Visceral Adiposity, Inﬂammation, and Testosterone Predict Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Mass and Activity in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Frontiers in Physiology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.809845 · Published: February 10, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the factors that predict mitochondrial health in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Mitochondrial health is crucial for overall health and is linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes. The researchers examined the roles of visceral adiposity (VAT), inﬂammatory markers, testosterone, and growth factors in predicting mitochondrial mass and activity in SCI patients. The study found that increased visceral fat and inﬂammation, along with lower testosterone levels, are associated with reduced mitochondrial function in people with chronic SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

33 individuals with chronic SCI (n = 27 Males, n = 6 Females)

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Citrate synthase (CS) activity, a measure of mitochondrial mass, was negatively associated with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), an inﬂammatory marker.
2
CS activity was positively associated with testosterone levels.
3
Complex III activity, reflecting electron transport chain activity, was negatively associated with VAT relative to total lean mass and positively associated with testosterone.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between visceral adiposity, inﬂammation, testosterone, and mitochondrial health in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that increased visceral adiposity and associated inﬂammatory signaling, along with reduced testosterone levels, predict mitochondrial dysfunction following SCI. The researchers suggest that interventions targeting visceral adiposity, inﬂammation, and testosterone levels may improve mitochondrial health in this population.

Practical Implications

Diet and Exercise Interventions

Targeting reductions in visceral adiposity through diet and exercise could improve mitochondrial function and overall cardiometabolic health in individuals with chronic SCI.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Consideration of testosterone replacement therapy for men with SCI who have low testosterone levels may help to enhance mitochondrial health and reduce cardiometabolic risk.

Inflammation Management

Strategies to reduce inflammation, potentially through diet or pharmaceutical interventions, may positively impact mitochondrial function in individuals with chronic SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study is cross-sectional, limiting the ability to determine causal relationships between the variables.
2
The sample size is relatively small, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
3
There was high variability within the sample, resulting in non-normal distributions for several variables.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury