Josef Brandauer

Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Exercise Training AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Mediates Muscle Fiber Type Shift

Regular endurance exercise has profound benefits on overall health, including the prevention of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) mediates commonly observed adaptive responses to exercise training in skeletal muscle. Six weeks of voluntary wheel running induced a significant (P < 0.05) fiber type IIb to IIa/x shift in triceps muscle of wild-type mice. Despite similar wheel running capacities, this training-induced shift was reduced by ∼40% in transgenic mice expressing a muscle-specific AMPKα2 inactive subunit. Sedentary mice carrying an AMPK-activating mutation (γ1TG) showed a 2.6-fold increase in type IIa/x fibers but no further increase with training. To determine whether AMPK is involved in concomitant metabolic adaptations to training, we measured markers of mitochondria (citrate synthase and succinate dehydrogenase) and glucose uptake capacity (GLUT4 and hexokinase II). Mitochondrial markers increased similarly in wild-type and AMPKα2-inactive mice. Sedentary γ1TG mice showed a ∼25% increase in citrate synthase activity but no further increase with training. GLUT4 protein expression was not different in either line of transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice and tended to increase with training, although this increase was not statistically significant. Training induced a ∼65% increase in hexokinase II protein in wild-type mice but not in AMPKα2-inactive mice. Hexokinase II was significantly elevated in sedentary γ1TG mice, without an additional increase with training. AMPK is not necessary for exercise training-induced increases in mitochondrial markers, but it is essential for fiber type IIb to IIa/x transformation and increases in hexokinase II protein.

Effects of exercise training on subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in normal- and high-fat diet-fed rats

Regular physical activity improves glucose tolerance and decreases adiposity. Our aim was to investigate the effects of exercise training on subcutaneous (inguinal) and visceral (parametrial) adipose tissue in rats that were fed a chow diet (13% fat) or made insulin resistant by a high-fat diet (60% fat). Sprague-Dawley rats performed 4 wk of voluntary wheel running or were kept as sedentary controls. The training groups fed chow and the high-fat diet achieved similar running distances (8.8 +/- 1.8 and 9.3 +/- 1.9 km/day, respectively). Training improved oral glucose tolerance in chow-fed rats and prevented the glucose intolerance that occurred in sedentary rats fed the high-fat diet. In both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, the high-fat diet-induced increases in fat pad weight (67% and 133%, respectively), adipocyte size (20% and 43%), and cell number (36% and 65%) were completely prevented by exercise training. Cytokine mRNA expression in visceral fat did not change with exercise training. However, in subcutaneous fat, training actually increased mRNA expression of several cytokines [IL-6: 80% (P < 0.05); TNF-alpha: 100% (P < 0.05); IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra): 57% (P = 0.08)] with no detectable increases in serum cytokine concentrations. In summary, exercise training can overcome high-fat diet-induced impairments in glucose tolerance and increases in adipocyte size, cell number, and fat pad mass. Improved glucose tolerance was accompanied by an increase in cytokine gene expression in subcutaneous fat. This finding raises the possibility of a specific role of subcutaneous adipose tissue in adaptive responses to exercise training.

Exercise, APOE, and working memory: MEG and behavioral evidence for benefit of exercise in epsilon4 carriers.

Performance on the Sternberg working memory task, and MEG cortical response on a variation of the Sternberg task were examined in middle-aged carriers and non-carriers of the APOE epsilon4 allele. Physical activity was also assessed to examine whether exercise level modifies the relationship between APOE genotype and neurocognitive function. Regression revealed that high physical activity was associated with faster RT in the six- and eight-letter conditions of the Sternberg in epsilon4 carriers, but not in the non-carriers after controlling for age, gender, and education (N=54). Furthermore, the MEG analysis revealed that sedentary epsilon4 carriers exhibited lower right temporal lobe activation on matching probe trials relative to high-active epsilon4 carriers, while physical activity did not distinguish non-carriers (N=23). The M170 peak was identified as a potential marker for pre-clinical decline as epsilon4 carriers exhibited longer M170 latency, and highly physically active participants exhibited greater M170 amplitude to matching probe trials.

Large GLUT4 Vesicles Are Stationary While Locally and Reversibly Depleted During Transient Insulin Stimulation of Skeletal Muscle of Living Mice: Imaging Analysis of GLUT4–Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein Vesicle Dynamics

OBJECTIVE—Insulin stimulates glucose transport in skeletal muscle by GLUT4 translocation from intracellular compartments to sarcolemma and t-tubules. We studied in living animals the recruitment of GLUT4 vesicles in more detail than previously done and, for the first time, analyzed the steady-state recycling and subsequent re-internalization of GLUT4 on an insulin bolus. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A confocal imaging technique was used in GLUT4-enhanced green fluorescent protein–transfected superficial muscle fibers in living mice. RESULTS—During the first 30 min of insulin stimulation, very few superficially or deeply located GLUT4 storage vesicles (>1 μm) moved in toto. Rather, big vesicles were stationary in their original position at sarcolemma or t-tubules and were locally depleted of GLUT4 by budding off of smaller vesicles. Photobleaching experiments revealed that during initial translocation and steady-state recycling, GLUT4 microvesicles (<1 μm) move from perinuclear GLUT4 depots out along the plasma membrane. Furthermore, after photobleaching of t-tubule areas, recovery of GLUT4 was slow or absent, indicating no recycling of GLUT4 from perinuclear or adjacent (1 μm) or more distant (20 μm) t-tubule areas. During waning of insulin effect, GLUT4 was re-internalized to basal stores with a delay in t-tubules compared with sarcolemma, probably reflecting delayed disappearance of insulin from t-tubules. CONCLUSIONS—In skeletal muscle, insulin reversibly stimulates local depletion of GLUT4 storage vesicles at sarcolemma and t-tubules rather than inducing movement of intact storage vesicles. During steady-state stimulation, recycling of GLUT4-containing microvesicles over longer distances (10–20 μm) takes place between perinuclear depots and sarcolemma but not at t-tubules.

LKB1 and AMPK and the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism

Purpose of reviewTo address the role of LKB1 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in glucose transport, fatty acid oxidation, and metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle. Recent findingsContraction-mediated skeletal muscle glucose transport is decreased in muscle-specific LKB1 knockout mice, but not in whole body AMPKα2 knockout mice or AMPKα2 inactive transgenic mice.Chronic activation of AMPK by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) and β-guanadinopropionic acid enhances mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, but AICAR or exercise-induced increases in mitochondrial markers are preserved in skeletal muscles from whole body AMPKα2 or muscle-specific LKB1 knockout mice.Pharmacological activation of AMPK increases glucose transport and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. Therefore, chronic activation of AMPK may be beneficial in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. SummaryLKB1 and AMPK play important roles in regulating metabolism in resting and contracting skeletal muscle.

Large GLUT4 vesicles are stationary while locally and reversibly depleted during transient insulin stimulation of skeletal muscle of living mice. Imaging analysis of GLUT4-EGFP vesicle dynamics

OBJECTIVE—Insulin stimulates glucose transport in skeletal muscle by GLUT4 translocation from intracellular compartments to sarcolemma and t-tubules. We studied in living animals the recruitment of GLUT4 vesicles in more detail than previously done and, for the first time, analyzed the steady-state recycling and subsequent re-internalization of GLUT4 on an insulin bolus. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A confocal imaging technique was used in GLUT4-enhanced green fluorescent protein–transfected superficial muscle fibers in living mice. RESULTS—During the first 30 min of insulin stimulation, very few superficially or deeply located GLUT4 storage vesicles (>1 μm) moved in toto. Rather, big vesicles were stationary in their original position at sarcolemma or t-tubules and were locally depleted of GLUT4 by budding off of smaller vesicles. Photobleaching experiments revealed that during initial translocation and steady-state recycling, GLUT4 microvesicles (<1 μm) move from perinuclear GLUT4 depots out along the plasma membrane. Furthermore, after photobleaching of t-tubule areas, recovery of GLUT4 was slow or absent, indicating no recycling of GLUT4 from perinuclear or adjacent (1 μm) or more distant (20 μm) t-tubule areas. During waning of insulin effect, GLUT4 was re-internalized to basal stores with a delay in t-tubules compared with sarcolemma, probably reflecting delayed disappearance of insulin from t-tubules. CONCLUSIONS—In skeletal muscle, insulin reversibly stimulates local depletion of GLUT4 storage vesicles at sarcolemma and t-tubules rather than inducing movement of intact storage vesicles. During steady-state stimulation, recycling of GLUT4-containing microvesicles over longer distances (10–20 μm) takes place between perinuclear depots and sarcolemma but not at t-tubules.

Effects of supplemental fish oil on resting metabolic rate, body composition, and salivary cortisol in healthy adults

BackgroundTo determine the effects of supplemental fish oil (FO) on resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition, and cortisol production in healthy adults.MethodsA total of 44 men and women (34 ± 13y, mean+SD) participated in the study. All testing was performed first thing in the morning following an overnight fast. Baseline measurements of RMR were measured using indirect calorimetry using a facemask, and body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography. Saliva was collected via passive drool and analyzed for cortisol concentration using ELISA. Following baseline testing, subjects were randomly assigned in a double blind manner to one of two groups: 4 g/d of Safflower Oil (SO); or 4 g/d of FO supplying 1,600 mg/d eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 800 mg/d docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). All tests were repeated following 6 wk of treatment. Pre to post differences were analyzed using a treatment X time repeated measures ANOVA, and correlations were analyzed using Pearsons r.ResultsCompared to the SO group, there was a significant increase in fat free mass following treatment with FO (FO = +0.5 ± 0.5 kg, SO = -0.1 ± 1.2 kg, p = 0.03), a significant reduction in fat mass (FO = -0.5 ± 1.3 kg, SO = +0.2 ± 1.2 kg, p = 0.04), and a tendency for a decrease in body fat percentage (FO = -0.4 ± 1.3% body fat, SO = +0. 3 ± 1.5% body fat, p = 0.08). No significant differences were observed for body mass (FO = 0.0 ± 0.9 kg, SO = +0.2 ± 0.8 kg), RMR (FO = +17 ± 260 kcal, SO = -62 ± 184 kcal) or respiratory exchange ratio (FO = -0.02 ± 0.09, SO = +0.02 ± 0.05). There was a tendency for salivary cortisol to decrease in the FO group (FO = -0.064 ± 0.142 μg/dL, SO = +0.016 ± 0.272 μg/dL, p = 0.11). There was a significant correlation in the FO group between change in cortisol and change in fat free mass (r = -0.504, p = 0.02) and fat mass (r = 0.661, p = 0.001).Conclusion6 wk of supplementation with FO significantly increased lean mass and decreased fat mass. These changes were significantly correlated with a reduction in salivary cortisol following FO treatment.

AMP‐activated protein kinase regulates nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase expression in skeletal muscle

•  NAD is a substrate for sirtuins (SIRTs), which regulate gene transcription in response to specific metabolic stresses. •  Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (Nampt) is the rate‐limiting enzyme in the NAD salvage pathway. •  Using transgenic mouse models, we tested the hypothesis that skeletal muscle Nampt protein abundance would increase in response to metabolic stress in a manner dependent on the cellular nucleotide sensor, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). •  Exercise training, as well as repeated pharmacological activation of AMPK by 5‐amino‐1‐β‐d‐ribofuranosyl‐imidazole‐4‐carboxamide (AICAR), increased Nampt protein abundance. However, only the AICAR‐mediated increase in Nampt protein abundance was dependent on AMPK. •  Our results suggest that cellular energy charge and nutrient sensing by SIRTs may be mechanistically related, and that Nampt may play a key role for cellular adaptation to metabolic stress.

AMP-activated protein kinase controls exercise training- and AICAR-induced increases in SIRT3 and MnSOD

The mitochondrial protein deacetylase sirtuin (SIRT) 3 may mediate exercise training-induced increases in mitochondrial biogenesis and improvements in reactive oxygen species (ROS) handling. We determined the requirement of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) for exercise training-induced increases in skeletal muscle abundance of SIRT3 and other mitochondrial proteins. Exercise training for 6.5 weeks increased SIRT3 (p < 0.01) and superoxide dismutase 2 (MnSOD; p < 0.05) protein abundance in quadriceps muscle of wild-type (WT; n = 13–15), but not AMPK α2 kinase dead (KD; n = 12–13) mice. We also observed a strong trend for increased MnSOD abundance in exercise-trained skeletal muscle of healthy humans (p = 0.051; n = 6). To further elucidate a role for AMPK in mediating these effects, we treated WT (n = 7–8) and AMPK α2 KD (n = 7–9) mice with 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide (AICAR). Four weeks of daily AICAR injections (500 mg/kg) resulted in AMPK-dependent increases in SIRT3 (p < 0.05) and MnSOD (p < 0.01) in WT, but not AMPK α2 KD mice. We also tested the effect of repeated AICAR treatment on mitochondrial protein levels in mice lacking the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-coactivator 1α (PGC-1α KO; n = 9–10). Skeletal muscle SIRT3 and MnSOD protein abundance was reduced in sedentary PGC-1α KO mice (p < 0.01) and AICAR-induced increases in SIRT3 and MnSOD protein abundance was only observed in WT mice (p < 0.05). Finally, the acetylation status of SIRT3 target lysine residues on MnSOD (K122) or oligomycin-sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP; K139) was not altered in either mouse or human skeletal muscle in response to acute exercise. We propose an important role for AMPK in regulating mitochondrial function and ROS handling in skeletal muscle in response to exercise training.

Contraction and AICAR Stimulate IL-6 Vesicle Depletion From Skeletal Muscle Fibers In Vivo

Recent studies suggest that interleukin 6 (IL-6) is released from contracting skeletal muscles; however, the cellular origin, secretion kinetics, and signaling mechanisms regulating IL-6 secretion are unknown. To address these questions, we developed imaging methodology to study IL-6 in fixed mouse muscle fibers and in live animals in vivo. Using confocal imaging to visualize endogenous IL-6 protein in fixed muscle fibers, we found IL-6 in small vesicle structures distributed throughout the fibers under basal (resting) conditions. To determine the kinetics of IL-6 secretion, intact quadriceps muscles were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged IL-6 (IL-6-EGFP), and 5 days later anesthetized mice were imaged before and after muscle contractions in situ. Contractions decreased IL-6-EGFP–containing vesicles and protein by 62% (P < 0.05), occurring rapidly and progressively over 25 min of contraction. However, contraction-mediated IL-6-EGFP reduction was normal in muscle-specific AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2-inactive transgenic mice. In contrast, the AMPK activator AICAR decreased IL-6-EGFP vesicles, an effect that was inhibited in the transgenic mice. In conclusion, resting skeletal muscles contain IL-6–positive vesicles that are expressed throughout myofibers. Contractions stimulate the rapid reduction of IL-6 in myofibers, occurring through an AMPKα2-independent mechanism. This novel imaging methodology clearly establishes IL-6 as a contraction-stimulated myokine and can be used to characterize the secretion kinetics of other putative myokines.