength following resistance exercise. The primary negative impact of cooling was with chronic exposure which impaired strength adaptations and decreased fatigue resistance following resistance training intervention (12 weeks and 4–12 weeks, respectively). In the early recovery phase, cooling could also impair sprint performance following sprint exercise and could possibly reduce neuromuscular function immediately after endurance exercise. Generally, no benefits of acute cooling were observed during the 24–72-h recovery period following resistance and endurance exercises, while it could have some benefits on the recovery of neuromuscular function during the 24–48-h recovery period following sprint exercise. Most studies indicated that chronic cooling does not affect endurance training adaptations following 4–6 week training intervention. We identified limited data employing heating as a recovery intervention, but some indications suggest promise in its application to endurance and sprint exercise.

Sphingomyelinase activity promotes atrophy and attenuates force in human muscle fibres and is elevated in heart failure patients

BACKGROUND

Activation of sphingomyelinase (SMase) as a result of a general inflammatory response has been implicated as a mechanism underlying disease-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function in several clinical conditions including heart failure. Here, for the first time, we characterize the effects of SMase activity on human muscle fibre contractile function and assess skeletal muscle SMase activity in heart failure patients.

METHODS

The effects of SMase on force production and intracellular Ca²⁺ handling were investigated in single intact human muscle fibres. Additional mechanistic studies were performed in single mouse toe muscle fibres. RNA sequencing was performed in human muscle bundles exposed to SMase. Intramuscular SMase activity was measured from heart failure patients (n = 61, age 69 ± 0.8 years, NYHA III-IV, ejection fraction 25 ± 1.0%, peak VO₂ 14.4 ± 0.6 mL × kg × min) and healthy age-matched control subjects (n = 10, age 71 ± 2.2 years, ejection fraction 60 ± 1.2%, peak VO₂ 25.8 ± 1.1 mL × kg × min). SMase activity was related to circulatory factors known to be associated with progression and disease severity in heart failure.

RESULTS

Sphingomyelinase reduced muscle fibre force production (-30%, P < 0.05) by impairing sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ release (P < 0.05) and reducing myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity. In human muscle bundles exposed to SMase, RNA sequencing analysis revealed 180 and 291 genes as up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, at a FDR of 1%. Gene-set enrichment analysis identified 'proteasome degradation' as an up-regulated pathway (average fold-change 1.1, P = 0.008), while the pathway 'cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins' (average fold-change 0.8, P < 0.0001) and factors involving proliferation of muscle cells (average fold-change 0.8, P = 0.0002) where identified as down-regulated. Intramuscular SMase activity was ~20% higher (P < 0.05) in human heart failure patients than in age-matched healthy controls and was positively correlated with markers of disease severity and progression, and with several circulating inflammatory proteins, including TNF-receptor 1 and 2. In a longitudinal cohort of heart failure patients (n = 6, mean follow-up time 2.5 ± 0.2 years), SMase activity was demonstrated to increase by 30% (P < 0.05) with duration of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings implicate activation of skeletal muscle SMase as a mechanism underlying human heart failure-related loss of muscle mass and function. Moreover, our findings strengthen the idea that SMase activation may underpin disease-related loss of muscle mass and function in other clinical conditions, acting as a common patophysiological mechanism for the myopathy often reported in diseases associated with a systemic inflammatory response.

Exercise reduces intramuscular stress and counteracts muscle weakness in mice with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with breast cancer exhibit muscle weakness, which is associated with increased mortality risk and reduced quality of life. Muscle weakness is experienced even in the absence of loss of muscle mass in breast cancer patients, indicating intrinsic muscle dysfunction. Physical activity is correlated with reduced cancer mortality and disease recurrence. However, the molecular processes underlying breast cancer-induced muscle weakness and the beneficial effect of exercise are largely unknown.

METHODS

Eight-week-old breast cancer (MMTV-PyMT, PyMT) and control (WT) mice had access to active or inactive in-cage voluntary running wheels for 4 weeks. Mice were also subjected to a treadmill test. Muscle force was measured ex vivo. Tumour markers were determined with immunohistochemistry. Mitochondrial biogenesis and function were assessed with transcriptional analyses of PGC-1α, the electron transport chain (ETC) and antioxidants superoxide dismutase (Sod) and catalase (Cat), combined with activity measurements of SOD, citrate synthase (CS) and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (βHAD). Serum and intramuscular stress levels were evaluated by enzymatic assays, immunoblotting, and transcriptional analyses of, for example, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling.

RESULTS

PyMT mice endured shorter time and distance during the treadmill test (~30%, P < 0.05) and ex vivo force measurements revealed ~25% weaker slow-twitch soleus muscle (P < 0.001). This was independent of cancer-induced alteration of muscle size or fibre type. Inflammatory stressors in serum and muscle, including TNF-α and p38 MAPK, were higher in PyMT than in WT mice (P < 0.05). Cancer-induced decreases in ETC (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and antioxidant gene expression were observed (P < 0.05). The exercise intervention counteracted the cancer-induced muscle weakness and was accompanied by a less aggressive, differentiated tumour phenotype, determined by increased CK8 and reduced CK14 expression (P < 0.05). In PyMT mice, the exercise intervention led to higher CS activity (P = 0.23), enhanced β-HAD and SOD activities (P < 0.05), and reduced levels of intramuscular stressors together with a normalization of the expression signature of TNFα-targets and ETC genes (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). At the same time, the exercise-induced PGC-1α expression, and CS and β-HAD activity was blunted in muscle from the PyMT mice as compared with WT mice, indicative that breast cancer interfere with transcriptional programming of mitochondria and that the molecular adaptation to exercise differs between healthy mice and those afflicted by disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Four-week voluntary wheel running counteracted muscle weakness in PyMT mice which was accompanied by reduced intrinsic stress and improved mitochondrial and antioxidant profiles and activities that aligned with muscles of healthy mice.

Promoting a pro-oxidant state in skeletal muscle: Potential dietary, environmental, and exercise interventions for enhancing endurance-training adaptations

Accumulating evidence now shows that supplemental antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E and N-Acetylcysteine consumption can suppress adaptations to endurance-type exercise by attenuating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) formation within skeletal muscle. This emerging evidence points to the importance of pro-oxidation as an important stimulus for endurance-training adaptations, including mitochondrial biogenesis, endogenous antioxidant production, insulin signalling, angiogenesis and growth factor signaling. Although sustained oxidative distress is associated with many chronic diseases, athletes have, on average, elevated levels of certain endogenous antioxidants to maintain redox homeostasis. As a result, trained athletes may have a better capacity to buffer oxidants during and after exercise, resulting in a reduced oxidative eustress stimulus for adaptations. Thus, higher levels of RONS input and exercise-induced oxidative stress may benefit athletes in the pursuit of continuous endurance training redox adaptations. This review addresses why athletes should be looking to enhance exercise-induced oxidative stress and how it can be accomplished. Methods covered include high-intensity interval training, hyperthermia and heat stress, dietary antioxidant restriction and modified antioxidant timing, dietary antioxidants and polyphenols as adjuncts to exercise, and vitamin C as a pro-oxidant.

Mitochondrial NDUFA4L2 is a novel regulator of skeletal muscle mass and force

The hypoxia-inducible nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex, 4-like 2 (NDUFA4L2) has been demonstrated to decrease oxidative phosphorylation and production of reactive oxygen species in neonatal cardiomyocytes, brain tissue and hypoxic domains of cancer cells. Prolonged local hypoxia can negatively affect skeletal muscle size and tissue oxidative capacity. Although skeletal muscle is a mitochondrial rich, oxygen sensitive tissue, the role of NDUFA4L2 in skeletal muscle has not previously been investigated. Here we ectopically expressed NDUFA4L2 in mouse skeletal muscles using adenovirus-mediated expression and in vivo electroporation. Moreover, femoral artery ligation (FAL) was used as a model of peripheral vascular disease to induce hind limb ischemia and muscle damage. Ectopic NDUFA4L2 expression resulted in reduced mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species followed by lowered AMP, ADP, ATP, and NAD⁺ levels without affecting the overall protein content of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Furthermore, ectopically expressed NDUFA4L2 caused a ~20% reduction in muscle mass that resulted in weaker muscles. The loss of muscle mass was associated with increased gene expression of atrogenes MurF1 and Mul1, and apoptotic genes caspase 3 and Bax. Finally, we showed that NDUFA4L2 was induced by FAL and that the Ndufa4l2 mRNA expression correlated with the reduced capacity of the muscle to generate force after the ischemic insult. These results show, for the first time, that mitochondrial NDUFA4L2 is a novel regulator of skeletal muscle mass and force. Specifically, induced NDUFA4L2 reduces mitochondrial activity leading to lower levels of important intramuscular metabolites, including adenine nucleotides and NAD⁺ , which are hallmarks of mitochondrial dysfunction and hence shows that dysfunctional mitochondrial activity may drive muscle wasting.

Carbohydrate restriction following strenuous glycogen-depleting exercise does not potentiate the acute molecular response associated with mitochondrial biogenesis in human skeletal muscle

Purpose

Carbohydrate (CHO) restriction could be a potent metabolic regulator of endurance exercise-induced muscle adaptations. Here, we determined whether post-exercise CHO restriction following strenuous exercise combining continuous cycling exercise (CCE) and sprint interval exercise could affect the gene expression related to mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism in human skeletal muscle.

Methods

In a randomized cross-over design, 8 recreationally active males performed two cycling exercise sessions separated by 4 weeks. Each session consisted of 60-min CCE and six 30-s all-out sprints, which was followed by ingestion of either a CHO or placebo beverage in the post-exercise recovery period. Muscle glycogen concentration and the mRNA levels of several genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism were determined before, immediately after, and at 3 h after exercise.

Results

Compared to pre-exercise, strenuous cycling led to a severe muscle glycogen depletion (> 90%) and induced a large increase in PGC1A and PDK4 mRNA levels (~ 20-fold and ~ 10-fold, respectively) during the acute recovery period in both trials. The abundance of the other transcripts was not changed or was only moderately increased during this period. CHO restriction during the 3-h post-exercise period blunted muscle glycogen resynthesis but did not increase the mRNA levels of genes associated with muscle adaptation to endurance exercise, as compared with abundant post-exercise CHO consumption.

Conclusion

CHO restriction after a glycogen-depleting and metabolically-demanding cycling session is not effective for increasing the acute mRNA levels of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism in human skeletal muscle.

Fast skeletal muscle troponin activator CK-2066260 mitigates skeletal muscle weakness independently of the underlying cause

BACKGROUND

Muscle weakness is a common symptom in numerous diseases and a regularly occurring problem associated with ageing. Prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD) is a form of exercise-induced skeletal muscle weakness observed after exercise. Three different intramuscular mechanisms underlying PLFFD have been identified: decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release, decreased myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity, and myofibrillar dysfunction. We here used these three forms of PLFFD as models to study the effectiveness of a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator, CK-2066260, to mitigate muscle weakness.

METHODS

Experiments were performed on intact single muscle fibres or fibre bundles from mouse flexor digitorum brevis, which were stimulated with electrical current pulses, while force and the free cytosolic [Ca²⁺ ] ([Ca²⁺ ]_i ) were measured. PLFFD was induced by three different stimulation protocols: (i) repeated isometric contractions at low intensity (350 ms tetani given every 5 s for 100 contractions); (ii) repeated isometric contractions at high intensity (250 ms tetani given every 0.5 s for 300 contractions); and (iii) repeated eccentric contractions (350 ms tetani with 20% length increase given every 20 s for 10 contractions). The extent and cause of PLFFD were assessed by comparing the force-[Ca²⁺ ]_i relationship at low (30 Hz) and high (120 Hz) stimulation frequencies before (control) and 30 min after induction of PLFFD, and after an additional 5 min of rest in the presence of CK-2066260 (10 μM).

RESULTS

Prolonged low-frequency force depression following low-intensity and high-intensity fatiguing contractions was predominantly due to decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release and decreased myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity, respectively. CK-2066260 exposure resulted in marked increases in 30 Hz force from 52 ± 16% to 151 ± 13% and from 6 ± 4% to 98 ± 40% of controls with low-intensity and high-intensity contractions, respectively. Following repeated eccentric contractions, PLFFD was mainly due to myofibrillar dysfunction, and it was not fully reversed by CK-2066260 with 30 Hz force increasing from 48 ± 8% to 76 ± 6% of the control.

CONCLUSIONS

The fast skeletal muscle troponin activator CK-2066260 effectively mitigates muscle weakness, especially when it is caused by impaired activation of the myofibrillar contractile machinery due to either decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release or reduced myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity.

Carbohydrates do not accelerate force recovery after glycogen-depleting followed by high-intensity exercise in humans

Prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD) induced by fatiguing exercise is characterized by a persistent depression in submaximal contractile force during the recovery period. Muscle glycogen depletion is known to limit physical performance during prolonged low- and moderate-intensity exercise, and accelerating glycogen resynthesis with post-exercise carbohydrate intake can facilitate recovery and improve repeated bout exercise performance. Short-term, high-intensity exercise, however, can cause PLFFD without any marked decrease in glycogen. Here, we studied whether recovery from PLFFD was accelerated by carbohydrate ingestion after 60 minutes of moderate-intensity glycogen-depleting cycling exercise followed by six 30-seconds all-out cycling sprints. We used a randomized crossover study design where nine recreationally active males drank a beverage containing either carbohydrate or placebo after exercise. Blood glucose and muscle glycogen concentrations were determined at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and during the 3-hours recovery period. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle was performed to determine the extent of PLFFD by eliciting low-frequency (20 Hz) and high-frequency (100 Hz) stimulations. Muscle glycogen was severely depleted after exercise, with a significantly higher rate of muscle glycogen resynthesis during the 3-hours recovery period in the carbohydrate than in the placebo trials (13.7 and 5.4 mmol glucosyl units/kg wet weight/h, respectively). Torque at 20 Hz was significantly more depressed than 100 Hz torque during the recovery period in both conditions, and the extent of PLFFD (20/100 Hz ratio) was not different between the two trials. In conclusion, carbohydrate supplementation enhances glycogen resynthesis after glycogen-depleting exercise but does not improve force recovery when the exercise also involves all-out cycling sprints.

Intramuscular mechanisms of overtraining

Strenuous exercise is a potent stimulus to induce beneficial skeletal muscle adaptations, ranging from increased endurance due to mitochondrial biogenesis and angiogenesis, to increased strength from hypertrophy. While exercise is necessary to trigger and stimulate muscle adaptations, the post-exercise recovery period is equally critical in providing sufficient time for metabolic and structural adaptations to occur within skeletal muscle. These cyclical periods between exhausting exercise and recovery form the basis of any effective exercise training prescription to improve muscle endurance and strength. However, imbalance between the fatigue induced from intense training/competitions, and inadequate post-exercise/competition recovery periods can lead to a decline in physical performance. In fact, prolonged periods of this imbalance may eventually lead to extended periods of performance impairment, referred to as the state of overreaching that may progress into overtraining syndrome (OTS). OTS may have devastating implications on an athlete's career and the purpose of this review is to discuss potential underlying mechanisms that may contribute to exercise-induced OTS in skeletal muscle. First, we discuss the conditions that lead to OTS, and their potential contributions to impaired skeletal muscle function. Then we assess the evidence to support or refute the major proposed mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle weakness in OTS: 1) glycogen depletion hypothesis, 2) muscle damage hypothesis, 3) inflammation hypothesis, and 4) the oxidative stress hypothesis. Current data implicates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS) and inflammatory pathways as the most likely mechanisms contributing to OTS in skeletal muscle. Finally, we allude to potential interventions that can mitigate OTS in skeletal muscle.

Measuring Ca2+ in Living Cells

Measuring free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]) in the cytosol or organelles is routine in many fields of research. The availability of membrane permeant forms of indicators coupled with the relative ease of transfecting cell lines with biological Ca²⁺ sensors have led to the situation where cellular and subcellular [Ca²⁺] is examined by many non-specialists. In this chapter, we evaluate the most used Ca²⁺ indicators and highlight what their major advantages and disadvantages are. We stress the potential pitfalls of non-ratiometric techniques for measuring Ca²⁺ and the clear advantages of ratiometric methods. Likely improvements and new directions for Ca²⁺ measurement are discussed.

Moderately elevated extracellular [K+] potentiates submaximal force and power in skeletal muscle via increased [Ca2+]i during contractions

The extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) increases during physical exercise. We here studied whether moderately elevated [K+]o may increase force and power output during contractions at in vivo-like subtetanic frequencies and whether such potentiation was associated with increased cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during contractions. Isolated whole soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) rat muscles were incubated at different levels of [K+]o, and isometric and dynamic contractility were tested at various stimulation frequencies. Furthermore, [Ca2+]i at rest and during contraction was measured along with isometric force in single mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers exposed to elevated [K+]o. Elevating [K+]o from 4 mM up to 8 mM (soleus) and 11 mM (EDL) increased isometric force at subtetanic frequencies, 2–15 Hz in soleus and up to 50 Hz in EDL, while inhibition was seen at tetanic frequency in both muscle types. Elevating [K+]o also increased peak power of dynamic subtetanic contractions, with potentiation being more pronounced in EDL than in soleus muscles. The force-potentiating effect of elevated [K+]o was transient in FDB single fibers, reaching peak after ~4 and 2.5 min in 9 and 11 mM [K+]o, respectively. At the time of peak potentiation, force and [Ca2+]i during 15-Hz contractions were significantly increased, whereas force was slightly decreased and [Ca2+]i unchanged during 50-Hz contractions. Moderate elevation of [K+]o can transiently potentiate force and power during contractions at subtetanic frequencies, which can be explained by a higher [Ca2+]i during contractions.

LIM and cysteine-rich domains 1 (LMCD1) regulates skeletal muscle hypertrophy, calcium handling, and force

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscle mass and strength are crucial determinants of health. Muscle mass loss is associated with weakness, fatigue, and insulin resistance. In fact, it is predicted that controlling muscle atrophy can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with diseases such as cancer cachexia and sarcopenia.

METHODS

We analyzed gene expression data from muscle of mice or human patients with diverse muscle pathologies and identified LMCD1 as a gene strongly associated with skeletal muscle function. We transiently expressed or silenced LMCD1 in mouse gastrocnemius muscle or in mouse primary muscle cells and determined muscle/cell size, targeted gene expression, kinase activity with kinase arrays, protein immunoblotting, and protein synthesis levels. To evaluate force, calcium handling, and fatigue, we transduced the flexor digitorum brevis muscle with a LMCD1-expressing adenovirus and measured specific force and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release in individual fibers. Finally, to explore the relationship between LMCD1 and calcineurin, we ectopically expressed Lmcd1 in the gastrocnemius muscle and treated those mice with cyclosporine A (calcineurin inhibitor). In addition, we used a luciferase reporter construct containing the myoregulin gene promoter to confirm the role of a LMCD1-calcineurin-myoregulin axis in skeletal muscle mass control and calcium handling.

RESULTS

Here, we identify LIM and cysteine-rich domains 1 (LMCD1) as a positive regulator of muscle mass, that increases muscle protein synthesis and fiber size. LMCD1 expression in vivo was sufficient to increase specific force with lower requirement for calcium handling and to reduce muscle fatigue. Conversely, silencing LMCD1 expression impairs calcium handling and force, and induces muscle fatigue without overt atrophy. The actions of LMCD1 were dependent on calcineurin, as its inhibition using cyclosporine A reverted the observed hypertrophic phenotype. Finally, we determined that LMCD1 represses the expression of myoregulin, a known negative regulator of muscle performance. Interestingly, we observed that skeletal muscle LMCD1 expression is reduced in patients with skeletal muscle disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our gain- and loss-of-function studies show that LMCD1 controls protein synthesis, muscle fiber size, specific force, Ca²⁺ handling, and fatigue resistance. This work uncovers a novel role for LMCD1 in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and function with potential therapeutic implications.

Fast skeletal muscle troponin activator CK-2066260 increases fatigue resistance by reducing the energetic cost of muscle contraction

Key points

Skeletal muscle fatigue limits performance in various physical activities, with exercise intolerance being a key symptom in a broad spectrum of diseases.

We investigated whether a small molecule fast skeletal troponin activator (FSTA), CK‐2066260, can mitigate muscle fatigue by reducing the cytosolic free [Ca²⁺] required to produce a given submaximal force and hence decreasing the energy requirement.

Isolated intact single mouse muscle fibres and rat muscles in‐situ treated with CK‐2066260 showed improved muscle endurance., which was accompanied by decreased ATP demand and reduced glycogen usage.

CK‐2066260 treatment improved in‐vivo exercise capacity in healthy rats and in a rat model of peripheral artery insufficiency.

In conclusion, we show that the FSTA CK‐2066260 effectively counteracts muscle fatigue in rodent skeletal muscle in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. This may translate to humans and provide a promising pharmacological treatment to patients suffering from severe muscle weakness and exercise intolerance.

Abstract

Skeletal muscle fatigue limits performance during physical exercise and exacerbated muscle fatigue is a prominent symptom among a broad spectrum of diseases. The present study investigated whether skeletal muscle fatigue is affected by the fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (FSTA) CK‐2066260, which increases myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity and amplifies the submaximal force response. Because more force is produced for a given Ca²⁺, we hypothesized that CK‐2066260 could mitigate muscle fatigue by reducing the energetic cost of muscle activation. Isolated single mouse muscle fibres were fatigued by 100 repeated 350 ms contractions while measuring force and the cytosolic free [Ca²⁺] or [Mg²⁺] ([Mg²⁺]_i). When starting fatiguing stimulation at matching forces (i.e. lower stimulation frequency with CK‐2066260): force was decreased by ∼50% with and by ∼75% without CK‐2066260; [Mg²⁺]_i was increased by ∼10% with and ∼32% without CK‐2066260, reflecting a larger decrease in [ATP] in the latter. The glycogen content in in situ stimulated rat muscles fatigued by repeated contractions at matching forces was about two times higher with than without CK‐2066260. Voluntary exercise capacity, assessed by rats performing rotarod exercise and treadmill running, was improved in the presence of CK‐2066260. CK‐2066260 treatment also increased skeletal muscle fatigue resistance and exercise performance in a rat model of peripheral artery insufficiency. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the FSTA CK‐2066260 mitigates skeletal muscle fatigue by reducing the metabolic cost of force generation.

Skeletal muscle fatigue limits performance in various physical activities, with exercise intolerance being a key symptom in a broad spectrum of diseases.

We investigated whether a small molecule fast skeletal troponin activator (FSTA), CK‐2066260, can mitigate muscle fatigue by reducing the cytosolic free [Ca²⁺] required to produce a given submaximal force and hence decreasing the energy requirement.

Isolated intact single mouse muscle fibres and rat muscles in‐situ treated with CK‐2066260 showed improved muscle endurance., which was accompanied by decreased ATP demand and reduced glycogen usage.

CK‐2066260 treatment improved in‐vivo exercise capacity in healthy rats and in a rat model of peripheral artery insufficiency.

In conclusion, we show that the FSTA CK‐2066260 effectively counteracts muscle fatigue in rodent skeletal muscle in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. This may translate to humans and provide a promising pharmacological treatment to patients suffering from severe muscle weakness and exercise intolerance.

Oxidative hotspots on actin promote skeletal muscle weakness in rheumatoid arthritis

Skeletal muscle weakness in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) adds to their impaired working abilities and reduced quality of life. However, little molecular insight is available on muscle weakness associated with RA. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the disease pathogenesis of RA. Here we show that oxidative post-translational modifications of the contractile machinery targeted to actin result in impaired actin polymerization and reduced force production. Using mass spectrometry, we identified the actin residues targeted by oxidative 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) or malondialdehyde adduct (MDA) modifications in weakened skeletal muscle from mice with arthritis and patients afflicted by RA. The residues were primarily located to three distinct regions positioned at matching surface areas of the skeletal muscle actin molecule from arthritis mice and RA patients. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulations revealed that these areas, here coined "hotspots", are important for the stability of the actin molecule and its capacity to generate filaments and interact with myosin. Together, these data demonstrate how oxidative modifications on actin promote muscle weakness in RA patients and provide novel leads for targeted therapeutic treatment to improve muscle function.

SR Ca2+ leak in skeletal muscle fibers acts as an intracellular signal to increase fatigue resistance

Skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and fatigue resistance can be improved with endurance training, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Ivarsson et al. find that the signaling pathway that increases fatigue resistance in muscle is triggered by a mild Ca²⁺ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Effective practices to improve skeletal muscle fatigue resistance are crucial for athletes as well as patients with dysfunctional muscles. To this end, it is important to identify the cellular signaling pathway that triggers mitochondrial biogenesis and thereby increases oxidative capacity and fatigue resistance in skeletal muscle fibers. Here, we test the hypothesis that the stress induced in skeletal muscle fibers by endurance exercise causes a reduction in the association of FK506-binding protein 12 (FKBP12) with ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1). This will result in a mild Ca²⁺ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), which could trigger mitochondrial biogenesis and improved fatigue resistance. After giving mice access to an in-cage running wheel for three weeks, we observed decreased FKBP12 association to RYR1, increased baseline [Ca²⁺]_i, and signaling associated with greater mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle, including PGC1α1. After six weeks of voluntary running, FKBP12 association is normalized, baseline [Ca²⁺]_i returned to values below that of nonrunning controls, and signaling for increased mitochondrial biogenesis was no longer present. The adaptations toward improved endurance exercise performance that were observed with training could be mimicked by pharmacological agents that destabilize RYR1 and thereby induce a modest Ca²⁺ leak. We conclude that a mild RYR1 SR Ca²⁺ leak is a key trigger for the signaling pathway that increases muscle fatigue resistance.

Toxic doses of caffeine are needed to increase skeletal muscle contractility

Discrepant results have been reported regarding an intramuscular mechanism underlying the ergogenic effect of caffeine on neuromuscular function in humans. Here, we reevaluated the effect of caffeine on muscular force production in humans and combined this with measurements of the caffeine dose-response relationship on force and cytosolic free [Ca²⁺] ([Ca²⁺]_i) in isolated mouse muscle fibers. Twenty-one healthy and physically active men (29 ± 9 yr, 178 ± 6 cm, 73 ± 10 kg, mean ± SD) took part in the present study. Nine participants were involved in two experimental sessions during which supramaximal single and paired electrical stimulations (at 10 and 100 Hz) were applied to the femoral nerve to record evoked forces. Evoked forces were recorded before and 1 h after ingestion of 1) 6 mg caffeine/kg body mass or 2) placebo. Caffeine plasma concentration was measured in 12 participants. In addition, submaximal tetanic force and [Ca²⁺]_i were measured in single mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle fibers exposed to 100 nM up to 5 mM caffeine. Six milligrams of caffeine per kilogram body mass (plasma concentration ~40 µM) did not increase electrically evoked forces in humans. In superfused FDB single fibers, millimolar caffeine concentrations (i.e., 15- to 35-fold above usual concentrations observed in humans) were required to increase tetanic force and [Ca²⁺]_i. Our results suggest that toxic doses of caffeine are required to increase muscle contractility, questioning the purported intramuscular ergogenic effect of caffeine in humans.

Perceived Versus Performance Fatigability in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects 1% of the general population. Fatigue is a common complaint of patients with RA, however their perceived fatigue may be more exacerbated than objective measures of fatigue may indicate. The assessment of fatigue is made complex due to inconsistent and vague terms used to define fatigue, and the task dependence of fatigability. Fatigue is defined as a state of exhaustion and decreased strength, while fatigability indicates an individual's susceptibility to fatigue. In order to offer some clarity to the manifestation of fatigue in clinical populations, in this review we outline that fatigue should be described with subsections that are related to the symptom, such as: perceived fatigability and performance fatigability. Where perceived fatigability indicates the subjective state of the individual and thus involves the individual's subjective measure of fatigue, performance fatigability would be measured through clinical and laboratory-based assessments that quantify the functional decline in performance. This review describes RA and the various neuromuscular changes associated with the disease that can lead to alterations in both perceived and performance fatigue. From there, we discuss fatigue and RA, how fatigue can be assessed, effects of exercise interventions on RA symptoms and fatigue, and recommendations for future studies investigating subjective and objective measures of fatigability.

Role of Ca2+ in changing active force during intermittent submaximal stimulation in intact, single mouse muscle fibers

Fatigue of single mouse fibers during repeated high-frequency stimulation results initially from decreased Ca2+ sensitivity while free myoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]m) increases, followed by decreasing [Ca2+]m. Recovery of active force with low-frequency stimulation is slow and persistent fatigue results from low [Ca2+]m. However, the consequences of intermittent submaximal contractions are not known. The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in [Ca2+]m and active force during intermittent submaximal contractions and subsequent recovery. Single fibers of mouse flexor digitorum brevis muscles at 32 °C were stimulated with 40 or 50 Hz, for 350 ms every 2 s for 2 min and then every 1 s until < 40% of initial force. Values obtained during the intermittent stimulation were compared with a control force-[Ca2+]m relationship. A "P"-shaped pattern in the force-[Ca2+]m relationship was observed during intermittent stimulation. Early in the intermittent stimulation, [Ca2+]m increased while active force decreased. Subsequent force potentiation was accompanied by increased Ca2+ sensitivity. Later, as active force declined, [Ca2+]m decreased significantly (p < 0.001). This was followed, in the final phase, by a significant decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity determined by [Ca2+]m at half-maximal force (Ca50) (p = 0.001). Low-frequency fatigue persisted during recovery while Ca50 was not significantly different from prefatigue (p > 0.5). In conclusion, the main mechanism of fatigue is due to decreases in both [Ca2+]m and Ca2+ sensitivity following the initial force potentiation. The intermittent submaximal contractions resulted in persistent low-frequency fatigue seen during recovery, which was explained by depressed [Ca2+]m with no change in Ca2+ sensitivity.

Molecular Basis for Exercise-Induced Fatigue: The Importance of Strictly Controlled Cellular Ca2+ Handling

The contractile function of skeletal muscle declines during intense or prolonged physical exercise, that is, fatigue develops. Skeletal muscle fibers fatigue acutely during highly intense exercise when they have to rely on anaerobic metabolism. Early stages of fatigue involve impaired myofibrillar function, whereas decreased Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) becomes more important in later stages. SR Ca²⁺ release can also become reduced with more prolonged, lower intensity exercise, and it is then related to glycogen depletion. Increased reactive oxygen/nitrogen species can cause long-lasting impairments in SR Ca²⁺ release resulting in a prolonged force depression after exercise. In this article, we discuss molecular and cellular mechanisms of the above fatigue-induced changes, with special focus on multiple mechanisms to decrease SR Ca²⁺ release to avoid energy depletion and preserve muscle fiber integrity. We also discuss fatigue-related effects of exercise-induced Ca²⁺ fluxes over the sarcolemma and between the cytoplasm and mitochondria.

Post-exercise recovery of contractile function and endurance in humans and mice is accelerated by heating and slowed by cooling skeletal muscle

KEY POINTS

We investigated whether intramuscular temperature affects the acute recovery of exercise performance following fatigue-induced by endurance exercise. Mean power output was better preserved during an all-out arm-cycling exercise following a 2 h recovery period in which the upper arms were warmed to an intramuscular temperature of ̴ 38°C than when they were cooled to as low as 15°C, which suggested that recovery of exercise performance in humans is dependent on muscle temperature. Mechanisms underlying the temperature-dependent effect on recovery were studied in intact single mouse muscle fibres where we found that recovery of submaximal force and restoration of fatigue resistance was worsened by cooling (16-26°C) and improved by heating (36°C). Isolated whole mouse muscle experiments confirmed that cooling impaired muscle glycogen resynthesis. We conclude that skeletal muscle recovery from fatigue-induced by endurance exercise is impaired by cooling and improved by heating, due to changes in glycogen resynthesis rate.

ABSTRACT

Manipulation of muscle temperature is believed to improve post-exercise recovery, with cooling being especially popular among athletes. However, it is unclear whether such temperature manipulations actually have positive effects. Accordingly, we studied the effect of muscle temperature on the acute recovery of force and fatigue resistance after endurance exercise. One hour of moderate-intensity arm cycling exercise in humans was followed by 2 h recovery in which the upper arms were either heated to 38°C, not treated (33°C), or cooled to ∼15°C. Fatigue resistance after the recovery period was assessed by performing 3 × 5 min sessions of all-out arm cycling at physiological temperature for all conditions (i.e. not heated or cooled). Power output during the all-out exercise was better maintained when muscles were heated during recovery, whereas cooling had the opposite effect. Mechanisms underlying the temperature-dependent effect on recovery were tested in mouse intact single muscle fibres, which were exposed to ∼12 min of glycogen-depleting fatiguing stimulation (350 ms tetani given at 10 s interval until force decreased to 30% of the starting force). Fibres were subsequently exposed to the same fatiguing stimulation protocol after 1-2 h of recovery at 16-36°C. Recovery of submaximal force (30 Hz), the tetanic myoplasmic free [Ca²⁺ ] (measured with the fluorescent indicator indo-1), and fatigue resistance were all impaired by cooling (16-26°C) and improved by heating (36°C). In addition, glycogen resynthesis was faster at 36°C than 26°C in whole flexor digitorum brevis muscles. We conclude that recovery from exhaustive endurance exercise is accelerated by raising and slowed by lowering muscle temperature.

Intramuscular Contributions to Low-Frequency Force Potentiation Induced by a High-Frequency Conditioning Stimulation

Electrically-evoked low-frequency (submaximal) force is increased immediately following high-frequency stimulation in human skeletal muscle. Although central mechanisms have been suggested to be the major cause of this low-frequency force potentiation, intramuscular factors might contribute. Thus, we hypothesized that two intramuscular Ca²⁺-dependent mechanisms can contribute to the low-frequency force potentiation: increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release and increased myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity. Experiments in humans were performed on the plantar flexor muscles at a shortened, intermediate, and long muscle length and electrically evoked contractile force and membrane excitability (i.e., M-wave amplitude) were recorded during a stimulation protocol. Low-frequency force potentiation was assessed by stimulating with a low-frequency tetanus (25 Hz, 2 s duration), followed by a high-frequency tetanus (100 Hz, 2 s duration), and finally followed by another low-frequency (25 Hz, 2 s duration) tetanus. Similar stimulation protocols were performed on intact mouse single fibers from flexor digitorum brevis muscle, whereby force and myoplasmic free [Ca²⁺] ([Ca²⁺]_i) were assessed. Our data show a low-frequency force potentiation that was not muscle length-dependent in human muscle and it was not accompanied by any increase in M-wave amplitude. A length-independent low-frequency force potentiation could be replicated in mouse single fibers, supporting an intramuscular mechanism. We show that at physiological temperature (31°C) this low-frequency force potentiation in mouse fibers corresponded with an increase in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ release. When mimicking the slower contractile properties of human muscle by cooling mouse single fibers to 18°C, the low-frequency force potentiation was accompanied by minimally increased SR Ca²⁺ release and hence it could be explained by increased myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity. Finally, introducing a brief 200 ms pause between the high- and low-frequency tetanus in human and mouse muscle revealed that the low-frequency force potentiation is abolished, arguing that increased myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity is the main intramuscular mechanism underlying the low-frequency force potentiation in humans.

The Ca2+ sensitizer CK-2066260 increases myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity and submaximal force selectively in fast skeletal muscle

Key points

We report that the small molecule CK‐2066260 selectively slows the off‐rate of Ca²⁺ from fast skeletal muscle troponin, leading to increased myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity in fast skeletal muscle.

Rodents dosed with CK‐2066260 show increased hindlimb muscle force and power in response to submaximal rates of nerve stimulation in situ.

CK‐2066260 has no effect on free cytosolic [Ca²⁺] during contractions of isolated muscle fibres.

We conclude that fast skeletal muscle troponin sensitizers constitute a potential therapy to address an unmet need of improving muscle function in conditions of weakness and premature muscle fatigue.

Abstract

Skeletal muscle dysfunction occurs in many diseases and can lead to muscle weakness and premature muscle fatigue. Here we show that the fast skeletal troponin activator, CK‐2066260, counteracts muscle weakness by increasing troponin Ca²⁺ affinity, thereby increasing myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity. Exposure to CK‐2066260 resulted in a concentration‐dependent increase in the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of ATPase activity in isolated myofibrils and reconstituted hybrid sarcomeres containing fast skeletal muscle troponin C. Stopped‐flow experiments revealed a ∼2.7‐fold decrease in the Ca²⁺ off‐rate of isolated troponin complexes in the presence of CK‐2066260 (6 vs. 17 s⁻¹ under control conditions). Isolated mouse flexor digitorum brevis fibres showed a rapidly developing, reversible and concentration‐dependent force increase at submaximal stimulation frequencies. This force increase was not accompanied by any changes in the free cytosolic [Ca²⁺] or its kinetics. CK‐2066260 induced a slowing of relaxation, which was markedly larger at 26°C than at 31°C and could be linked to the decreased Ca²⁺ off‐rate of troponin C. Rats dosed with CK‐2066260 showed increased hindlimb isometric and isokinetic force in response to submaximal rates of nerve stimulation in situ producing significantly higher absolute forces at low isokinetic velocities, whereas there was no difference in force at the highest velocities. Overall muscle power was increased and the findings are consistent with a lack of effect on crossbridge kinetics. In conclusion, CK‐2066260 acts as a fast skeletal troponin activator that may be used to increase muscle force and power in conditions of muscle weakness.

We report that the small molecule CK‐2066260 selectively slows the off‐rate of Ca²⁺ from fast skeletal muscle troponin, leading to increased myofibrillar Ca²⁺ sensitivity in fast skeletal muscle.

Rodents dosed with CK‐2066260 show increased hindlimb muscle force and power in response to submaximal rates of nerve stimulation in situ.

CK‐2066260 has no effect on free cytosolic [Ca²⁺] during contractions of isolated muscle fibres.

We conclude that fast skeletal muscle troponin sensitizers constitute a potential therapy to address an unmet need of improving muscle function in conditions of weakness and premature muscle fatigue.

Impaired Ca(2+) release contributes to muscle weakness in a rat model of critical illness myopathy

BACKGROUND

Critical illness myopathy is an acquired skeletal muscle disorder with severe myosin loss and muscle weakness frequently seen in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. It is unknown if impaired excitation-contraction coupling contributes to the muscle weakness.

METHODS

We used a unique ICU model where rats were deeply sedated, post-synaptically pharmacologically paralyzed, mechanically ventilated and closely monitored for up to ten days. Single intact fibers from the flexor digitorum brevis muscle were isolated and used to measure force and free myoplasmic [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)]i) during tetanic contractions.

RESULTS

Fibers from ICU rats had 80 % lower tetanic [Ca(2+)]i and produced only 15 % of the force seen in fibers from sham-operated (SHAM) rats. In the presence of 5 mM caffeine, tetanic [Ca(2+)]i was similar in fibers from ICU and SHAM rats but force was 50 % lower in fibers from ICU rats than SHAM rats. Confocal imaging showed disrupted tetanic [Ca(2+)]i transients in fibers from ICU rats compared to SHAM rats. Western blots showed similar levels of Na(+) channel and dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) protein expression, whereas ryanodine receptor (RyR) and sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase 1 (SERCA1) expression was markedly lower in muscle of ICU rats than in SHAM rats. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that distribution of Na(+) channel and DHPR protein on the sarcolemma was disrupted in fibers from ICU rats compared with SHAM rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that impaired SR Ca(2+) release contributes to the muscle weakness seen in patients in ICU.

Muscle Fatigue Affects the Interpolated Twitch Technique When Assessed Using Electrically-Induced Contractions in Human and Rat Muscles

The interpolated twitch technique (ITT) is the gold standard to assess voluntary activation and central fatigue. Yet, its validity has been questioned. Here we studied how peripheral fatigue can affect the ITT. Repeated contractions at submaximal frequencies were produced by supramaximal electrical stimulations of the human adductor pollicis muscle in vivo and of isolated rat soleus fiber bundles; an extra stimulation pulse was given during contractions to induce a superimposed twitch. Human muscles fatigued by repeated 30-Hz stimulation trains (3 s on–1 s off) showed an ~80% reduction in the superimposed twitch force accompanied by a severely reduced EMG response (M-wave amplitude), which implies action potential failure. Subsequent experiments combined a less intense stimulation protocol (1.5 s on–3 s off) with ischemia to cause muscle fatigue, but which preserved M-wave amplitude. However, the superimposed twitch force still decreased markedly more than the potentiated twitch force; with ITT this would reflect increased “voluntary activation.” In contrast, the superimposed twitch force was relatively spared when a similar protocol was performed in rat soleus bundles. Force relaxation was slowed by >150% in fatigued human muscles, whereas it was unchanged in rat soleus bundles. Accordingly, results similar to those in the human muscle were obtained when relaxation was slowed by cooling the rat soleus muscles. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that muscle fatigue can confound the quantification of central fatigue using the ITT.

Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and contractile function in skeletal muscle during fatigue and recovery

The production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) is generally considered to increase during physical exercise. Nevertheless, direct measurements of ROS/RNS often show modest increases in ROS/RNS in muscle fibres even during intensive fatiguing stimulation, and the major source(s) of ROS/RNS during exercise is still being debated. In rested muscle fibres, mild and acute exposure to exogenous ROS/RNS generally increases myofibrillar submaximal force, whereas stronger or prolonged exposure has the opposite effect. Endogenous production of ROS/RNS seems to preferentially decrease submaximal force and positive effects of antioxidants are mainly observed during fatigue induced by submaximal contractions. Fatigued muscle fibres frequently enter a prolonged state of reduced submaximal force, which is caused by a ROS/RNS-dependent decrease in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release and/or myofibrillar Ca(2+) sensitivity. Increased ROS/RNS production during exercise can also be beneficial and recent human and animal studies show that antioxidant supplementation can hamper the beneficial effects of endurance training. In conclusion, increased ROS/RNS production have both beneficial and detrimental effects on skeletal muscle function and the outcome depends on a combination of factors: the type of ROS/RNS; the magnitude, duration and location of ROS/RNS production; and the defence systems, including both endogenous and exogenous antioxidants.

Cyclophilin D, a target for counteracting skeletal muscle dysfunction in mitochondrial myopathy

Muscle weakness and exercise intolerance are hallmark symptoms in mitochondrial disorders. Little is known about the mechanisms leading to impaired skeletal muscle function and ultimately muscle weakness in these patients. In a mouse model of lethal mitochondrial myopathy, the muscle-specific Tfam knock-out (KO) mouse, we previously demonstrated an excessive mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake in isolated muscle fibers that could be inhibited by the cyclophilin D (CypD) inhibitor, cyclosporine A (CsA). Here we show that the Tfam KO mice have increased CypD levels, and we demonstrate that this increase is a common feature in patients with mitochondrial myopathy. We tested the effect of CsA treatment on Tfam KO mice during the transition from a mild to terminal myopathy. CsA treatment counteracted the development of muscle weakness and improved muscle fiber Ca(2+) handling. Importantly, CsA treatment prolonged the lifespan of these muscle-specific Tfam KO mice. These results demonstrate that CsA treatment is an efficient therapeutic strategy to slow the development of severe mitochondrial myopathy.

Intracellular Ca(2+)-handling differs markedly between intact human muscle fibers and myotubes

Background

In skeletal muscle, intracellular Ca²⁺ is an important regulator of contraction as well as gene expression and metabolic processes. Because of the difficulties to obtain intact human muscle fibers, human myotubes have been extensively employed for studies of Ca²⁺-dependent processes in human adult muscle. Despite this, it is unknown whether the Ca²⁺-handling properties of myotubes adequately represent those of adult muscle fibers.

Methods

To enable a comparison of the Ca²⁺-handling properties of human muscle fibers and myotubes, we developed a model of dissected intact single muscle fibers obtained from human intercostal muscle biopsies. The intracellular Ca²⁺-handling of human muscle fibers was compared with that of myotubes generated by the differentiation of primary human myoblasts obtained from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies.

Results

The intact single muscle fibers all demonstrated strictly regulated cytosolic free [Ca²⁺] ([Ca²⁺]_i) transients and force production upon electrical stimulation. In contrast, despite a more mature Ca²⁺-handling in myotubes than in myoblasts, myotubes lacked fundamental aspects of adult Ca²⁺-handling and did not contract. These functional differences were explained by discrepancies in the quantity and localization of Ca²⁺-handling proteins, as well as ultrastructural differences between muscle fibers and myotubes.

Conclusions

Intact single muscle fibers that display strictly regulated [Ca²⁺]_i transients and force production upon electrical stimulation can be obtained from human intercostal muscle biopsies. In contrast, human myotubes lack important aspects of adult Ca²⁺-handling and are thus an inappropriate model for human adult muscle when studying Ca²⁺-dependent processes, such as gene expression and metabolic processes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13395-015-0050-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Antioxidant treatments do not improve force recovery after fatiguing stimulation of mouse skeletal muscle fibres

The contractile performance of skeletal muscle declines during intense activities, i.e. fatigue develops. Fatigued muscle can enter a state of prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD). PLFFD can be due to decreased tetanic free cytosolic [Ca(2+) ] ([Ca(2+) ]i ) and/or decreased myofibrillar Ca(2+) sensitivity. Increases in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) may contribute to fatigue-induced force reductions. We studied whether pharmacological ROS/RNS inhibition delays fatigue and/or counteracts the development of PLFFD. Mechanically isolated mouse fast-twitch fibres were fatigued by sixty 150 ms, 70 Hz tetani given every 1 s. Experiments were performed in standard Tyrode solution (control) or in the presence of: NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2 inhibitor (gp91ds-tat); NOX4 inhibitor (GKT137831); mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (SS-31); nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (l-NAME); the general antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC); a cocktail of SS-31, l-NAME and NAC. Spatially and temporally averaged [Ca(2+) ]i and peak force were reduced by ∼20% and ∼70% at the end of fatiguing stimulation, respectively, with no marked differences between groups. PLFFD was similar in all groups, with 30 Hz force being decreased by ∼60% at 30 min of recovery. PLFFD was mostly due to decreased tetanic [Ca(2+) ]i in control fibres and in the presence of NOX2 or NOX4 inhibitors. Conversely, in fibres exposed to SS-31 or the anti ROS/RNS cocktail, tetanic [Ca(2+) ]i was not decreased during recovery so PLFFD was only caused by decreased myofibrillar Ca(2+) sensitivity. The cocktail also increased resting [Ca(2+) ]i and ultimately caused cell death. In conclusion, ROS/RNS-neutralizing compounds did not counteract the force decline during or after induction of fatigue.

Nitrosative modifications of the Ca2+ release complex and actin underlie arthritis-induced muscle weakness

OBJECTIVE

Skeletal muscle weakness is a prominent clinical feature in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the underlying mechanism(s) is unknown. Here we investigate the mechanisms behind arthritis-induced skeletal muscle weakness with special focus on the role of nitrosative stress on intracellular Ca(2+) handling and specific force production.

METHODS

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, degree of nitrosative stress and composition of the major intracellular Ca(2+) release channel (ryanodine receptor 1, RyR1) complex were measured in muscle. Changes in cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) and force production were assessed in single-muscle fibres and isolated myofibrils using atomic force cantilevers.

RESULTS

The total neuronal NOS (nNOS) levels were increased in muscles both from collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice and patients with RA. The nNOS associated with RyR1 was increased and accompanied by increased [Ca(2+)]i during contractions of muscles from CIA mice. A marker of peroxynitrite-derived nitrosative stress (3-nitrotyrosine, 3-NT) was increased on the RyR1 complex and on actin of muscles from CIA mice. Despite increased [Ca(2+)]i, individual CIA muscle fibres were weaker than in healthy controls, that is, force per cross-sectional area was decreased. Furthermore, force and kinetics were impaired in CIA myofibrils, hence actin and myosin showed decreased ability to interact, which could be a result of increased 3-NT content on actin.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthritis-induced muscle weakness is linked to nitrosative modifications of the RyR1 protein complex and actin, which are driven by increased nNOS associated with RyR1 and progressively increasing Ca(2+) activation.