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Description

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is characterized by restricted oxygen delivery to various tissues. Oxygen is crucial for ATP production in mitochondria, which is necessary for muscle contraction. This study aimed to compare protein and mitochondrial content in the soleus, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles in sickle cell mice versus control mice, focusing on the potential impact of mitochondrial content on muscle function. Grip strength was measured in live mice using repeated trials while they gripped a platform. Protein content was assessed with a bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, and mitochondrial content was evaluated using citrate synthase activity in muscle homogenates. Mitochondrial content in the soleus muscle correlated significantly with grip strength. Sickle mice exhibited higher protein content in the soleus, EDL, and TA muscles compared to controls, with statistically significant differences in the soleus (p=0.009) and EDL (p=0.036) muscles. Additionally, mitochondrial content was higher in sickle males compared to controls (p=0.039). The study suggests that increased mitochondrial content in sickle males, particularly in the soleus muscle, may be a compensatory response to metabolic demands imposed by SCD. These findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial adaptations in muscle performance and suggest potential therapeutic targets to address mitochondrial dysfunction in SCD.

Publication Date

4-1-2025

Keywords

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), mitochondrial content, muscle function, grip strength, citrate synthase activity, soleus muscle, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), tibialis anterior (TA), protein content, metabolic adaptation

Protein Content is Higher in Sickle Cell Mice Compared to Control Mice, Potentially Due to Mitochondrial Content Within the Soleus Muscle, Specifically in Sickle Males

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