Quantitation of Mitochondrial DNA Deletions Via Restriction Digestion/Long-Range Single-Molecule PCR.

Quantification of deletions in mtDNA is a long-standing problem in mutational analysis. We describe here an approach that combines the power of single-molecule PCR of the entire mitochondrial genome with the enrichment of the deletions by restriction digestion. This approach is indispensable if information about wide range of deletion types in a sample is critical, such as in studies concerning distribution of deletion breakpoints (as opposed to approaches where fraction of a single deletion or a limited set of deletions is used as a proxy for total deletion load).

Efficacy of whey protein supplementation on resistance exercise-induced changes in lean mass, muscle strength, and physical function in mobility-limited older adults.

Background: Whey protein supplementation may augment resistance exercise-induced increases in muscle strength and mass. Further studies are required to determine whether this effect extends to mobility-limited older adults. The objectives of the study were to compare the effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) supplementation to an isocaloric control on changes in whole-body lean mass, mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area, muscle strength, and stair-climbing performance in older mobility-limited adults in response to 6 months of resistance training (RT).

Systemic vascular function is associated with muscular power in older adults.

Age-associated loss of muscular strength and muscular power is a critical determinant of loss of physical function and progression to disability in older adults. In this study, we examined the association of systemic vascular function and measures of muscle strength and power in older adults. Measures of vascular endothelial function included brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and the pulse wave amplitude reactive hyperemia index (PWA-RHI).

Muscle power failure in mobility-limited older adults: preserved single fiber function despite lower whole muscle size, quality and rate of neuromuscular activation.

This study investigated the physiological and gender determinants of the age-related loss of muscle power in 31 healthy middle-aged adults (aged 40-55 years), 28 healthy older adults (70-85 years) and 34 mobility-limited older adults (70-85 years). We hypothesized that leg extensor muscle power would be significantly lower in mobility-limited elders relative to both healthy groups and sought to characterize the physiological mechanisms associated with the reduction of muscle power with aging. Computed tomography was utilized to assess mid-thigh body composition and calculate specific muscle power and strength.

Leucine-enriched essential amino acid supplementation during moderate steady state exercise enhances postexercise muscle protein synthesis.

Background: The effects of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation during moderate steady state (ie, endurance) exercise on postexercise skeletal muscle metabolism are not well described, and the potential role of supplemental leucine on muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and associated molecular responses remains to be elucidated.

Objective: This randomized crossover study examined whether EAA supplementation with 2 different concentrations of leucine affected post-steady state exercise MPS, whole-body protein turnover, and mammalian target of rapamycin 1 (mTORC1) intracellular signaling.

Design: Eight adults completed 2 separate bouts of cycle ergometry [60 min, 60% VO(2)peak (peak oxygen uptake)].

Molecular responses to moderate endurance exercise in skeletal muscle.

This study examined alterations in skeletal-muscle growth and atrophy-related molecular events after a single bout of moderate-intensity endurance exercise. Muscle biopsies were obtained from 10 men (23 ± 1 yr, body mass 80 ± 2 kg, and VO(2peak) 45 ± 1 ml x kg⁻¹ x min⁻¹) immediately (0 hr) and 3 hr after a 60-min bout of cycle exercise (60% +/- 5% VO(2peak)). Corresponding muscle biopsies were also obtained under resting conditions.

Resistance training and timed essential amino acids protect against the loss of muscle mass and strength during 28 days of bed rest and energy deficit.

Spaceflight and bed rest (BR) result in losses of muscle mass and strength. Resistance training (RT) and amino acid (AA) supplementation are potential countermeasures to minimize these losses. However, it is unknown if timing of supplementation with exercise can optimize benefits, particularly with energy deficit.

Reduction of abdominal obesity in lipodystrophy associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection by means of diet and exercise: case report and proof of principle.

Lipodystrophy associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection causes abdominal fat gain, peripheral subcutaneous fat atrophy, insulin resistance, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertriglyceridemia. An exercise program combined with a moderate-fat, low-glycemic-index, high-fiber diet can reverse several aspects of lipodystrophy, and, until specific treatment is available, should be considered for treatment of lipodystrophy.