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Resveratrol induces expression of the slow, oxidative phenotype in mdx mouse muscle together with enhanced activity of the SIRT1-PGC-1{alpha} axis

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AJP Cell Physiology

Published online on

Abstract

Slower, more oxidative muscle fibers are more resistant to the dystrophic pathology in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients as well as in the pre-clinical mdx mouse model of DMD. Therefore, one therapeutic strategy for DMD focuses on promoting expression of the slow, oxidative myogenic program. In the current study, we explored the therapeutic potential of stimulating the slow, oxidative phenotype in mdx mice by feeding 6 week-old animals with the natural phenol resveratrol (RSV; ~100 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. SIRT1 activity and protein levels increased significantly, as well as PGC-1α activity, in the absence of alterations in AMPK signaling. These adaptations occurred concomitant with evidence of a fast, glycolytic, to slower, more oxidative fiber type conversion, including mitochondrial biogenesis and increased expression of slower myosin heavy chain isoforms. These positive findings raised the question of whether increased exposure to RSV would result in greater therapeutic benefits. We discovered that an elevated RSV dose of ~500 mg/kg/day across a duration of 12 weeks was clearly less effective at muscle remodeling in mdx mice. This treatment protocol failed to influence SIRT1 or AMPK signaling and did not result in a shift towards a slower, more oxidative phenotype. Taken together, this study demonstrates that RSV can stimulate SIRT1 and PGC-1α activation, which in turn may promote expression of the slow, oxidative myogenic program in mdx mouse muscle. The data also highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate dosage regimen of RSV to maximize its potential therapeutic effectiveness for future application in DMD patients.