MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 protein expression and quadriceps fiber size and muscle mass in stable patients with COPD.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Animal studies demonstrate the importance of the E3 ubiquitin ligases, Muscle RING-Finger Protein 1 (MuRF-1) and atrogin-1, in muscle protein degradation during acute muscle atrophy. Small clinical studies suggest MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 expression in the quadriceps muscle is also increased in stable patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease compared to controls. However, it remains unclear whether these ligases have a role in maintaining a muscle-wasted state in COPD patients.

Methods

32 stable COPD patients (16 with a low fat-free mass index (FFMI), 16 with a normal FFMI) and 15 controls underwent lung function and quadriceps strength tests and a percutaneous quadriceps biopsy. Quadriceps MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 protein were quantified with western blottin

SUBMITTER: Natanek SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4002632 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature