Analysis of Skeletal Muscle Torque Capacity and Circulating Ceramides in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure

Danielle L. Brunjes, Mark Dunlop, Christina Wu, Meaghan Jones, Tomoko S. Kato, Peter J. Kennel, Hilary F. Armstrong, Tse Hwei Choo, Matthew N. Bartels, Daniel E. Forman, Donna M. Mancini, P. Christian Schulze

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Heart failure (HF)-related exercise intolerance is thought to be perpetuated by peripheral skeletal muscle functional, structural, and metabolic abnormalities. We analyzed specific dynamics of muscle contraction in patients with HF compared with healthy, sedentary controls. Methods Isometric and isokinetic muscle parameters were measured in the dominant upper and lower limbs of 45 HF patients and 15 healthy age-matched controls. Measurements included peak torque normalized to body weight, work normalized to body weight, power, time to peak torque, and acceleration and deceleration to maximum strength times. Body morphometry (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan) and circulating fatty acids and ceramides (lipodomics) were analyzed in a subset of subjects (18 HF and 9 controls). Results Extension and flexion time-to-peak torque was longer in the lower limbs of HF patients. Furthermore, acceleration and deceleration times in the lower limbs were also prolonged in HF subjects. HF subjects had increased adiposity and decreased lean muscle mass compared with controls. Decreased circulating unsaturated fatty acids and increased ceramides were found in subjects with HF. Conclusions Delayed torque development suggests skeletal muscle impairments that may reflect abnormal neuromuscular functional coupling. These impairments may be further compounded by increased adiposity and inflammation associated with increased ceramides.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)347-355
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2016

Keywords

  • Heart failure
  • skeletal muscle function
  • time to peak torque

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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