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Robert R Wolfe

Publications and source records attributed to Robert R Wolfe.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Measurement of stable isotopic enrichment and concentration of long-chain fatty acyl-carnitines in tissue by HPLC-MS.

We have developed a new method for the simultaneous measurements of stable isotopic tracer enrichments and concentrations of individual long-chain fatty acyl-carnitines in muscle tissue using ion-pairing high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Long-chain fatty acyl-carnitines were extracted from frozen muscle tissue samples by acetonitrile/methanol. Baseline separation was achieved by reverse-phase HPLC in the presence of the volatile ion-pairing reagent heptafluorobutyric acid. The SIM capability of a single quadrupole mass analyzer allows further separation of the ions of interest from the sample matrixes, providing very clean total and selected ion chromatograms that can be used to calculate the stable isotopic tracer enrichment and concentration of long-chain fatty acyl-carnitines in a single analysis. The combination of these two separation techniques greatly simplifies the sample preparation procedure and increases the detection sensitivity. Applying this protocol to biological muscle samples proves it to be a very sensitive, accurate, and precise analytical tool.

Animals↗

Compartmental distribution of amino acids during hemodialysis-induced hypoaminoacidemia.

The intracellular concentrations of essential amino acids (EAA) in muscle are maintained relatively constant under a variety of conditions. However, the effect of a decrease in blood amino acid concentrations on intracellular concentrations is not clear. Similarly, the relation between intracellular and interstitial concentrations has not been determined in this circumstance. Thus the aim of this study was to determine the effect of hypoaminoacidemia on intracellular, interstitial, and plasma concentrations of EAA and the mechanisms responsible for the respective changes. Twelve normal pigs were investigated before and during 120 min of hemodialysis by use of stable-isotope tracer methodology, microdialysis technique, and muscle biopsies. During hemodialysis, there was a decrease in the interstitial fluid concentrations of phenylalanine, leucine, alanine, and lysine that corresponded to their decrease in plasma concentration. Nonetheless, the intracellular concentrations of these amino acids were maintained at the basal levels throughout the entire period due principally to a reduction in the rate of incorporation of amino acids into protein that was approximately equivalent to the decrease in uptake from the plasma. In conclusion, intracellular concentrations of amino acids are regulated to maintain relatively constant values, even when plasma and interstitial concentrations fall as a consequence of hemodialysis.

Amino Acids, Essential↗

Quantification of the concentration and 13C tracer enrichment of long-chain fatty acyl-coenzyme A in muscle by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Recent diabetes and obesity research has been focused on the role of intracellular lipids in insulin resistance. Fatty acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) esters play a central role in the trafficking of intracellular lipids, but there has not previously been a method with which to quantify their kinetics using tracer methodology. We have therefore developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry method to simultaneously measure the (13)C stable isotopic enrichment of palmitoyl-acyl-CoA ester and the concentrations of five individual long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters extracted from muscle tissue samples. The long-chain fatty acyl-CoA can be effectively extracted from frozen muscle tissue samples and baseline separated by a reverse-phase HPLC with the presence of a volatile reagent-triethylamine. Negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring was used to analyze the fatty acyl-CoAs to achieve reliable quantification of their concentrations and (13)C isotopic enrichment. Applying this protocol to rabbit muscle samples demonstrates that it is a sensitive, accurate, and precise method for the quantification of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA concentrations and enrichment.

Acyl Coenzyme A↗

Method for the determination of the arteriovenous muscle protein balance during non-steady-state blood and muscle amino acid concentrations.

We describe a method based on the traditional arteriovenous balance technique in conjunction with muscle biopsies for the determination of leg muscle protein balance during the nonsteady state in blood amino acid concentrations. Six young, healthy individuals were studied in the postabsorptive state (pre-Phe) and after a bolus ingestion of approximately 0.5 g phenylalanine (post-Phe). Post-Phe free phenylalanine concentrations in blood and muscle increased (P < 0.05), but the respective concentrations of the amino acid threonine did not change. The average post-Phe leg net balance (NB) for threonine decreased from basal (P < 0.05), but that for phenylalanine did not change. A volume of distribution for free phenylalanine in the leg was calculated based on the leg lean mass and the relative muscle water content and used to estimate the rate of accumulation of free phenylalanine in the leg. When the post-Phe NB for phenylalanine was corrected for the rate of accumulation of free phenylalanine in the leg, the post-Phe NB for phenylalanine decreased from basal (P < 0.05). This corrected value was not different (P > 0.05) from the value predicted for the phenylalanine NB based on the pre- and post-Phe NB responses for threonine. We conclude that the protein NB in non-steady-state blood phenylalanine concentrations can be determined from the arteriovenous phenylalanine NB by accounting for changes in free phenylalanine within its volume of distribution.

Adult↗

Acute changes in fibrinogen metabolism and coagulation after hemorrhage in pigs.

Hemorrhagic coagulopathy is involved in the morbidity and mortality of trauma patients. Nonetheless, many aspects of the mechanisms underlying this disorder are poorly understood. We have therefore investigated changes in fibrinogen metabolism and coagulation function after a moderate hemorrhagic shock, using a new stable isotope approach. Twelve pigs were randomly divided into the control (C) and hemorrhage (H) groups. Hemorrhage was induced by bleeding 35% total blood volume over a 30-min period. A primed constant infusion of [1-(13)C]phenylalanine (Phe), d5-phenylalanine, and alpha-[1-(13)C]-ketoisocaproate (KIC) was given to quantify fibrinogen synthesis and breakdown, together with measurements of circulating liver enzyme activities and coagulation function. Mean arterial pressure was decreased by hemorrhage from 89 +/- 4 mmHg in C to 47 +/- 4 mmHg in H (P < 0.05), followed by a rebound to 68 +/- 5 mmHg afterward. Fibrinogen fractional synthesis rate increased from 2.7 +/- 0.2%/h in C to 4.2 +/- 0.4%/h in H by Phe (P < 0.05) and from 3.1 +/- 0.4%/h in C to 4.4 +/- 0.5%/h in H by KIC (P < 0.05). Fibrinogen fractional breakdown rate increased from 3.6 +/- 1.0%/h in C to 12.9 +/- 1.8%/h in H (P < 0.05). The absolute breakdown rate accelerated from 3.0 +/- 0.4 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) in C to 5.4 +/- 0.6 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) in H (P < 0.05), but the absolute synthesis rate remained unchanged. These metabolic changes were accompanied by a reduction in blood clotting time to 92.7 +/- 1.6% of the baseline value by hemorrhage (P < 0.05). No changes were found in liver enzyme activities. We conclude that the observed changes in coagulation after hemorrhagic shock are mechanistically related to the acute acceleration of fibrinogen degradation.

Amino Acids↗

Dietary protein intake impacts human skeletal muscle protein fractional synthetic rates after endurance exercise.

This investigation evaluated the physiological impact of different dietary protein intakes on skeletal muscle protein synthesis postexercise in endurance runners. Five endurance-trained, male runners participated in a randomized, crossover design diet intervention, where they consumed either a low (0.8 g/kg; LP)-, moderate (1.8 g/kg; MP)-, or high (3.6 g/kg; HP)-protein diet for 4 wk. Diets were designed to be eucaloric with carbohydrate, fat, and protein approximating 60, 30, and 10%; 55, 30, and 15%; and 40, 30, and 30% for LP, MP, and HP, respectively. Substrate oxidation was assessed via indirect calorimetry at 3 wk of the dietary interventions. Mixed-muscle protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR) was measured after an endurance run (75 min at 70% V(O2 peak)) using a primed, continuous infusion of [(2)H(5)]phenylalanine. Protein oxidation increased with increasing protein intake, with each trial being significantly different from the other (P < 0.01). FSR after exercise was significantly greater for LP (0.083%/h) and MP (0.078%/h) than for HP (0.052%/h; P < 0.05). There was no difference in FSR between LP and MP. This is the first investigation to establish that habitual dietary protein intake in humans modulates skeletal muscle protein synthesis after an endurance exercise bout. Future studies directed at mechanisms by which level of protein intake influences skeletal muscle turnover are needed.

Adult↗

Amino acid control of muscle protein turnover in renal disease.

This review discusses the concept that skeletal muscle intracellular amino acids (ICAAs), in particular the essential amino acids, are regulated throughout a wide range of physiologic circumstances. Whether in critical illness, severe injury, or healthy states, ICAAs are closely regulated by a coordinated response in 1 or more of the processes of synthesis, breakdown, and tissue transport. For a given metabolic signal (hormonal, change in plasma amino acid concentrations), the regulation of ICAAs entails appropriate and corresponding changes in amino acid kinetics. These changes vary according to the strength of the metabolic signal and the existing requirement to maintain the ICAA pool. For the patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), frequent dialysis induces an abrupt removal of half of the circulating amino acids, which in turn results in a substantial efflux of amino acids from skeletal muscle. ICAAs are maintained through the increase in protein breakdown, and similar to other stress states, there is a concomitant increase in protein synthesis. Thus, the regulation of ICAAs often pushes subsequent adaptations in amino acid kinetics to maintain the existing homeostasis. This regulatory mechanism is evident in circumstances ranging from increased amino acid availability in healthy volunteers to a change in anabolic signal in severe injury. Despite the substantial evidence of ICAA regulation, its physiologic significance is not evident. However, the regulation of ICAAs represents a method by which skeletal muscle ensures its capacity for anabolism.

Amino Acids↗

Aging is associated with diminished accretion of muscle proteins after the ingestion of a small bolus of essential amino acids.

BACKGROUND: Previous evidence suggests that aging in healthy persons does not result in decreased incorporation of muscle proteins after a bolus ingestion of 15 g essential amino acids (EAAs). OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine whether ingestion of a smaller bolus of EAAs is associated with diminished accretion of muscle proteins in the elderly when compared with the young. DESIGN: Eleven elderly subjects (mean +/- SEM: 68 +/- 2 y) and 8 young control subjects (mean +/- SEM: 31 +/- 2 y) were studied in the postabsorptive state and for 3.5 h after a bolus ingestion of approximately 7 g EAAs. Muscle protein accretion and synthesis were measured with the femoral arteriovenous phenylalanine net balance technique during a constant infusion of L-[ring-(2)H5]phenylalanine. RESULTS: Similar to previous observations, no significant differences in the postabsorptive phenylalanine net balance were observed between the groups. However, the mean (+/-SEM) net phenylalanine uptake after EAA ingestion was significantly less in the elderly (9.9 +/- 3.7 mg/leg) than in the young (25.1 +/- 3.7 mg/leg; P < 0.05). The mean (+/-SEM) rate of disappearance of phenylalanine during the same period significantly increased above basal rates in the young (36 +/- 3 compared with 30 +/- 3 nmol x min(-1) x 100 mL leg volume(-1); P < 0.05) but not in the elderly (30 +/- 3 compared with 28 +/- 5 nmol x min(-1) x 100 mL leg volume(-1); P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that aging results in a diminished accretion of muscle proteins after ingestion of a small dose of EAAs. These findings may have practical implications with respect to the amount of protein contained in supplements given to the elderly for enhancing the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis.

Adult↗

Amino acid supplementation for reversing bed rest and steroid myopathies.

Muscular inactivity is inherent in many circumstances, including convalescence from serious illness or injury, spaceflight, and the progression of aging. Inactivity in a healthy individual leads to a decrease in whole-body protein turnover composed primarily of a decrease in muscle protein synthesis. The decrease in muscle protein synthesis leads to a substantial loss of lean body mass. We have demonstrated that this loss of lean mass is greater when inactivity is accompanied by stress, specifically hypercortisolemia. During convalescence from trauma or injury, the anabolic stimulus provided by nutrient ingestion represents a primary means of ameliorating the loss of muscle protein. We have previously demonstrated that ingestion of essential amino acids (EAAs), formulated to mimic the proportion of EAAs in muscle, provides a potent anabolic stimulus for muscle protein. Recently, we demonstrated that EAA supplementation throughout 28 d of bed rest stimulated net muscle protein synthesis. The repeated stimulation translated to maintenance of lean body mass and an amelioration of functional decrement compared to a placebo treatment. We have also demonstrated that this EAA supplement stimulates net protein synthesis during acute hypercortisolemia and are currently testing the effects during prolonged inactivity. Although EAAs promote muscle anabolism during hypercortisolemia, it is unlikely that a nutritional intervention alone would be effective in maintaining lean body mass during severe stress. It may be necessary to concomitantly reduce the catabolic influence of cortisol or provide another anabolic stimulus.

Amino Acids↗

Regulation of skeletal muscle protein metabolism in catabolic states.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights recent publications dealing with the nature of the in-vivo response of skeletal muscle to critical illness and approaches to attenuating this response. Studies focused on molecular mechanisms of muscle catabolism are not reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: The general areas covered are the metabolic response to stress, particularly regarding the relationship between muscle protein breakdown, amino acid availability, and muscle protein synthesis. The impact of the profile of amino acids in the context of protein/amino acid intake is also discussed. Advances in our understanding of the hormonal response are considered, and use of insulin therapy to slow muscle catabolism is discussed. SUMMARY: Muscle catabolism is a fundamental response to severe stress, and the resulting amino acid efflux from muscle provides important precursors for protein synthesis in other parts of the body. The nature of this response (i.e. transport kinetics favoring efflux of amino acids from muscle) makes amelioration of the catabolic response of muscle with nutrition alone very difficult. Many approaches have been used to reverse catabolism, mostly involving various anabolic hormones. Recent studies using insulin therapy are particularly intriguing because of the low cost and powerful anabolic stimulus of insulin.

Amino Acids↗

Influence of metformin on glucose intolerance and muscle catabolism following severe burn injury.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Hyperglycemia and accelerated muscle catabolism have been shown to adversely affect immune response and survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of metformin on glucose kinetics and muscle protein metabolism in severely burned patients and assess any potential benefit of metformin in this clinical setting. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized manner, 8 adult burn patients received metformin (850 mg every 8 hours x 7 days), while 5 burn patients received placebo. Infusions of 6,6d2 glucose, d5 phenylalanine, sequential muscle biopsies, and femoral arterial, venous blood sampling allowed determination of glucose and muscle protein kinetics. Measurements were obtained immediately prior and at the conclusion of 7 days of treatment (metformin versus placebo). All patients received enteral feeds of comparable amounts during study. RESULTS: Patients receiving metformin had a significant decrease in their plasma glucose concentration, the rate of glucose production, and an increase in glucose clearance. Metformin administration was also associated with a significant increase in the fractional synthetic rate of muscle protein and improvement in net muscle protein balance. Glucose kinetics and muscle protein metabolism were not significantly altered in the patients receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin attenuates hyperglycemia and increases muscle protein synthesis in severely burned patients, thereby indicating a metabolic link between hyperglycemia and muscle loss following severe injury. Therefore, therapies that improve glucose tolerance such as metformin may be of clinical value in ameliorating muscle catabolism in critically injured patients.

Adult↗

Comparison of peripheral metabolic effects of insulin and metformin following severe burn injury.

OBJECTIVE: Both insulin and metformin have been shown to attenuate hyperglycemia and reduce net muscle protein catabolism following burn injury. The purpose of this study was to compare the peripheral metabolic effects of insulin and metformin in severe burn patients. METHODS: Six adult patients with burns greater than 40% of their body surface underwent metabolic evaluation utilizing isotopic dilution of phenylalanine, femoral arterial and venous blood sampling, and sequential biopsies of leg muscle. Following baseline measurements, insulin was infused into the femoral artery at 0.45 mIU/min 100 mL leg volume. Patients were then given metformin (850 mg every 8 hours) for seven days with repeat metabolic evaluation before and during intra-arterial infusion of insulin. RESULTS: Intra-arterial administration of insulin significantly increased insulin concentrations within the femoral vein, creating hyperinsulinemia localized to the extremity. Metformin had no significant effect on either peripheral glucose clearance or the rate of glucose oxidation. Furthermore, the availability of ATP and energy charge within muscle was not overtly affected by either insulin or metformin. Metformin did significantly increase the fractional synthetic rate of muscle protein which increased even further with insulin administration. Both metformin and insulin separately increased the rate of muscle protein synthesis as calculated using three compartment modeling. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant anabolic effect on muscle protein with metformin and a modest response with insulin. Findings also suggest that metformin and insulin may work synergistically to further improve muscle protein kinetics.

Adult↗

The catabolic effects of prolonged inactivity and acute hypercortisolemia are offset by dietary supplementation.

We compared the anabolic stimulus provided by an essential amino acid and carbohydrate (AA/CHO) supplement to a mixed clinical meal during bed rest (BR) and episodic hypercortisolemia ( approximately 24 microg.dl(-1)). In the experimental (EXP; n = 7) and control (CON; n = 6) groups, femoral arteriovenous blood samples and vastus lateralis biopsy samples were obtained during a primed constant infusion of l-[ring-(2)H(5)]phenylalanine and a 14-h infusion of hydrocortisone sodium succinate (60 microg.kg.h(-1)) before (pre-BR) and after (post-BR) 28 d of BR. Muscle protein kinetics were calculated during the postabsorptive state, for 2.5 h after ingestion of a meal and for 2.5 h after ingestion of an AA/CHO supplement (EXP) or placebo (CON). Postabsorptive net phenylalanine balance values were as follows: EXP, -35.14 +/- 2.93, and CON, -32.60 +/- 6.65 (pre-BR); and EXP, -32.91 +/- 5.67, and CON, -30.43 +/- 6.28 nmol phe.ml(-1).100 ml leg volume(-1) (post-BR). After AA/CHO supplementation, net phenylalanine balance improved to 33.51 +/- 8.06 (pre-BR) and 24.15 +/- 11.4 nmol phe.ml(-1).100 ml leg volume(-1) (post-BR), but remained negative after the meal. Cumulative 5.5-h mixed muscle fractional synthetic rate was greater in the EXP group pre-BR (EXP, 0.108 +/- 0.01, and CON, 0.073 +/- 0.04%.h(-1)) and post-BR (EXP, 0.111 +/- 0.015, and CON, 0.05 +/- 0.002%.h(-1)). Unlike a typical clinical meal, AA/CHO supplementation stimulated net muscle protein synthesis despite acute hypercortisolemia and prolonged inactivity.

Adult↗

Exogenous amino acids stimulate human muscle anabolism without interfering with the response to mixed meal ingestion.

We sought to determine whether ingestion of a between-meal supplement containing 30 g of carbohydrate and 15 g of essential amino acids (CAA) altered the metabolic response to a nutritionally mixed meal in healthy, recreationally active male volunteers. A control group (CON; n = 6, 38 +/- 8 yr, 86 +/- 10 kg, 179 +/- 3 cm) received a liquid mixed meal [protein, 23.4 +/- 1.0 g (essential amino acids, 14.7 +/- 0.7 g); carbohydrate, 126.6 +/- 4.0 g; fat, 30.3 +/- 2.8 g] every 5 h (0830, 1330, 1830). The experimental group (SUP; n = 7, 36 +/- 10 yr, 87 +/- 12 kg, 180 +/- 3 cm) consumed the same meals but, in addition, were given CAA supplements (1100, 1600, 2100). Net phenylalanine balance (NB) and fractional synthetic rate (FSR) were calculated during a 16-h primed constant infusion of L-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine. Ingestion of a combination of CAA supplements and meals resulted in a greater mixed muscle FSR than ingestion of the meals alone (SUP, 0.099 +/- 0.008; CON, 0.076 +/- 0.005%/h; P < 0.05). Both groups experienced an improvement in NB after the morning (SUP, -2.2 +/- 3.3; CON, -1.5 +/- 3.5 nmol x min(-1) x 100 ml leg volume(-1)) and evening meals (SUP, -9.7 +/- 4.3; CON, -6.7 +/- 4.1 nmol x min(-1) x 100 ml leg volume(-1)). NB after CAA ingestion was significantly greater than after the meals, with values of 40.2 +/- 8.5 nmol x min(-1) x 100 ml leg volume(-1). These data indicate that CAA supplementation produces a greater anabolic effect than ingestion of intact protein but does not interfere with the normal metabolic response to a meal.

Adult↗

Incidence of associated events during the performance of invasive procedures in healthy human volunteers.

Metabolic investigations often utilize arteriovenous sampling and muscle biopsy. These investigations represent some risk to the subject. We examined 369 studies performed in the General Clinical Research Center between January 1994 and May 2003 for events related to femoral catheterization and muscle biopsies. Incidents were further examined by age (younger: 18-59 yr, n=133; and older: 60-76 yr, n=28). There were no clinically defined major complications associated with either procedure. The incidence of femoral catheter repositioning or reinsertion was higher in the older group (25.5 vs. 9.7%). There was no difference in the incidence of premature removal of catheters, ecchymosis or hematoma, or the persistence of pain after discharge. The occurrence of all incidents did not increase with multiple catheterizations. Muscle biopsy was associated with infrequent ecchymosis or hematoma in both groups (1.1 and 3.6% in younger and older groups, respectively). Both procedures entail a small likelihood of a vagallike response (3.3% overall), resulting in nausea, dizziness, and rarely a loss of consciousness. These results indicate that, in skilled hands and a defined clinical setting, the incidents associated with femoral catheterization and muscle biopsy in healthy volunteers are reasonable and largely controllable.

Adolescent↗

Impaired plasma fatty acid oxidation in extremely obese women.

Skeletal muscle from extremely obese individuals exhibits decreased lipid oxidation compared with muscle from lean controls. It is unknown whether this effect is observed in vivo or whether the phenotype is preserved after massive weight loss. The objective of this study was to compare free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation during rest and exercise in female subjects who were either lean [n = 7; body mass index (BMI) = 22.6 +/- 2.2 kg/m(2)] or extremely obese (n = 10; BMI = 40.8 +/- 5.4 kg/m(2)) or postgastric bypass patients who had lost >45 kg (weight reduced) (n = 6; BMI = 33.7 +/- 9.9 kg/m(2)) with the use of tracer ([(13)C]palmitate and [(14)C]acetate) methodology and indirect calorimetry. The lean group oxidized significantly more plasma FFA, as measured by percent fatty acid uptake oxidized, than the extremely obese or weight-reduced group during rest (66.6 +/- 14.9 vs. 41.5 +/- 16.4 vs. 39.9 +/- 15.3%) and exercise (86.3 +/- 11.9 vs. 56.3 +/- 22.1 vs. 57.3 +/- 20.3%, respectively). BMI significantly correlated with percent uptake oxidized during both rest (r = -0.455) and exercise (r = -0.459). In conclusion, extremely obese women and weight-reduced women both possess inherent defects in plasma FFA oxidation, which may play a role in massive weight gain and associated comorbidities.

Adult↗

Fatiguing exercise reduces DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB in skeletal muscle nuclei.

This study tested the hypothesis that skeletal muscle contraction activates nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a putative regulator of muscle protein breakdown. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis of healthy humans before, immediately after, and 1 h after fatiguing resistance exercise of the lower limbs. Biopsies were analyzed for nuclear NF-kappaB DNA binding activity by using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. NF-kappaB activity, measured immediately after exercise, was less than preexercise activity; after 1-h recovery, activity returned to preexercise levels. In follow-up studies in adult mice, basal NF-kappaB activity varied among individual muscles. NF-kappaB activity in diaphragm fiber bundles was decreased after a 10-min bout of fatiguing tetanic contractions in vitro. NF-kappaB activity in soleus was increased by 12 days of unloading by hindlimb suspension; this increase was reversed by 10 min of fatiguing exercise. These data provide no support for our original hypothesis. Instead, acute fatiguing exercise appears to decrease NF-kappaB activity in muscle under a variety of conditions.

Adult↗