Resistance Training and Ovariectomy: Antagonic Effects in Mitochondrial Biogenesis Markers in Rat Skeletal Muscle.

Estrogen reduction is associated with a decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. Molecular events associated with improvements in markers of mitochondrial biogenesis after resistance training and estradiol replacement are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ovariectomy, resistance training, and estradiol replacement on markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and protein expression related to oxidative capacity in the rat gastrocnemius pool. Estradiol replacement was performed using Silastic(®) capsules. During the 12-week resistance training, animals climbed a ladder with weights attached to their tails. Gene expression was analysed by RT-PCR, and protein content was determined by western blotting. Ovariectomy decreased the gene expression of the mitochondrial biogenesis markers PGC-1α (~73%), NRF-1 (~44%), and TFAM (~53%) (p<0.05) and decreased the protein expression of phosphorylated AMPK, CREB and AKT, which are related to oxidative capacity. Resistance training increased PGC-1α (~59%) and TFAM (~48%) expression compared to the Ovariectomy-Sedentary group. The combination of resistance training and estradiol replacement was superior to the ovariectomy-sedentary and ovariectomy-resistance training treatments regarding the gastrocnemius muscle. Estrogen deficiency altered the expression of genes and proteins that favour the development of a mitochondrial dysfunction phenotype, which was improved with resistance training and was partially improved by estradiol replacement.

Resistance training suppresses intra-abdominal fatty acid synthesis in ovariectomized rats.

Ovarian hormone loss is associated with a shift in fat distribution to intra-abdomin al adipose tissue (intra-AAT) depots and with lipid metabolism disorders, which predisposes individuals to developing insulin resistance. Resistance training (RT) prevents increases in intra-AAT after ovarian hormone loss. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. We investigated the effects of ovariectomy and RT on gene expression related to lipogenesis and fat oxidation in the intra-AAT of ovariectomized rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6/group) were divided into the groups: sham-sedentary, ovariectomized-sedentary, sham-RT and ovariectomized-RT. RT groups performed a 10-week climbing program on a ladder with progressive overload. Intra-AAT was subjected to morphometric and mRNA analysis. Ovariectomized-sedentary group had larger adipocytes and higher expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and lower expression of the oxidative carnitinepalmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-1). RT counteracted OVX-induced increases in PPAR-γ and SCD-1 and decreased SREBP-1c. ACC and HSL were downregulated in ovariectomized-RT compared with the ovariectomized-sedentary group. Ovariectomized-RT group had the highest CPT-1 gene expression. Adipocyte size decreased in ovariectomized-RT group. Results suggest that RT reduces intra-AAT adipocyte size in ovariectomized rats by suppressing intra-AAT fatty acid synthesis and enhancing fatty acid ß-oxidation.

Tendon structural adaptations to load exercise are inhibited by anabolic androgenic steroids.

The present study investigated the structural changes in the rat calcaneal tendon (CT), superficial flexor tendon (SFT), and deep flexor tendon (DFT) in response to jump exercises and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Animals were divided into four groups: sedentary, trained, AAS-treated sedentary rats, and AAS-treated trained animals. Training increased the volume density (Vv%) of blood vessels in all regions of the CT and DFT, cell Vv% in the peritendinous sheath of the proximal and distal regions of the SFT and proximal region of DFT, and cell Vv% in the tendon proper of the proximal and distal regions of the SFT and DFT. The combination of AAS and load exercises showed little increased blood vessel Vv% at the proximal region of the CT, intermediate region of the SFT, and all regions of the DFT as opposed to an increase in adipose cell Vv% in the CT proximal region. The AAS reduced the levels of hydroxyproline in the proximal region of the DFT and in the distal region of the STF. In conclusion, exercise promoted benefits to the adaptation of the tendons to overload. These effects were absent when load exercise was combined with AAS. The abusive consumption of AAS contributes to tendon inertness and rigidity, and increases the potential risk of injury.

In vitro nanotoxicity of single-walled carbon nanotube-dendrimer nanocomplexes against murine myoblast cells.

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) have been proposed for a variety of biomedical applications. The combination of both molecules makes this new composite nanomaterial highly functionalizable and versatile to theranostic and drug-delivery systems. However, recent toxicological studies have shown that nanomaterials such as SWCNTs and PAMAM may have high toxicity in biological environments. Aiming to elucidate such behavior, in vitro studies with different cultured cells have been conducted in the past few years. This study focuses on the effects of SWCNT-PAMAM nanomaterials and their individual components on the C2C12 murine cell line, which is a mixed population of stem and progenitor cells. The interactions between the cells and the nanomaterials were studied with different techniques usually employed in toxicological analyses. The results showed that SWCNT-PAMAM and PAMAM inhibited the proliferation and caused DNA damage of C2C12 cells. Data from flow cytometry revealed a less toxicity in C2C12 cells exposed to SWCNT compared to the other nanomaterials. The results indicated that the toxicity of SWCNT, SWCNT-PAMAM and PAMAM in C2C12 cells can be strongly correlated with the charge of the nanomaterials.

Association of Bartonella spp bacteremia with Chagas cardiomyopathy, endocarditis and arrythmias in patients from South America

Infection with Bartonella spp may cause cardiac arrhythmias, myocarditis and endocarditis in humans. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a possible association between Bartonella spp bacteremia and endocarditis, arrhythmia and Chagas cardiomyopathy in patients from Brazil and Argentina. We screened for the presence of bacterial 16S rRNA in human blood by PCR using oligonucleotides to amplify a 185-bp bacterial DNA fragment. Blood samples were taken from four groups of subjects in Brazil and Argentina: i) control patients without clinical disease, ii) patients with negative blood-culture endocarditis, iii) patients with arrhythmias, and iv) patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. PCR products were analyzed on 1.5% agarose gel to visualize the 185-bp fragment and then sequenced to confirm the identity of DNA. Sixty of 148 patients (40.5%) with cardiac disease and 1 of 56 subjects (1.8%) from the control group presented positive PCR amplification for Bartonella spp, suggesting a positive association of the bacteria with these diseases. Separate analysis of the four groups showed that the risk of a Brazilian patient with endocarditis being infected with Bartonella was 22 times higher than in the controls. In arrhythmic patients, the prevalence of infection was 45 times higher when compared to the same controls and 40 times higher for patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of the association between Bartonella spp bacteremia and Chagas disease. The present data may be useful for epidemiological and prevention studies in Brazil and Argentina.

Association of Bartonella spp bacteremia with Chagas cardiomyopathy, endocarditis and arrhythmias in patients from South America.

Infection with Bartonella spp may cause cardiac arrhythmias, myocarditis and endocarditis in humans. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a possible association between Bartonella spp bacteremia and endocarditis, arrhythmia and Chagas cardiomyopathy in patients from Brazil and Argentina. We screened for the presence of bacterial 16S rRNA in human blood by PCR using oligonucleotides to amplify a 185-bp bacterial DNA fragment. Blood samples were taken from four groups of subjects in Brazil and Argentina: i) control patients without clinical disease, ii) patients with negative blood-culture endocarditis, iii) patients with arrhythmias, and iv) patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. PCR products were analyzed on 1.5% agarose gel to visualize the 185-bp fragment and then sequenced to confirm the identity of DNA. Sixty of 148 patients (40.5%) with cardiac disease and 1 of 56 subjects (1.8%) from the control group presented positive PCR amplification for Bartonella spp, suggesting a positive association of the bacteria with these diseases. Separate analysis of the four groups showed that the risk of a Brazilian patient with endocarditis being infected with Bartonella was 22 times higher than in the controls. In arrhythmic patients, the prevalence of infection was 45 times higher when compared to the same controls and 40 times higher for patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of the association between Bartonella spp bacteremia and Chagas disease. The present data may be useful for epidemiological and prevention studies in Brazil and Argentina.

Nandrolone inhibits MMP-2 in the left ventricle of rats.

The indiscriminate use of anabolic-androgenic steroids has been shown to induce left ventricular dysfunctions. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of nandrolone decanoate on matrix metalloprotease (MMP-2) activity and protein level in the left ventricle (LV) of rats after 7 weeks of mechanical load exercise. Wistar rats were grouped into: sedentary (S); nandrolone decanoate-treated sedentary (AAS); trained without AAS (T) and trained and treated with AAS (AAST). Exercised groups performed a 7-weeks water-jumping program. Training significantly increased the MMP-2 activity by zymography and the protein level by Western blotting analysis. However, the AAS treatment abolished both the increase in MMP activity and protein level induced by exercise. These results suggest that AAS may impair cardiac tissue remodeling which may lead to the heart malfunction.

Effects of resistance training on matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and biomechanical and physical properties of bone in ovariectomized and intact rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of resistance training on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and bone biomechanical properties in ovariectomized and intact rats. Forty-eight female rats were divided into two distinct groups, ovariectomized (OVX) and intact (Int), which were subdivided into three similar subgroups: sedentary, acute exercise and chronic exercise. Rats performed a resistance training for 12 weeks in which animals climbed a vertical ladder of 1.1 m with weights attached to their tails. Sessions were performed with an interval of 3, 4-9 and 8-12 days scaled dynamic movements of climbing. Biomechanical and physical analyses were performed using a universal testing machine, and MMP-2 activity analysis by zymography. Bone density (BD), mineral density (MD), maximum load and fracture load was reduced in sedentary and acute exercise OVX groups compared with the sedentary intact group (P<0.05); in contrast, chronically trained groups (OVX and Int) showed a significant increase in BD, MD and fracture load compared with all the other groups. MMP-2 activity in chronically trained groups also showed a significant increase, while the sedentary OVX group showed a decrease in MMP-2 activity compared with the intact sedentary group (P<0.05). Our results suggest that the resistance training proposed in our work was efficient in reverting the deleterious effects of ovariectomy on bone tissue, and also produced modeling effects in intact rats. On the other hand, ovariectomy reduced the activity of MMP-2 and produced deleterious effects on bone tissue, mimicking menopause intrinsically.

Purification and characterization of Ts15, the first member of a new α-KTX subfamily from the venom of the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus.

Voltage-gated potassium channel toxins (KTxs) are basic short chain peptides comprising 23-43 amino acid residues that can be cross-linked by 3 or 4 disulfide bridges. KTxs are classified into four large families: α-, ß-, γ- and κ-KTx. These peptides display varying selectivity and affinity for K(v) channel subtypes. In this work, a novel toxin from the Tityus serrulatus venom was isolated, characterized and submitted to a wide electrophysiological screening on 5 different subtypes of Na(V) channels (Na(V)1.4; Na(V)1.5; Na(V)1.6; Na(V)1.8 and DmNa(V)1) and 12 different subtypes of K(V) channels (K(V)1.1 - K(V)1.6; K(V)2.1; K(V)3.1; K(V)4.2; K(V)4.3; Shaker IR and ERG). This novel peptide, named Ts15, has 36 amino acids, is cross-linked by 3 disulfide bridges, has a molecular mass of 3956 Da and pI around 9. Electrophysiological experiments using patch clamp and the two-electrode voltage clamp techniques show that Ts15 preferentially blocks K(V)1.2 and K(V)1.3 channels with an IC50 value of 196 ± 25 and 508 ± 67 nM, respectively. No effect on Na(V) channels was observed, at all tested concentrations. Since Ts15 shows low amino acid identity with other known KTxs, it was considered a bona fide novel type of scorpion toxin. Ts15 is the unique member of the new α-Ktx21 subfamily and therefore was classified as α-Ktx21.1.

Post-exercise changes in myostatin and actRIIB expression in obese insulin-resistant rats.

We evaluated the expression of MSTN and ActRIIB mRNA in muscle and adipose tissue in diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in rats subjected to exercise. There was no difference in the expression of MSTN between exercised and sedentary high-fat fed rats in muscle after swimming training. The expression of ActRIIB mRNA in muscle was not significantly different among the groups. In BAT, MSTN mRNA expression was higher in exercised high-fat fed group (EHF) compared with sedentary high-fat fed group (SHF). ActRIIB mRNA expression in BAT was higher in EHF compared with SHF. In mesenteric fat, MSTN mRNA was lower in EHF compared with SHF and ActRIIB mRNA was lower in EHF compared with SHF. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the expression of MSTN and ActRIIB mRNA changes in both adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in diet-induced obese and exercised rats and suggest the participation of MSTN in energy homeostasis.

Biomechanical responses of different rat tendons to nandrolone decanoate and load exercise.

Androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) have been associated with an increased incidence of tendon rupture. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of the rat calcaneal tendon (CT), superficial flexor tendon (SFT), and deep flexor tendon (DFT), and to determine the effect of jump training in association with AAS. Animals were separated into four groups: sedentary, trained, AAS-treated sedentary rats (AAS), and AAS-treated and trained animals. Mechanical testing showed that the CT differed from the DFT and SFT, which showed similar mechanical properties. Jump caused the CT to exhibit an extended toe region, an increased resistance to tensional load, and a decreased elastic modulus, characteristics of an elastic tendon capable of storing energy. AAS caused the tendons to be less compliant, and the effects were reinforced by simultaneous training. The DFT was the most affected by training, AAS, and the interaction of both, likely because of its involvement in the toe-off step of jumping, which we suggest is related to the rapid transmission of force as opposed to energy storage. In conclusion, tendons are differently adapted to exercise, but responded equally to AAS, showing reduced flexibility, which is suggested to increase the risk of tendon rupture in AAS consumers.

Nandrolone inhibits VEGF mRNA in rat muscle.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key compound for induction of angiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) administration on VEGF mRNA expression in the rat soleus muscle after jumping training. Wistar rats were grouped into: sedentary (S); nandrolone decanoate-treated sedentary (AAS); trained without AAS (T) and trained and treated with AAS (AAST). Exercised groups performed a 7-weeks water-jumping program. Animals killed immediately after the last exercise bout showed significantly increased VEGF mRNA expression; however, the AAS treatment completely inhibited this effect. These results suggest that the AAS may be strongly prejudicial to muscle remodeling and performance at least partially due to an impaired angiogenesis.

MMP-2 is not altered by stretching in skeletal muscle.

Considering that short bouts of stretching, as recommended in rehabilitation and sports activities, induce skeletal muscle and connective tissue adaptation, the hypothesis of this study was that MMP-2 activity is regulated by muscle stretch. The level of MMP-2 activity was, thereby, assessed after stretching in rat soleus muscle. Animals received a single session of stretching (10 stretches lasting 1 min each with 30 s of rest in between) and were evaluated immediately and after 8, 24, 48, 72 and 168 h. To evaluate the effect of repetitive sessions of stretching, three groups of animals were evaluated - one group after 2 sessions, another after 3, and a third after 7. MMP-2 activity was evaluated by zymography and MMP-2 mRNA was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. None of the groups presented MMP-9 activity. MMP-2 activity and mRNA expression did not change after either single or repetitive sessions of stretching. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that MMP-2 is not involved in the muscle stretch-induced remodeling.

ALT-C, a disintegrin-like Cys-rich protein from Bothrops alternatus, increases skeletal myoblast viability

ALT-C, an ECD motif (glutamic acid, cysteine, aspartic acid) disintegrin from Bothrops alternatus snake venom, induces alfa2beta1 integrin-mediated signaling and neutrophil chemotaxis. In vitro, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), ALT-C induces cell proliferation, thus showing an interesting potential for tissue regeneration studies. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of ALT-C in myoblast viability and differentiation. Myoblasts were obtained from hind limb muscles of 3 to 4-day old Wistar rats. The cells were incubated with ALT-C at different concentrations and incubation periods were followed by total RNA isolation. cDNA synthesis and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed with primers of myoD as well as of both (slow and fast) myosin heavy chain isoforms (MHC). ECD-disintegrin increased myoblast viability in a dose-dependent way, mostly with 50 to 100 nM concentrations, and such effect was more prevalent after 48 hours. No changes in gene expression of both MHC isoforms were observed in ALT-C-treated cells. MyoD expression was not detected, which suggests that myoblasts were in mature stages. Protease activity and cytokine array tested in a medium of 50 nM ALT-C-treated cells after 48 hours were not different from controls. In conclusion, it was shown that myoblats are sensitive to ALT-C indicating an integrin-mediated intracellular signaling that increases cell viability.

Radicicol improves regeneration of skeletal muscle previously damaged by crotoxin in mice.

This work investigates the influence of heat shock proteins (HSPs) on necrosis and subsequent skeletal muscle regeneration induced by crotoxin (CTX), the major component of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom. Mice were treated with radicicol, a HSP inductor, followed by an intramuscular injection of CTX into the gastrocnemius muscle. Treated groups were sacrificed 1, 10 and 21 days after CTX injection. Muscle histological sections were stained with toluidine blue and assayed for acid phosphatase or immunostained with either neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) or neonatal myosin heavy chain (MHCn). Muscle samples were also submitted to Western blotting analysis. The results show that CTX alone and CTX combined with radicicol induced a similar degree of myofiber necrosis. CTX-injured muscles treated with radicicol had increased cross-sectional areas at 10 and 21 days post-lesion compared with untreated CTX-injured muscles. Additionally, radicicol significantly increased the number of NCAM-positive satellite cells in the gastrocnemius at one day post-CTX injury. CTX-injured muscles treated with radicicol contained more MHCn-positive regenerating myofibers compared with untreated CTX-injured muscles. These results suggest that HSPs contribute to the regeneration of myofibers damaged by CTX. Additionally, further studies should investigate the potential therapeutic effects of radicicol in skeletal muscles affected by Crotalus venom.

MMP-2, jumping exercise and nandrolone in skeletal muscle.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial to the development and maintenance of healthy tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate MMP-2 activity in gastrocnemius, soleus, extensor digitorium longus (EDL) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles after exercise associated with an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS). Wistar rats were grouped into: sedentary (S); sedentary with AAS (AAS); trained without (T) and with (AAST) AAS. Exercised groups performed a 7-week water-jumping program. The exercise increased MMP-2 activity in gastrocnemius and soleus, but not in TA and EDL. The AAS treatment decreased MMP-2 activity of EDL, as compared to the S group, with no effect in gastrocnemius and soleus. The association of AAS and training restored the normal MMP activity of EDL. Training increases tissue turnover in primary motor muscles, which in turn respond differently to AAS treatment. This data may be useful for a better understanding of muscular physiology under AAS use.

rACLF, a recombinant snake venom metalloprotease, activates endothelial cells in vitro

Snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs) comprise a family of snake venom toxins responsible for most of local and systemic effects observed during envenomation by snakes from the Viperidae family. The vascular system and more specifically the endothelium seem to be the preferential targets of these proteins. This work describes the effects of rACLF, a recombinant SVMP from Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Our results showed that rACLF activates HUVECs by the release of mediators involved in inflammation and hemostasis such as prostacyclin and interleukin-8. We also demonstrated that rACLF increased the expression of ICAM-I and decay accelerating factor (DAF). Moreover, rACLF protects the HUVECs against apoptosis induced by serum deprivation. These results suggest that the endothelial cell activation induced by SVMPs may have a significant role in the development of the local inflammatory lesion observed in Viperidae envenomation.

Effects of the myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A2 from Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus snake venom on water transport in the toad bladder epithelium: evidence for a role of microtubules and calmodulin.

ACLMT is a myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A2 isolated from the venom of the snake Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus. We have previously demonstrated that ACLMT affects the water transport in toad bladders through a mechanism partially mediated by an increase in the cytosolic calcium. This study aims to further investigate the sites and mechanisms involved in the effects of ACLMT on water transport in toad bladders by examining the role of microtubules and calmodulin. Water flow across the membrane was gravimetrically measured in bladder sac preparations. ACLMT increased basal water transport and inhibited water transport stimulated by vasopressin. Colchicine and trifluoperazine reduced the effect of the toxin on basal water transport and enhanced it on vasopressin-stimulated water transport. The results suggest that both microtubules and calmodulin may be involved in the effect of ACLMT on basal water transport. On the other hand, the effect of the toxin on vasopressin-stimulated water transport appears to be neither dependent on the microtubules integrity nor directly mediated by calmodulin. This study provides a deeper understanding of the effects of the Lys49 PLA2 myotoxins on membrane permeability, thus contributing to elucidate the toxicity mechanism of these myotoxins on biological tissues.

The effect of the myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A(2) from Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus snake venom on Na+/K+ -ATPase activity of toad bladders.

ACLMT is a myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A(2) isolated from the venom of the snake Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus. We have previously shown that ACLMT increases baseline water transport and partially inhibits vasopressin-stimulated water transport across toad bladders due to an increase in cytosolic calcium. However, these evidences provide insufficient insight into the mechanisms involved in the effects of ACLMT on membrane permeability. In an attempt to better understand such mechanisms, the current study aimed to investigate whether the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity of isolated toad bladders can be affected by the ACLMT and the synthetic peptide from its C-terminal region. The toxin significantly decreased the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, while the peptide did not alter it. These findings suggest that the effects of ACLMT on membrane permeability may be due to the inhibition of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, and that the C-terminal region may not play a relevant role in this effect. This study contributes toward a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the toxicity of the snake venom Lys49 PLA(2) myotoxins on biological tissues.

Early remodeling of rat cardiac muscle induced by swimming training.

The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of acute swimming training with an anaerobic component on matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) activity and myosin heavy chain gene expression in the rat myocardium. Animals (male Wistar rats, weighing approximately 180 g) were trained for 6 h/day in 3 sessions of 2 h each for 1 to 5 consecutive days (N = 5 rats per group). Rats swam in basins 47 cm in diameter and 60 cm deep filled with water at 33 to 35 degrees C. After the training period a significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the heart weight normalized to body weight by about 22 and 35% in the groups that trained for 96 and 120 h, respectively. Blood lactate levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in all groups after all training sessions, confirming an anaerobic component. However, lactate levels decreased (P < 0.05) with days of training, suggesting that the animals became adapted to this protocol. Myosin heavy chain-beta gene expression, analyzed by real time PCR and normalized with GAPDH gene expression, showed a significant two-fold increase (P < 0.01) after 5 days of training. Zymography analysis of myocardium extracts indicated a single approximately 60-kDa activity band that was significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 72, 96, and 120 h, indicating an increased expression of MMP-2 and suggesting precocious remodeling. Furthermore, the presence of MMP-2 was confirmed by Western blot analysis, but not the presence of MMP-1 and MMP-3. Taken together, our results indicate that in these training conditions, the rat heart undergoes early biochemical and functional changes required for the adaptation to the new physiological condition by tissue remodeling.