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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-04-2014 | Original Article

Androgenic and estrogenic regulation of Atrogin-1, MuRF1 and myostatin expression in different muscle types of male mice

Authors: H. De Naeyer, S. Lamon, A. P. Russell, I. Everaert, A. De Spaey, B. Vanheel, Y. Taes, W. Derave

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Purpose

The molecular factors targeted by androgens and estrogens on muscle mass are not fully understood. The current study aimed to explore gene and protein expression of Atrogin-1, MuRF1, and myostatin in an androgen deprivation-induced muscle atrophy model.

Methods

We examined the effects of Orx either with or without testosterone (T) or estradiol (E₂) administration on Atrogin-1 gene expression, and MuRF1 and myostatin gene and protein expression. Measurements were made in soleus (SOL), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and levator ani/bulbocavernosus (LA/BC) of male C57BL/6 mice.

Results

Thirty days of Orx resulted in a reduction in weight gain and muscle mass. These effects were prevented by T. In LA/BC, Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 mRNA was increased throughout 30 days of Orx, which was fully reversed by T and partially by E₂ administration. In EDL and SOL, a less pronounced upregulation of both genes was only detectable at the early stages of Orx. Myostatin mRNA levels were downregulated in LA/BC and upregulated in EDL following Orx. T, but not E₂, reversed these effects. No changes in protein levels of MuRF1 and myostatin were found in EDL at any time point following Orx.

Conclusions

The atrophy in SOL and EDL in response to androgen deprivation, and its restoration by T, is accompanied by only minimal changes in atrogenes and myostatin gene expression. The marked differences in muscle atrophy and atrogene and myostatin mRNA between LA/BC and the locomotor muscles suggest that the murine LA/BC is not an optimal model to study Orx-induced muscle atrophy.

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Title: Androgenic and estrogenic regulation of Atrogin-1, MuRF1 and myostatin expression in different muscle types of male mice
Authors: H. De Naeyer
S. Lamon
A. P. Russell
I. Everaert
A. De Spaey
B. Vanheel
Y. Taes
W. Derave
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2800-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Androgenic and estrogenic regulation of Atrogin-1, MuRF1 and myostatin expression in different muscle types of male mice

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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