Abnormalities of AMPK Activation and Glucose Uptake in Cultured Skeletal Muscle Cells from Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122982
• Publication Date: 2015-04-03T15:10:19Z
• Authors: Audrey E. Brown; David E. Jones; Mark Walker; Julia L. Newton
• Keywords: AMP-Activated Protein Kinase; Basal (medicine)

Background Post exertional muscle fatigue is a key feature in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Abnormalities of skeletal function have been identified some but not all patients with CFS. To try to limit potential confounders that might contribute this clinical heterogeneity, we developed novel vitro system allows comparison AMP kinase (AMPK) activation and metabolic responses exercise cultured cells from CFS control subjects. Methods Skeletal cell cultures were established 10 subjects 7 age-matched controls, subjected electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) for up 24h examined changes associated exercise. Results In the basal state, showed increased myogenin expression decreased IL6 secretion during differentiation compared cultures. Control 16h EPS significant increase both AMPK phosphorylation glucose uptake unstimulated cells. contrast, no or after EPS. However, remained responsive insulin pointing an exercise-related defect. response was significantly reduced at time points measured. Conclusion effective model eliciting contraction We found four main differences CFS; impaired AMPK, diminished release IL6. The retention these genetic/epigenetic mechanism, provides identify therapeutic targets.