Mitochondrial mass and activity as a function of body composition in individuals with spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to changes in body composition and muscle atrophy, increasing the risk of conditions like insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the relationships between mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, body composition, and these risks in men with SCI. The study found that increased body fat, especially visceral fat, is linked to decreased mitochondrial activity in skeletal muscle. Conversely, greater lean muscle mass is associated with higher mitochondrial activity. These findings suggest that maintaining or increasing lean mass and reducing fat, particularly around the abdomen, could improve mitochondrial function and overall health in individuals with SCI, potentially reducing their risk of related health problems.

• 1
  Citrate synthase (CS) activity, a marker of mitochondrial mass, was inversely related to %body fat, %leg fat, %trunk fat, and %android fat.
• 2
  Complex III (CIII) activity was negatively related to %body fat and %leg fat.
• 3
  Increased visceral adipose tissue was associated with decreased CS and CIII activity.