Abstract
Aims/hypothesis. The regulation of uncoupling protein 2 and uncoupling protein 3 gene expression in skeletal muscle has recently been the focus of intense interest. Our aim was to determine expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic subjects, a condition representing profound muscle inactivity. Thereafter we determined whether exercise training would modify expression of these genes in skeletal muscle. Methods. mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 was determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain-reaction. Results. Expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 mRNA was increased in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic compared with able-bodied subjects (3.7-fold p < 0.01 and 4.1-fold, p < 0.05, respectively). A subgroup of four tetraplegic subjects underwent an 8-week exercise programme consisting of electrically-stimulated leg cycling (ESLC, 7 ESLC sessions/week). This training protocol leads to increases in whole body insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle from tetraplegic subjects. After ESLC training, uncoupling protein 2 expression was reduced by 62 % and was similar to that in able-bodied people. Similarly, ESLC training was associated with a reduction of uncoupling protein 3 expression in skeletal muscle from three of four tetraplegic subjects, however, post-exercise levels remained increased compared with able-bodied subjects. Conclusion/interpretation. Tetraplegia is associated with increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 in skeletal muscle. Exercise training leads to normalisation of uncoupling protein 2 expression in tetraplegic subjects. Muscle disuse and physical activity appear to be powerful regulators of uncoupling protein 2 and 3 expression in human skeletal muscle. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 826–830]
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Received: 1 March 1999 and accepted: 25 March 1999
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Hjeltnes, N., Fernström, M., Zierath, J. et al. Regulation of UCP2 and UCP3 by muscle disuse and physical activity in tetraplegic subjects. Diabetologia 42, 826–830 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001250051233
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001250051233