scholarly journals The Polyphenol Pterostilbene Ameliorates the Myopathic Phenotype of Collagen VI Deficient Mice via Autophagy Induction

Author(s):  
Samuele Metti ◽  
Lisa Gambarotto ◽  
Martina Chrisam ◽  
Martina La Spina ◽  
Martina Baraldo ◽  
...  

The induction of autophagy, the catabolic pathway by which damaged or unnecessary cellular components are subjected to lysosome-mediated degradation and recycling, is impaired in Collagen VI (COL6) null mice and COL6-related myopathies. This autophagic impairment causes an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, which in turn leads to myofiber degeneration. Our previous work showed that reactivation of autophagy in COL6-related myopathies is beneficial for muscle structure and function both in the animal model and in patients. Here we show that pterostilbene (Pt)—a non-toxic polyphenol, chemically similar to resveratrol but with a higher bioavailability and metabolic stability—strongly promotes in vivo autophagic flux in the skeletal muscle of both wild-type and COL6 null mice. Reactivation of autophagy in COL6-deficient muscles was also paralleled by several beneficial effects, including significantly decreased incidence of spontaneous apoptosis, recovery of ultrastructural defects and muscle remodeling. These findings point at Pt as an effective autophagy-inducing nutraceutical for skeletal muscle with great potential in counteracting the major pathogenic hallmarks of COL6-related myopathies, a valuable feature that may be also beneficial in other muscle pathologies characterized by defective regulation of the autophagic machinery.

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Summermatter ◽  
Anais Bouzan ◽  
Eliane Pierrel ◽  
Stefan Melly ◽  
Daniela Stauffer ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Metallothioneins are proteins that are involved in intracellular zinc storage and transport. Their expression levels have been reported to be elevated in several settings of skeletal muscle atrophy. We therefore investigated the effect of metallothionein blockade on skeletal muscle anabolism in vitro and in vivo. We found that concomitant abrogation of metallothioneins 1 and 2 results in activation of the Akt pathway and increases in myotube size, in type IIb fiber hypertrophy, and ultimately in muscle strength. Importantly, the beneficial effects of metallothionein blockade on muscle mass and function was also observed in the setting of glucocorticoid addition, which is a strong atrophy-inducing stimulus. Given the blockade of atrophy and the preservation of strength in atrophy-inducing settings, these results suggest that blockade of metallothioneins 1 and 2 constitutes a promising approach for the treatment of conditions which result in muscle atrophy.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe D’Antona ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Nabavi ◽  
Piero Micheletti ◽  
Arianna Di Lorenzo ◽  
Roberto Aquilani ◽  
...  

Myopathies are chronic degenerative pathologies that induce the deterioration of the structure and function of skeletal muscle. So far a definitive therapy has not yet been developed and the main aim of myopathy treatment is to slow the progression of the disease. Current nonpharmacological therapies include rehabilitation, ventilator assistance, and nutritional supplements, all of which aim to delay the onset of the disease and relieve its symptoms. Besides an adequate diet, nutritional supplements could play an important role in the treatment of myopathic patients. Here we review the most recentin vitroandin vivostudies investigating the role supplementation with creatine, L-carnitine, andω3 PUFAs plays in myopathy treatment. Our results suggest that these dietary supplements could have beneficial effects; nevertheless continued studies are required before they could be recommended as a routine treatment in muscle diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa E. Jahnke ◽  
Jennifer M. Peterson ◽  
Jack H. Van Der Meulen ◽  
Jessica Boehler ◽  
Kitipong Uaesoontrachoon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Nonsense or loss-of-function mutations in the non-lysosomal cysteine protease calpain-3 result in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A). While calpain-3 is implicated in muscle cell differentiation, sarcomere formation, and muscle cytoskeletal remodeling, the physiological basis for LGMD2A has remained elusive. Methods Cell growth, gene expression profiling, and mitochondrial content and function were analyzed using muscle and muscle cell cultures established from healthy and calpain-3-deficient mice. Calpain-3-deficient mice were also treated with PPAR-delta agonist (GW501516) to assess mitochondrial function and membrane repair. The unpaired t test was used to assess the significance of the differences observed between the two groups or treatments. ANOVAs were used to assess significance over time. Results We find that calpain-3 deficiency causes mitochondrial dysfunction in the muscles and myoblasts. Calpain-3-deficient myoblasts showed increased proliferation, and their gene expression profile showed aberrant mitochondrial biogenesis. Myotube gene expression analysis further revealed altered lipid metabolism in calpain-3-deficient muscle. Mitochondrial defects were validated in vitro and in vivo. We used GW501516 to improve mitochondrial biogenesis in vivo in 7-month-old calpain-3-deficient mice. This treatment improved satellite cell activity as indicated by increased MyoD and Pax7 mRNA expression. It also decreased muscle fatigability and reduced serum creatine kinase levels. The decreased mitochondrial function also impaired sarcolemmal repair in the calpain-3-deficient skeletal muscle. Improving mitochondrial activity by acute pyruvate treatment improved sarcolemmal repair. Conclusion Our results provide evidence that calpain-3 deficiency in the skeletal muscle is associated with poor mitochondrial biogenesis and function resulting in poor sarcolemmal repair. Addressing this deficit by drugs that improve mitochondrial activity offers new therapeutic avenues for LGMD2A.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Werner ◽  
Stephan H Schirmer ◽  
Valerie Pavlickova ◽  
Michael Böhm ◽  
Ulrich Laufs

Objective: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and -γ agonists modify lipid and glucose metabolism. The aim of the study was to characterize the effects of the dual PPAR-α/γ agonist aleglitazar on endothelial function, neoangiogenesis and arteriogenesis in mice and on human endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). Methods and Results: Male C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT, normal chow) and apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice on Western-type diet (WTD) were treated with aleglitazar (10 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle by daily injection. Hindlimb ischemia was induced by right femoral artery ligation (FAL). ApoE-/- mice on WTD treated with aleglitazar before FAL were characterized by an improvement of endothelial-dependent laser Doppler perfusion (right/left foot ratio 0.40±0.03) 1 week after FAL compared to controls (R/L foot ratio 0.24±0.01; p<0.001). Collateral-dependent perfusion measured under conditions of maximal vasodilatation 1 week after FAL using fluorescent microspheres was impaired in apoE-/- on WTD compared to WT mice (R/L leg ratio in WT 78±13 vs. apoE-/- 56±6; p<0.001) and was normalized by aleglitazar treatment. Neoangiogenesis was measured in-vivo by subcutaneously implanting discs covered with cell-impermeable filters. The vascularized area of the discs was quantified after 14 days by perfusion of the animals with space-filling fluorescent microspheres. Aleglitazar increased neoangiogenesis in WT mice by 178±18% compared to vehicle (p<0.05). Endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic rings was impaired in apoE-/- mice on WTD for 6 weeks (relaxation to 52±5% of max. contraction) compared to WT animals (relaxation to 18±5% of max. contraction) (p<0.001). Aleglitazar treatment improved endothelial function (relaxation to 39±5% of max. contraction; p<0.05). In parallel, number and function of EPC were improved in mice. Studies in human EPC showed that 1) aleglitazar’s effects were mediated by both PPAR-α and -γ signalling and Akt and 2) migration and colony forming units were up-regulated by aleglitazar in cultivated EPC from CAD patients. Conclusion: The study provides evidence for beneficial effects of the dual PPAR-α/γ agonist aleglitazar on vascular function in addition to or mediated by its metabolic actions.


2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Thabet ◽  
T. Miki ◽  
S. Seino ◽  
J.-M. Renaud

Although it has been suggested that the ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel protects muscle against function impairment, most studies have so far given little evidence for significant perturbation in the integrity and function of skeletal muscle fibers from inactive mice that lack KATP channel activity in their cell membrane. The objective was, therefore, to test the hypothesis that KATP channel-deficient skeletal muscle fibers become damaged when mice are subjected to stress. Wild-type and KATP channel-deficient mice (Kir6.2−/− mice) were subjected to 4–5 wk of treadmill running at either 20 m/min with 0° inclination or at 24 m/min with 20° uphill inclination. Muscles of all wild-type mice and of nonexercised Kir6.2−/− mice had very few fibers with internal nuclei. After 4–5 wk of treadmill running, there was little evidence for connective tissues and mononucleated cells in Kir6.2−/− hindlimb muscles, whereas the number of fibers with internal nuclei, which appear when damaged fibers are regenerated by satellite cells, was significantly higher in Kir6.2−/− than wild-type mice. Between 5% and 25% of the total number of fibers in Kir6.2−/− extensor digitum longus, plantaris, and tibialis muscles had internal nuclei, and most of such fibers were type IIB fibers. Contrary to hindlimb muscles, diaphragms of Kir6.2−/− mice that had run at 24 m/min had few fibers with internal nuclei, but mild to severe fiber damage was observed. In conclusion, the study provides for the first time evidence 1) that the KATP channels of skeletal muscle are essential to prevent fiber damage, and thus muscle dysfunction; and 2) that the extent of fiber damage is greater and the capacity of fiber regeneration is less in Kir6.2−/− diaphragm muscles compared with hindlimb muscles.


Blood ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 1703-1711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Lluı́s ◽  
Josep Roma ◽  
Mònica Suelves ◽  
Maribel Parra ◽  
Gloria Aniorte ◽  
...  

Plasminogen activators urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) are extracellular proteases involved in various tissue remodeling processes. A requirement for uPA activity in skeletal myogenesis was recently demonstrated in vitro. The role of plasminogen activators in skeletal muscle regeneration in vivo in wild-type, uPA-deficient, and tPA-deficient mice is investigated here. Wild-type and tPA−/− mice completely repaired experimentally damaged skeletal muscle. In contrast, uPA−/− mice had a severe regeneration defect, with decreased recruitment of blood-derived monocytes to the site of injury and with persistent myotube degeneration. In addition, uPA-deficient mice accumulated fibrin in the degenerating muscle fibers; however, the defibrinogenation of uPA-deficient mice resulted in a correction of the muscle regeneration defect. A similar severe regeneration deficit with persistent fibrin deposition was also reproducible in plasminogen-deficient mice after injury, suggesting that fibrinolysis by uPA-mediated plasminogen activation plays a fundamental role in skeletal muscle regeneration. In conclusion, the uPA-plasmin system is identified as a critical component of the mammalian skeletal muscle regeneration process, possibly because it prevents intramuscular fibrin accumulation and contributes to the adequate inflammatory response after injury. These studies demonstrate the requirement of an extracellular proteolytic cascade during muscle regeneration in vivo.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Lian Liu ◽  
Jia-Qi Sheng ◽  
Mu-Ru Wang ◽  
Yun Gan ◽  
Xiao-Li Wu ◽  
...  

Primary cilia are organelles protruding from cell surface into environment that function in regulating cell cycle and modulating cilia-related signal. Primary ciliogenesis and autophagy play important roles in tumorigenesis. However, the functions and interactions between primary cilia and autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been reported yet. Here, we aimed to investigate the relationship and function of primary cilia and autophagy in HCC. In vitro, we showed that serum starvation stimuli could trigger primary ciliogenesis in HCC cells. Blockage of primary ciliogenesis by IFT88 silencing enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of HCC cells. In addition, inhibition of primary cilia could positively regulate autophagy. However, the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability which were promoted by IFT88 silencing could be partly reversed by inhibition of autophagy. In vivo, interference of primary cilia led to acceleration of tumor growth and increase of autophagic flux in xenograft HCC mouse models. Moreover, IFT88 high expression or ATG7 low expression in HCC tissues was correlated with longer survival time indicated by the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that blockage of primary ciliogenesis by IFT88 silencing had protumor effects through induction of autophagy in HCC. These findings define a newly recognized role of primary cilia and autophagy in HCC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3302
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Zimowska ◽  
Karolina Archacka ◽  
Edyta Brzoska ◽  
Joanna Bem ◽  
Areta M. Czerwinska ◽  
...  

Skeletal muscle regeneration depends on the satellite cells, which, in response to injury, activate, proliferate, and reconstruct damaged tissue. However, under certain conditions, such as large injuries or myopathies, these cells might not sufficiently support repair. Thus, other cell populations, among them adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs), are tested as a tool to improve regeneration. Importantly, the pro-regenerative action of such cells could be improved by various factors. In the current study, we tested whether IL-4 and SDF-1 could improve the ability of ADSCs to support the regeneration of rat skeletal muscles. We compared their effect at properly regenerating fast-twitch EDL and poorly regenerating slow-twitch soleus. To this end, ADSCs subjected to IL-4 and SDF-1 were analyzed in vitro and also in vivo after their transplantation into injured muscles. We tested their proliferation rate, migration, expression of stem cell markers and myogenic factors, their ability to fuse with myoblasts, as well as their impact on the mass, structure and function of regenerating muscles. As a result, we showed that cytokine-pretreated ADSCs had a beneficial effect in the regeneration process. Their presence resulted in improved muscle structure and function, as well as decreased fibrosis development and a modulated immune response.


2010 ◽  
Vol 207 (12) ◽  
pp. 2561-2568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Hubert ◽  
Björn Rissiek ◽  
Katjana Klages ◽  
Jochen Huehn ◽  
Tim Sparwasser ◽  
...  

CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (T reg cells) play a major role in the control of immune responses but the factors controlling their homeostasis and function remain poorly characterized. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) released during cell damage or inflammation results in ART2.2–mediated ADP-ribosylation of the cytolytic P2X7 receptor on T cells. We show that T reg cells express the ART2.2 enzyme and high levels of P2X7 and that T reg cells can be depleted by intravenous injection of NAD+. Moreover, lower T reg cell numbers are found in mice deficient for the NAD-hydrolase CD38 than in wild-type, P2X7-deficient, or ART2-deficient mice, indicating a role for extracellular NAD+ in T reg cell homeostasis. Even routine cell preparation leads to release of NAD+ in sufficient quantities to profoundly affect T reg cell viability, phenotype, and function. We demonstrate that T reg cells can be protected from the deleterious effects of NAD+ by an inhibitory ART2.2-specific single domain antibody. Furthermore, selective depletion of T reg cells by systemic administration of NAD+ can be used to promote an antitumor response in several mouse tumor models. Collectively, our data demonstrate that NAD+ influences survival, phenotype, and function of T reg cells and provide proof of principle that acting on the ART2–P2X7 pathway represents a new strategy to manipulate T reg cells in vivo.


1981 ◽  
Vol 195 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
J M O'Shea ◽  
R M Robson ◽  
M K Hartzer ◽  
T W Huiatt ◽  
W E Rathbun ◽  
...  

A method has been developed for preparation of purified desmin from mature mammalian (porcine) skeletal muscle. A crude desmin-containing fraction was prepared by modification of procedures used for isolation of smooth-muscle intermediate-filament protein [Small & Sobieszek (1977) J. Cell Sci. 23, 243-268]. The desmin was extracted in 1 M-acetic acid/20 mM-NaCl at 4 degrees C for 15h from the residue remaining after actomyosin extraction from washed myofibrils. Successive chromatography on hydroxyapatite and DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B in 6M-urea yielded desmin that was routinely more than 97% 55 000-dalton protein and that had no detectable actin contamination. Removal of urea by dialysis against 10mM-Tris/acetate (pH 8.5)/1 mM dithioerythritol and subsequent clarification at 134 000 g (rav. 5.9 cm) for 1 h results in a clear desmin solution. Dialysis of purified desmin against 100 mM-NaCl/1 mM-MgCl2/10 mM-imidazole/HCl, pH 7.0, at 2 degrees C resulted in the formation of synthetic desmin filaments have an average diameter of 9-11.5 nm. The present studies demonstrate that the relatively small amount of desmin in mature skeletal muscle can be isolated in sufficient quantity and purity to permit detailed studies of its properties and function. Although 10nm filaments have not been unequivocally demonstrated in mature muscle in vivo, that the purified skeletal-muscle desmin will form 10 nm filaments in vitro lends support to their possible existence and cytoskeletal function in mature skeletal-muscle cells.


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