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Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the etiology of age-related muscle atrophy known as sarcopenia. PGC-1α is positioned at the center of crosstalk in regulating mitochondrial quality control, but its role in mitophagy in aged skeletal muscle is currently unclear. The present study investigated the effects of aging and PGC-1α overexpression via in vivo DNA transfection on key mitophagy protein markers, as well as mitochondrial dynamics related proteins, metabolic function and antioxidant capacity in mouse muscle. C57BL/6J mice at the age of 2 mo (young, Y; N = 14) and 24 mo (old, O; N = 14) were transfected in vivo with either PGC-1α DNA (OE, N = 7) or GFP (N = 7) into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle followed by electroporation. PINK1 and Parkin protein contents were 3.6 and 1.4-fold higher (P < 0.01), whereas mitochondrial ubiquitination (Ub) increased 1.5-fold (P < 0.05), in O vs. Y mice. PGC-1 OE suppressed PINK and Parkin protein levels by 50-60% (P < 0.01), and decreased Ub by 20% (P < 0.05) in old mice. Aging significantly increased the protein content of LC3II (30%, P < 0.05), p62 (42%, P < 0.05), RheB (5.5-fold, P < 0.01), Beclin-1 (3-fold, P < 0.01) and Mfn2 (~4-fold, P < 0.01) in the TA muscle. However, these age-related increases in mitophagy markers were attenuated by PGC-1α OE. Furthermore, aging dramatically increased Fis-1 protein content by 14-fold (P < 0.01), along with a severe reduction of citrate synthase activity (64%, P < 0.01) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COXIV) protein content (85%, P < 0.01). PGC-1α OE mitigated the age effects on Fis-1 and Drp-1 (P < 0.05). Moreover, PGC-1α OE enhanced mitochondrial oxidative function and antioxidant enzyme activities, and decreased lipid peroxidation and inner membrane damage found in old mice (P < 0.01). In summary, our data demonstrate that mitophagy protein expression in skeletal muscle was enhanced at old age driven possibly by increased mitochondrial dysfunction, damage, and fission. PGC-1α OE was effective in ameliorating mitochondrial deficits but did not restore muscle fiber atrophy., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Prolonged immobilization (IM) causes skeletal muscle atrophy characterized by mitochondrial deterioration and proteolysis. Muscle remobilization (RM) increases reactive oxygen species generation, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and oxidative stress, preventing muscle from quick recovery. Thus, we hypothesized that overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) via in vivo transfection would promote mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense, thus ameliorating the aforementioned deteriorations in a mouse model with 14-d IM followed by 5-d RM. PGC-1α transfection in tibialis anterior muscle resulted in a 7.2- and 4-fold increase in PGC-1α content in cytosol and nucleus, respectively. Mitochondrial biogenic (cytochrome c, mitochondrial transcription factor A), morphologic (mitochondrial density, mDNA/nDNA ratio), and functional (cytochrome c oxidase activity, ATP synthesis rate) markers, as well as fiber cross-sectional area, significantly increased in IM-RM muscle by PGC-1α overexpression. These effects were accompanied by an 18% decrease in H2O2, 30% decrease in nuclear factor-κB-DNA binding, and 25% reduction of IL-1β and-6 production in IM-RM muscle. There was a 34% increase in superoxide dismutase-2 activity, along with a 3.5-fold increase in NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-3 expression caused by enhanced PGC-1α-estrogen-related receptor α binding. Our findings highlighted the importance of PGC-1α in protecting muscle from metabolic and redox disturbances caused by IM., (© FASEB.)

Sarcopenia is age-associated deterioration of muscle mass and function caused by a wide scope of physiological and pathological changes ranging from hormonal disorders to loss of subcellular homeostasis. Recent research indicates that mitochondrial dysregulation with advanced age plays a central role in the development of sarcopenia due to the multifactorial functions of this organelle in energy supply, redox regulation, crosstalk with nuclear gene expression and apoptosis. In order to fulfill these roles, it is crucial that mitochondria maintain their own structural and functional integrity through biogenesis, antioxidant defense, fusion/fission dynamics and autophagy (mitophagy). Unfortunately, mitochondria undergo age-associated changes that compromise the above-mentioned properties that eventually contribute to the development of sarcopenia. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is involved in the transcriptional regulation of numerous nuclear and mitochondrial gene products participating in the cellular events that control muscle mass and function. Thus, it is not surprising that maintaining an optimal intracellular PGC-1α level and signaling activity is crucial in protecting the muscle from many degradative and destructive processes, such as proteolysis, oxidative damage, inflammation, uncontrolled autophagy and apoptosis. Physical exercise is a powerful stimulus to PGC-1α expression and signaling. Recent research indicates that PGC-1α-controlled mitochondrial biogenesis is not limited by old age per se and that elderly individuals can still benefit from increased muscular activity in terms of skeletal muscle health that ultimately contributes to quality of life in old age., (© 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Improving mitochondrial function has been proposed as a reasonable therapeutic strategy to reduce amyloid-β (Aβ) load and to modify the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the relationship between mitochondrial adaptation and brain neuroprotection caused by physical exercise in AD is poorly understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of long-term treadmill exercise on mitochondrial 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1) level, mtDNA oxidative damage, and mitochondrial function in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of AD. In the present study, twenty weeks of treadmill training significantly improved the cognitive function and reduced the expression of Aβ-42 in APP/PS1 transgenic (Tg) mice. Training also ameliorated mitochondrial respiratory function by increasing the complexes I, and IV and ATP synthase activities, whereas it attenuated ROS generation and mtDNA oxidative damage in Tg mice. Furthermore, the impaired mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes and mitochondrial OGG1 activities seen in Tg mice were restored with training. Acetylation level of mitochondrial OGG1 and MnSOD was markedly suppressed in Tg mice after exercise training, in parallel with increased level of SIRT3. These findings suggest that exercise training could increase mtDNA repair capacity in the mouse hippocampus, which in turn would result in protection against AD-related mitochondrial dysfunction and phenotypic deterioration.

Exercise induced adaptations in muscle are highly specific and dependent upon the type of exercise, as well as its frequency, intensity, and duration. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles. Fusion and fission reactions lead to a continuous remodeling of the mitochondrial network, which range from reticulum of elongated and branched filaments to collections of individual organelles. Mitochondrial network dynamics are sensitive to various physiological and pathological stimuli, and mitochondrial morphological changes are no epiphenomena, but central to cell function and survival. There is a strong correlation between mitochondrial network morphology, dynamic-related protein, and energy metabolism. It is expected that alteration in cellular energy status during exercise can also be achieved through mitochondrial network dynamics. In this review, we describe mitochondrial network remodeling response to acute and endurance exercise, which is accompanied by bioenergetics and redox regulation. In addition, potential mechanisms for metabolic and redox signaling involved in mitochondrial dynamic regulation are also reviewed.

Significance: Regular contractile activity plays a critical role in maintaining skeletal muscle morphological integrity and physiological function. If the muscle is forced to stop contraction, such as during limb immobilization (IM), the IGF/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway that normally stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits proteolysis will be suppressed, whereas the FoxO-controlled catabolic pathways such as ubiquitin-proteolysis and autophagy/mitophagy will be activated and dominate, resulting in muscle fiber atrophy. Recent Advances: Mitochondria occupy a central position in the regulation of both protein synthesis and degradation through several redox-sensitive pathways, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), mitochondrial fusion and fission proteins, mitophagy, and sirtuins. Prolonged IM downregulates PGC-1α due to AMPK (5′-AMP-activated protein kinase) and FoxO activation, thus decreasing mitochondrial biogenesis and causing oxidative damage. Decrease of mitochondrial inner membrane potential and increase of mitochondrial fission can trigger cascades of mitophagy leading to loss of mitochondrial homeostasis (mitostasis), inflammation, and apoptosis. The phenotypic outcomes of these disorders are compromised muscle function and fiber atrophy. Critical Issues: Given the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis, it is imperative that the integrity of intracellular signaling be restored to prevent the deterioration. So far, overexpression of PGC-1α via transgene and in vivo DNA transfection has been found to be effective in ameliorating mitostasis and reduces IM-induced muscle atrophy. Nutritional supplementation of select amino acids and phytochemicals also provides mechanistic and practical insights into the prevention of muscle disuse atrophy. Future Directions: In light of the importance of mitochondria in regulating the various critical signaling pathways, future work should focus on exploring new epigenetic strategies to restore mitostasis and redox balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mitochondrion plays a critical role in controlling exercise-induced adaptive responses through coordination of redox signaling. • Mitostasis is regulated by mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion and fission dynamics, and mitophagy, and their functional integrity is crucial for muscle contraction. • Muscle immobilization could promote ubiquitin proteolysis, mitophagy, and inflammation via activating nuclear factor-κB and forkhead box O signaling. • Stimulation of PGC-1α signaling through exercise or experimental approach enhances muscle protein preservation, mitochondrial stability, and resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation. • Future research will continue to explore the mechanism and application of improved mitochondrial homeostasis in health issues that induce muscle atrophy. In the past, contraction-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in oxidative stress to skeletal muscle. As research advances, clear evidence has revealed a more complete role of ROS under both physiologic and pathologic conditions. Central to the role of ROS is the redox signaling pathways that control exercise-induced major physiologic and cellular responses and adaptations, such as mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, mitochondrial morphologic dynamics, antioxidant defense, and inflammation. The current review focuses on how muscle contraction and immobilization may activate or inhibit redox signalings and their impact on muscle mitochondrial homeostasis and physiologic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormesis refers to the phenomenon that an exposure or repeated exposures of a toxin can elicit adaptive changes within the organism to resist to higher doses of toxin with reduced harm. Skeletal muscle shows considerable plasticity and adaptions in response to a single bout of acute exercise or chronic training, especially in antioxidant defense capacity and metabolic functions mainly due to remodeling of mitochondria. It has thus been hypothesized that contraction-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may stimulate the hormesis-like adaptations. Furthermore, there has been considerable evidence that select ROS such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, or even oxidatively degraded macromolecules, may serve as signaling molecules to stimulate such hermetic adaptations due to the activation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways. Recent research has highlighted the important role of nuclear factor (NF) κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α), along with other newly discovered signaling pathways, in some of the most vital biological functions such as mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant defense, inflammation, protein turnover, apoptosis, and autophagy. The inability of the cell to maintain proper redox signaling underlies mechanisms of biological aging, during which inflammatory and catabolic pathways prevail. Research evidence and mechanisms connecting exercise-induced hormesis and redox signaling are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of mitochondrial structural and functional integrity plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of muscle disuse atrophy. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) has been suggested to modulate autophagy–lysosome pathway (mitophagy) during muscle atrophy, but clear evidence is still lacking. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of PGC-1α via in vivo transfection would ameliorate mitophagy in mouse tibialis anterior muscle subjected to two weeks of immobilization (IM), followed by remobilization (RM). While mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant enzymes are decreased, all autophagic and mitophagic protein markers such as Beclin-1, Bnip3, PINK1, parkin, Mul1 and the LC3II/LC3I ratio were increased in IM–RM muscle together with activation of FoxO pathway. Overexpression of PGC-1α significantly increased mitochondrial DNA proliferation and oxidative enzyme activity, whereas it mitigated oxidative stress and mitochondrial ubiquination in IM–RM muscle. Protein contents of PINK1, parkin and Mul1 in mitochondria decreased by approximately 50% with PGC-1α treatment. Furthermore, PGC-1α overexpression suppressed FoxO1 and FoxO3 activation along with a decreased LC3II/LC3I ratio. Importantly, PGC-1α attenuated IM–RM-induced ubiquination and degradation of mitofusion protein Mfn2. Muscle apoptotic tendency, measured by Bax/Bcl2 ratio and caspase-3 activity, were elevated with IM–RM, but unaffected by PGC-1α. We conclude that overexpression of PGC-1α by in vivo transfection can inhibit activation of mitophagy pathway in the atrophying muscle caused by immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a versatile chemical compound serving as a coenzyme in metabolic pathways and as a substrate to support the enzymatic functions of sirtuins (SIRTs), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), and cyclic ADP ribose hydrolase (CD38). Under normal physiological conditions, NAD+ consumption is matched by its synthesis primarily via the salvage pathway catalyzed by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). However, aging and muscular contraction enhance NAD+ utilization, whereas NAD+ replenishment is limited by cellular sources of NAD+ precursors and/or enzyme expression. This paper will briefly review NAD+ metabolic functions, its roles in regulating cell signaling, mechanisms of its degradation and biosynthesis, and major challenges to maintaining its cellular level in skeletal muscle. The effects of aging, physical exercise, and dietary supplementation on NAD+ homeostasis will be highlighted based on recent literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article focuses on the current underlying of molecular mechanisms of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mediated pathway and discuss possible therapeutic benefits of increased mitochondrial biogenesis in compensating for mitochondrial dysfunction and ameliorating aging and aging-related diseases. PGC-1α is the master transcription regulator that stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, by upregulating nuclear respiratory factors and mitochondrial transcription factor A, leading to increased mitochondrial DNA replication and gene transcription. PGC-1α also regulates cellular oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis by stimulating the gene expression of superoxide dismutase-2, catalase, glutathione peroxidase 1, and uncoupling protein. Recent reports from muscle-specific PGC-1α overexpression underline the benefit of PGC-1α in muscle atrophy and sarcopenia, during which PGC-1α enhanced mitochondrial biogenic pathway and reduced oxidative damage. Thus, PGC-1α seems to have a protective role against aging associated skeletal muscle deterioration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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The hypothesis that the aging process is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress has been investigated in human skeletal muscle. Muscle biopsy samples were taken from seven old male subjects [OS; 75 (range 61–86) years] and eight young male subjects [YS; 25 (22–31) years]. Oxidative function was measured both in permeabilised muscle fibres and isolated mitochondria. Despite matching the degree of physical activity, OS had a lower training status than YS as judged from pulmonary maximal O2 consumption (VO2max, -36%) and handgrip strength (-20%). Both maximal respiration and creatine-stimulated respiration were reduced in muscle fibres from OS (-32 and -34%, respectively). In contrast, respiration in isolated mitochondria was similar in OS and YS. The discrepancy might be explained by a biased harvest of "healthy" mitochondria and/or disruption of structural components during the process of isolation. Cytochrome C oxidase was reduced (-40%, P<0.01), whereas UCP3 protein tended to be elevated in OS (P=0.09). Generation of reactive oxygen species by isolated mitochondria and measures of antioxidative defence (muscle content of glutathione, glutathione redox status, antioxidative enzymes activity) were not significantly different between OS and YS. It is concluded that aging is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, which appears to be unrelated to reduced physical activity. The hypothesis of increased oxidative stress in aged muscle could not be confirmed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and function, derives from multiple etiological mechanisms. Accumulative research suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation plays a critical role in the development of this pathophysiological disorder. In this communication, we review the various signaling pathways that control muscle metabolic and functional integrity such as protein turnover, cell death and regeneration, inflammation, organismic damage, and metabolic functions. Although no single pathway can be identified as the most crucial factor that causes sarcopenia, age-associated dysregulation of redox signaling appears to underlie many deteriorations at physiological, subcellular, and molecular levels. Furthermore, discord of mitochondrial homeostasis with aging affects most observed problems and requires our attention. The search for the primary suspect of the fundamental mechanism for sarcopenia will likely take more intense research for the secret of this health hazard to the elderly to be unlocked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aged skeletal muscle demonstrates declines in muscle mass and deterioration of mitochondrial content and function. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) plays an important role in promoting muscle mitochondrial biogenesis in response to exercise training, but its role in senescent muscle is not clear. In the present study we hypothesize that a downregulation of the PGC-1α signaling pathway contributes to mitochondrial deterioration in aged muscle whereas endurance training ameliorates the deficits. Three groups of Fischer 344/BNF1 rats were used: young, sedentary (Y, 4months); old, sedentary (O, 22months); and old trained (OT, 22months), subjected to treadmill running at 17.5m/min, 10% grade for 45min/day, 5days/week for 12-weeks. PGC-1α mRNA and nuclear PGC-1α protein content in the soleus muscle were both decreased in O vs. Y rats, whereas OT rats showed a 2.3 and 1.8-fold higher PGC-1α content than O and Y rats, respectively (P<0.01). Mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), cytochrome c (Cyt c) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA contents were significantly decreased in O vs. Y rats, but elevated by 2.2 (P<0.01), 1.4 (P<0.05) and 2.4-fold (P<0.01), respectively, in OT vs. O rats. In addition, Tfam and mtDNA showed 1.6 and 1.8-fold (P<0.01) higher levels, respectively, in OT vs. Y rats. These adaptations were accompanied by significant increases in the expression of the phosphorylated form of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) (P<0.01), p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) (P<0.05) and silent mating type information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) (P<0.01) in OT rats. Furthermore, OT rats showed great levels of phosphorylation in cAMP responsive element binding protein (p-CREB) and DNA binding compared to O and Y rats. These data indicate that endurance training can attenuate aging-associated decline in mitochondrial protein synthesis in skeletal muscle partly due to upregulation of PGC-1α signaling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the gene expression of Mitofusion (Mfn) 1 and 2 and Fission 1 (Fis1) and mitochondrial energy metabolism in response to altered energy demand during prolonged exercise in rat skeletal muscle. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to an acute bout of treadmill running at various durations and killed immediately or during recovery. Mfn1/2 and Fis1 mRNA and protein contents, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, state 3 and state 4 respiration rates, trans-innermembrane potential and ATP synthase activity were measured in isolated muscle mitochondria. We found that (1) Mfn1/2 mRNA contents were progressively decreased during 150 min of exercise, along with decreased Mfn 1 protein levels. Fis1 mRNA and protein contents showed significant increases after 120–150 min of exercise. These changes persisted through the recovery period up to 24 h. (2) Mitochondrial ROS generation and state 4 respiration showed progressive increases up to 120 min, but dropped at 150 min of exercise. (3) State 3 respiration rate and respiratory control index were unchanged initially but decreased at 150 and 120 min of exercise, respectively, whereas ATP synthase activity was elevated at 45 min and returned to resting level thereafter. Our data suggested that the gene expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission proteins in skeletal muscle can respond rapidly to increased metabolic demand during prolonged exercise, which could significantly affect the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)-activated signal transduction pathway has previously been shown to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle in response to endurance exercise. In vitro data indicate that PGC-1α signaling may be sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) but its role in vivo is not clear. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate whether the PGC-1α pathway could be activated by a single bout of anaerobic exercise in rats, wherein a major portion of ROS was generated via the cytosolic xanthine oxidase (XO), and (2) to examine whether allopurinol (ALP), a specific XO inhibitor, would attenuate PGC-1α expression and signaling owing to decreased ROS generation. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) subjected to sprinting on a treadmill at 35 m/min, 15% grade, for 3 min followed by 3 min slow running at 15 m/min, 0% grade, repeated until exhaustion (88 ± 4 min; Exer; N = 9); (2) subjected to the same exercise protocol (88 ± 4 min) but injected with two doses of ALP (0.4 mmol/kg, ip) 24 and 1 h before the experiment (Exer+ ALP; N = 9); and (3) rested control (C; N = 9). Exercise increased XO activity and ROS generation in the Exer rat vastus lateralis muscle (P < 0.05), whereas the Exer+ ALP group displayed only 7% XO activity and similar ROS level compared with the C group. PGC-1α protein content showed a 5.6-fold increase (P < 0.01) in Exer vs C, along with a 200% (P < 0.01) increase in both nuclear respiratory factor (NRF)-1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) content. ALP treatment decreased PGC-1α, NRF-1, and Tfam levels by 45, 19, and 20% (P < 0.05), respectively. Exercise doubled the content of the phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element-binding protein in the Exer group (P < 0.01) and tripled phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P < 0.01), whereas these effects were reduced by 60 and 30% (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), respectively, in Exer+ ALP rats. Nuclear factor-κB binding and phospho-IκB content were also increased in Exer rats (P < 0.01) and these increases were abolished by ALP treatment. The data indicate that contraction-activated PGC-1α signaling pathways in skeletal muscle are redox sensitive and that nonmitochondrial ROS play an important role in stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A diet high in saturated fat leads to skeletal muscle deteriorations including insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle fiber atrophy. Consumption of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and exercise have shown promise in ameliorating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the impact of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on mitochondrial homeostasis in muscle is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether 12 wks of EVOO feeding alone and in conjunction with endurance training could protect against metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction rat muscle with HFD. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups fed a control diet (C), HFD, EVOO diet, and EVOO diet with training (EVOO+T). Mitochondrial enzyme activity and protein content decreased with HFD compared to C, but were restored with EVOO and EVOO+T. EVOO+T elevated muscle cytochrome c and PGC-1α levels. HFD increased muscle proteolytic markers and protein ubiquitination, whereas these effects were not seen in EVOO and EVOO+T. HFD suppressed mitochondrial fusion protein level while increasing fission protein levels, but were restored with EVOO and EVOO+T. Mitophagy marker PINK1 content decreased with HFD, but was unchanged in EVOO and EVOO+T. EVOO+T upregulated autophagy markers, along with decreased phosphorylated/dephosphorylated FoxO3 ratio. Antioxidants enzyme levels were upregulated by EVOO and EVOO+T, and EVOO+T reduced HFD-induced lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, HFD impaired muscle oxidative capacity, promoted protein ubiquitination and mitochondrial fission, and upregulated autophagy markers. Replacement of HFD with EVOO corrected the observed adverse effects, while exercise training in conjunction with EVOO provided additional protection to the muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) expression has been shown to increase dramatically in response to muscular contraction, but the physiological significance of UCP3 upregulation is still elusive. In this study, UCP3 mRNA and protein expression were investigated along with mitochondrial respiratory function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and antioxidant defense in rat skeletal muscle during and after an acute bout of prolonged exercise. UCP3 mRNA expression was elevated sharply at 45 min of exercise, reaching 7- to 8-fold above resting level at 150 min. The increase in UCP3 protein content showed a latent response but was elevated ∼1.9-fold at 120 min of exercise. Both UCP3 mRNA and UCP3 protein gradually returned to resting levels 24 h postexercise. Mitochondrial ROS production was progressively increased during exercise. However, ROS showed a dramatic drop at 150 min although their levels remained severalfold higher during the recovery. Mitochondrial State 4 respiration rate was increased by 46 and 58% (p <0.05) at 90 and 120 min, respectively, but returned to resting rate at 150 min, when State 3 respiration and respiratory control index (RCI) were suppressed. ADP-to-oxygen consumption (P/O) ratio and ATP synthase activity were lowered at 3 h postexercise, whereas proton motive force and mitochondrial malondialdehyde content were unchanged. Manganese superoxide dismutase gene expression was not affected by exercise except for an increase in mRNA abundance at 3 h postexercise. These data demonstrate that UCP3 expression in rat skeletal muscle can be rapidly upregulated during prolonged exercise, possibly owing to increased ROS generation. Increased UCP3 may partially alleviate the proton gradient across the inner membrane, thereby reducing further ROS production by the electron transport chain. However, prolonged exercise caused a decrease in energy coupling efficiency in muscle mitochondria revealed by an increased respiration rate due to proton leak (State 4/State 3 ratio) and decreased RCI. We thus propose that the compromise of the oxidative phosphorylation efficiency due to UCP3 upregulation may serve an antioxidant function to protect the muscle mitochondria from exercise-induced oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The physiological significance of cardiac mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2)-mediated uncoupling respiration in exercise is unknown. In the current study, mitochondrial respiratory function, UCP2 mRNA level, UCP2-mediated respiration (UCR), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity were determined in rat heart with or without endurance training after an acute bout of exercise of different duration. In the untrained rats, state 4 respiration and UCR-independent respiration rates were progressively increased with exercise time and were 64 and 70% higher, respectively, than resting rate at 150 min, whereas UCR was elevated by 86% with no significant change in state 3 respiration. UCP2 mRNA level showed a 5- and 4-fold increase, respectively, after 45 and 90 min of exercise, but returned to resting level at 120 and 150 min. Mitochondrial ROS production and membrane potential (Δψ) increased progressively until 120 min, followed by a decrease to the resting level at 150 min. MnSOD mRNA abundance showed a 2-fold increase at 120 min but MnSOD activity did not change with exercise. Training significantly increased mitochondrial ATP synthetase activity, ADP to oxygen consumption (P/O) ratio, respiratory control ratio, and MnSOD activity, whereas exercise-induced state 4 respiration, UCR, ROS production, and Δψ were attenuated in the trained rats. We conclude that (1) UCP2 mRNA expression and activity in rat heart can be upregulated during prolonged exercise, which may reduce cross-membrane Δψ and thus ROS production; and (2) endurance training can blunt exercise-induced UCP2 and UCR, and improve mitochondrial efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation due to increased removal of ROS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]