Myotube Protein Content Associates with Intracellular L-Glutamine Levels

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Skeletal mass loss is reported in several catabolic conditions and it has been associated with a reduced intracellular L-glutamine content. We investigated the association of intracellular L-glutamine concentration with the protein content in skeletal muscle cells.

METHODS

We cultivated C₂C₁₂ myotubes in the absence or presence of 2 (reference condition), 8 or 16 mM L-glutamine for 48 hours, and the variations in the contents of amino acids and proteins measured. We used an inhibitor of L-glutamine synthesis (L-methionine sulfoximine - MSO) to promote a further reduction in intracellular L-glutamine levels. Amino acids contents in cells and media were measured using LC-MS/MS. We measured changes in phosphorylated Akt, RP-S6, and 4E-BP1contents in the absence or presence of insulin by western blotting.

RESULTS

Reduced intracellular L-glutamine concentration was associated with decreased protein content and increased protein breakdown. Low intracellular glutamine levels were also associated with decreased p-Akt contents in the presence of insulin. A further decrease in intracellular L-glutamine caused by glutamine synthetase inhibitor reduced protein content and levels of amino acids generated from glutamine metabolism and increased bAib still further. Cells exposed to high medium glutamine levels did not have any change in protein content but exhibited increased contents of the amino acids derived from L-glutamine metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Intracellular L-glutamine levels per se play a role in the control of protein content in skeletal muscle myotubes.

Marathon Race Affects Neutrophil Surface Molecules: Role of Inflammatory Mediators

The fatigue induced by marathon races was observed in terms of inflammatory and immunological outcomes. Neutrophil survival and activation are essential for inflammation resolution and contributes directly to the pathogenesis of many infectious and inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of marathon races on surface molecules related to neutrophil adhesion and extrinsic apoptosis pathway and its association with inflammatory markers. We evaluated 23 trained male runners at the São Paulo International Marathon 2013. The following components were measured: hematological and inflammatory mediators, muscle damage markers, and neutrophil function. The marathon race induced an increased leukocyte and neutrophil counts; creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), CK-MB, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-8 levels. C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α plasma concentrations were significantly higher 24 h and 72 h after the marathon race. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels decreased 72 h after the marathon race. We also observed an increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and decreasedTNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) expression immediately after and 24 h after the marathon race. We observed an increased DNA fragmentation and L-selectin and Fas receptor expressions in the recovery period, indicating a possible slow rolling phase and delayed neutrophil activation and apoptosis. Marathon racing affects neutrophils adhesion and survival in the course of inflammation, supporting the “open-window” post-exercise hypothesis.