• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.13-18
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• 2020

[Purpose] In vivo studies have demonstrated the ergogenic benefits of eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) supplementation. ES has been observed to enhance endurance capacity, improve cardiovascular function, and alter metabolic functions (e.g., increased fat utilization); however, the exact mechanisms involved remain unknown. We aimed to determine whether ES could effectively induce fat loss and improve muscle metabolic profiles through increases in lipolysis- and lipid metabolism-associated protein expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 skeletal muscle cells, respectively, to uncover the direct effects of ES on adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells. [Methods] Different doses of ES extracts (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL) were added to cells (0.2 ES, 0.5 ES, and 1.0 ES, respectively) for 72 h and compared to the vehicle control (control). [Results] The intracellular triacylglycerol (TG) content significantly decreased (p < 0.05 for 0.2 ES, p < 0.01 for 0.5 ES and 1.0 ES) in 3T3-L1 cells. Adipose triglyceride lipase, which is involved in active lipolysis, was significantly higher in the 1.0 ES group than in the control group (p < 0.01) of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In C2C12 cells, the mitochondrial protein voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) was significantly increased in the 1.0 ES group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, we found that 1.0 ES activated both 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in skeletal muscle cells (p < 0.01). [Conclusion] These findings suggest that ES extracts decreased TG content, presumably by increasing lipase in adipocytes and metabolism-associated protein expression as well as mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle cells. These effects may corroborate previous in vivo findings regarding the ergogenic effects of ES supplementation.

• Exercise Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.103-114
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• 2017

INTRODUCTION: Regulation of skeletal muscle protein mass is implicated not only in exercise performance but in metabolic health. Exercise in combination with nutrition, particularly dietary protein/amino acid intake, are the pragmatic approach that effectively induces muscle anabolic response (i.e., muscle hypertrophy) through regulating protein synthesis and breakdown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this review was to summarize available data on the effect of exercise intervention and amino acids intake on muscle protein synthesis and breakdown and provide an insight into development of an effective exercise intervention and amino acids supplements, applicable to training practice. METHODS: In this review, we have reviewed currently available data mainly from stable isotope tracer studies with respect to the effect of exercise intervention and protein or amino acid supplement on muscle protein anabolic response. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, exercise alone may not be effective in achieving a positive net muscle protein balance due to the fact that protein breakdown still exceeds protein synthesis until nutrition intake such as protein/amino acids. It appears that muscle anabolic response increases in proportional to the amount of protein intake up to 20 - 35 g depending on quality of protein, age, differences on exercise intensity, duration, and frequency, and individual's training status

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.24.1-24.9
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• 2020

Brown alga (Ishige okamurae; IO) dietary supplements have been reported to possess anti-diabetic properties. However, the effects of IO supplements have not been evaluated on glucose metabolism in the pancreas and skeletal muscle. C57BL/6 N male mice (age, 7 weeks) were arranged in five groups: a chow diet with 0.9% saline (NFD/saline group), high-fat diet (HFD) with 0.9% saline (HFD/saline group). high-fat diet with 25 mg/kg IO extract (HFD/25/IOE). high-fat diet with 50 mg/kg IO extract (HFD/50/IOE), and high-fat diet with 75 mg/kg IO extract (HFD/75/IOE). After 4 weeks, the plasma, pancreas, and skeletal muscle samples were collected for biochemical analyses. IOE significantly ameliorated glucose tolerance impairment and fasting and 2 h blood glucose level in HFD mice. IOE also stimulated the protein expressions of the glucose transporters (GLUTs) including GLUT2 and GLUT4 and those of their related transcription factors in the pancreases and skeletal muscles of HFD mice, enhanced glucose metabolism, and regulated blood glucose level. Our results suggest Ishige okamurae extract may reduce blood glucose levels by improving glucose metabolism in the pancreas and skeletal muscle in HFD-induced diabetes.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.428-437
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• 2008

To identify transcriptional markers for beef traits related to meat tenderness and moisture, we measured the transcriptome of the Longissimus dorsi skeletal muscle in 10 Korean native cattle (KNC). We analyzed the correlation between the beef transcriptome and measurements of four different beef traits, shear force (SF), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), and loin eye area (LEA). We obtained non-overlapping and unique panels of genes showing strong correlations (${\mid}r{\mid}$ > 0.8) with SF, WHC, CL, and LEA, respectively. Functional studies of these genes indicated that SF was mainly related to energy metabolism, and LEA to rRNA processing. Interestingly, our data suggested that WHC is influenced by protein metabolism. Overall, the skeletal muscle transcriptome pointed to the importance of energy and protein metabolism in determining meat quality after the aging process. The panels of transcripts for beef traits may be useful for predicting meat tenderness and moisture.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.109-115
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• 2016

Objectives: The all anti-obesity drugs currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration work by reducing energy intake. In fact, no approved drug targets energy expenditure. In Korean medicine, it is known to Qi or Yang invigorating therapy could increase energy metabolism. Aconitum carmichaeli Debx (ACD) is a Yang invigorating herb, often used for treat obesity in Korean medicine. In the present study, the authors investigated the regulatory effects of ACD in energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Methods: The water extract of ACD (0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml) were treated in differentiated C2C12 cells. The protein or mRNA levels of target genes were analyzed and mitochondrial mass were investigated. Results: ACD activated the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha ($PGC-1{\alpha}$), nuclear respiratory factor 1 and TFAM and increased mitochondrial mass. ACD also increased adenosin monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Conclusions: This study suggests that ACD has the potential to increase energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis by activating AMPK and $PGC1{\alpha}$.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.14-32
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) has a central role in regulating muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism. PGC-1α stimulates muscle growth and muscle fiber remodeling, concomitantly regulating lactate and lipid metabolism and promoting oxidative metabolism. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thumb.) has been widely employed as a traditional herbal medicine and possesses antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, hypolipemic, hypoglycemic, and anticancer properties. We investigated whether G. pentaphyllum extract (GPE) and its active compound, gypenoside L (GL), affect muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism via activation of the PGC-1α pathway in murine C2C12 myoblast cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: C2C12 cells were treated with GPE and GL, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels. Myh1 was determined using immunocytochemistry. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation was measured using the 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay. RESULTS: GPE and GL promoted the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes and elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of Myh1 (type IIx). GPE and GL also significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of the PGC-1α gene (Ppargc1a), lactate metabolism-regulatory genes (Esrra and Mct1), adipocyte-browning gene fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 gene (Fndc5), glycogen synthase gene (Gys), and lipid metabolism gene carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b gene (Cpt1b). Moreover, GPE and GL induced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, p38, sirtuin1, and deacetylated PGC-1α. We also observed that treatment with GPE and GL significantly stimulated the expression of genes associated with the anti-oxidative stress response, such as Ucp2, Ucp3, Nrf2, and Sod2. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that GPE and GL enhance exercise performance by promoting myotube differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism through the upregulation of PGC-1α in C2C12 skeletal muscle.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.190-200
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• 2023

Skeletal muscle, essential for metabolism, thermoregulation, and immunity, undergoes myogenic differentiation that results in myotube formation. Trans-anethole (TA), the major constituent in essential oil produced by anise, star anise, and fennel, whose function in skeletal muscle has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated whether TA influenced muscle differentiation in mouse C2C12 myoblasts. Cells were induced to differentiate using a differentiation medium with or without TA (50 or 200 mg/mL) daily for 5 days. We measured myotube length and diameter after differentiation days 1, 3, and 5 and analyzed the expression of myogenic markers (myoblast determination protein 1, myogenin, myocyte enhancer factor 2, muscle creatine kinase, and myosin heavy chain) and atrophy-related genes (atrogin-1 and muscle ring finger-1 [MuRF-1]) using quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, we observed the expression of total protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) using western blotting. Our data showed that TA significantly induced the formation of smaller and thinner myotubes and reduced the myogenic factor expression. Furthermore, the atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 expression markedly increased by TA. Consistent with these findings, TA significantly decreased the expression of total Akt and p-Akt. Taken together, these results indicate that TA inhibits myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells via reduction of both total Akt and p-Akt. Our findings may provide valuable insights into the impact of PAA on individuals at risk of muscle atrophy.

• BMB Reports
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.283-290
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• 2002

The glycogen-associated protein phosphatase (PP1G/$R_{GL}$) may play a central role in the hormonal control of glycogen metabolism in the skeletal muscle. Here, we investigated the in vivo epinephrine effect of glycogen metabolism in the skeletal muscle of the wild-type and $R_{GL}$ knockout mice. The administration of epinephrine increased blood glucose levels from 200±20 to 325±20 mg/dl in both wild-type and knockout mice. Epinephrine decreased the glycogen synthase -/+ G6P ratio from 0.24±0.04 to 0.10±0.02 in the wild-type, and from 0.17±0.02 to 0.06±0.01 in the knockout mice. Conversely, the glycogen phosphorylase activity ratio increased from 0.21±0.04 to 0.65±0.07 and from 0.30±0.04 to 0.81±0.06 in the epinephrine trated wild-type and knockout mice respectively. The glycogen content of the knockout mice was substantially lower (27%) than that of both wild-type mice; and epinephrine decreased glycogen content in the wild-type and knockout mice. Also, in Western blot analysis there was no compensation of the other glycogen targeting components PTG/R5 and R6 in the knockout mice compared with the wild-type. Therefore, $R_{GL}$ is not required for the epinephrine stimulation of glycogen metabolism, and rather another phosphatase and/or regulatory subunit appears to be involved.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.11-26
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• 2018

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review the effects of exercise intervention on blood glucose control in obese type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: The PubMed and KERISS search engines were used and 61 papers that met the key questions were selected. RESULTS: Exercise is an effective intervention for the control of blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients because it does not impair glucose transport in the skeletal muscle induced by muscle contractions. Insulin resistance, which is characteristic of type 2 diabetes, is caused by decreased insulin sensitivity or insulin responsiveness. Acute exercise improves the glucose metabolism by increasing the insulin-independent signaling pathways and insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle, and regular long-term exercise improves the skeletal muscle insulin responsiveness and systemic glucose metabolism by increasing the mitochondrial and GLUT4 protein expression in the skeletal muscle. CONCLUSION: The improvement of the glucose metabolism through exercise shows a dose-response pattern, and if exercise consumes the same number of calories, high intensity exercise will be more effective for the glucose metabolism. On the other hand, it is practically difficult for a patient with obese type 2 diabetes to control their blood glucose with high intensity or long-term exercise. Therefore, it will be necessary to study safe adjuvants (cinnamic acid, lithium) that can produce similar effects to high-intensity and high-volume exercises in low-intensity and low-volume exercises.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.586-594
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• 2017

Mitochondrial activity affects skeletal muscle energy metabolism and phenotype. To address whether mitochondrial activity can modulate muscle phenotype in vitro, protein expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) in C2C12 muscle cell lines was investigated after treated with antimycin A, an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Fully differentiated C2C12 myotubes were administrated with different concentration of antimycin A including 0, 100, 200, 500, 700, and 1000 ng/mL. After 72 h treatment, myosin heavy chain isoform expression and related enzyme activity (lactate dehydrogenase; LDH and creatine kinase) were analyzed. Administration of antimycin A changed expression of MyHC in C2C12 myotubes showing a shift from slow to fast twitching muscle type. Protein expression of MyHC type 2b (fast twitching muscle type) was decreased (P < 0.05) by antimycin A treatment (500, 700, and 1000 ng/mL) when compared with control group. Administration of antimycin A (1000 ng/mL), however, decreased (P < 0.05) MyHC type I (slow twitching muscle type). Interestingly, LDH activity was increased (P < 0.05) by antimycin A treatment. Results from our current study proposed a possibility that skeletal muscle phenotype, including MyHC and LDH activity, can be shifted from slow to fast twitching type by inhibiting the mitochondrial activity in C2C12 myotubes.