Effect of Dietary Nitrate on Immobilization-induced Changes in Skeletal Muscle
Indiana University
Summary
Diminished use of skeletal muscle, such as occurs with many chronic diseases (e.g., heart failure or cancer cachexia), denervation, bedrest, immobilization (e.g., limb casting or bracing), etc., is a common clinical condition affecting untold millions of individuals each year. Such disuse leads to a rapid decline in muscle fiber area and hence whole muscle size, contributing to a decrease in strength, speed, and power as well as alterations in energy metabolism. Collectively, these changes lead to reduced physical function and contribute to the seriousness of any disease, illness (e.g., pneumonia), surgery (e.g., joint replacement), or injury (e.g., broken bone) accompanied by decreased muscular activity. Currently, there are no effective pharmacological treatments to prevent disuse-associated muscle wasting in humans. The above-described effects of disuse appear to be due, at least in part, to a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Reduced synthesis of NO and/or increased NO destruction (due to increased production of oxygen free radicals) likely contributes to the mitochondrial changes, energetic abnormalities, and muscle atrophy resulting from immobilization. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential benefits of dietary nitrate supplementation on immobilization-induced changes in muscle contractile function and mitochondrial respiratory capacity in young healthy men. Our disuse-induced muscle atrophy model will involve wearing a knee brace for a period of 14 d.
Description
Diminished use of skeletal muscle, such as occurs with many chronic diseases (e.g., heart failure or cancer cachexia), denervation, bedrest, immobilization (e.g., limb casting or bracing), etc., is a common clinical condition affecting untold millions of individuals each year. Such disuse leads to a rapid decline in muscle fiber area and hence whole muscle size, contributing to a decrease in strength, i.e., a reduction in the maximal force-generating capacity of muscle. There are also reductions in the maximal shortening velocity, and hence maximal power, of muscle, as well as alterations in en…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–44 years
- Sex
- Male
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Men age 18-44 * Above the minimum threshold of the IPAQ questionnaire * Below the maximum threshold of the IPAQ questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: * Men and women \<18 or \>44 years of age * Unable to provide informed consent * Known clotting disorder * Previous history of deep vein thrombosis * Injury to either leg resulting in reduced mobility in the previous year * Currently dieting or weight instability for the past 3 months * Epileptic * Pacemaker or other implantable heart device * Currently taking antibiotics * Current smoker * Stage II hypertension (resting bloo…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementBeetroot Juice - Active
Nitrate-rich beetroot juice
- Dietary SupplementPlacebo Beetroot Juice Without Nitrate
Nitrate-free beetroot juice
Location
- Indiana University IndianapolisIndianapolis, Indiana