help button home button Endocrine Society JCEM ENDO 08
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a related Letter to the Editor
Right arrow Purchase Article
Right arrow View Shopping Cart
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Copyright Permission
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Goodpaster, B. H.
Right arrow Articles by Kelley, D. E.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Goodpaster, B. H.
Right arrow Articles by Kelley, D. E.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 86, No. 12 5755-5761
Copyright © 2001 by The Endocrine Society


Other Original Articles

Skeletal Muscle Lipid Content and Insulin Resistance: Evidence for a Paradox in Endurance-Trained Athletes

Bret H. Goodpaster, Jing He, Simon Watkins and David E. Kelley

Departments of Medicine (B.H.G., J.H., D.E.K.) and Cell Biology (S.W.), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Bret H. Goodpaster, E1140 Biomedical Science Tower, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261. E-mail: bgood+{at}pitt.edu

Abstract

We examined the hypothesis that an excess accumulation of intramuscular lipid (IMCL) is associated with insulin resistance and that this may be mediated by the oxidative capacity of muscle. Nine sedentary lean (L) and 11 obese (O) subjects, 8 obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (D), and 9 lean, exercise-trained (T) subjects volunteered for this study. Insulin sensitivity (M) determined during a hyperinsulinemic (40 mU·m-2min-1) euglycemic clamp was greater (P < 0.01) in L and T, compared with O and D (9.45 ± 0.59 and 10.26 ± 0.78 vs. 5.51 ± 0.61 and 1.15 ± 0.83 mg·min-1kg fat free mass-1, respectively). IMCL in percutaneous vastus lateralis biopsy specimens by quantitative image analysis of Oil Red O staining was approximately 2-fold higher in D than in L (3.04 ± 0.39 vs. 1.40 ± 0.28% area as lipid; P < 0.01). IMCL was also higher in T (2.36 ± 0.37), compared with L (P < 0.01). The oxidative capacity of muscle determined with succinate dehydrogenase staining of muscle fibers was higher in T, compared with L, O, and D (50.0 ± 4.4, 36.1 ± 4.4, 29.7 ± 3.8, and 33.4 ± 4.7 optical density units, respectively; P < 0.01). IMCL was negatively associated with M (r = -0.57, P < 0.05) when endurance-trained subjects were excluded from the analysis, and this association was independent of body mass index. However, the relationship between IMCL and M was not significant when trained individuals were included. There was a positive association between the oxidative capacity and M among nondiabetics (r = 0.37, P < 0.05). In summary, skeletal muscle of trained endurance athletes is markedly insulin sensitive and has a high oxidative capacity, despite having an elevated lipid content. In conclusion, the capacity for lipid oxidation may be an important mediator of the association between excess muscle lipid accumulation and insulin resistance.

RECENT EVIDENCE SUGGESTS that an excess accumulation of skeletal muscle lipid is associated with insulin resistance in human obesity (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (7, 8). Animal models of insulin resistance also lend support to this concept (9, 10, 11). Typically, muscle triglyceride (TG) concentrations have been measured using biochemical extraction methods in homogenates from either percutaneous biopsies or whole muscle (4, 5, 7, 8, 10). Thus, it is not certain whether the increased muscle TG concentrations were confounded by contamination from adipose tissue. Recent studies (1, 3, 6, 12, 13) using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have also found that intramyocellular lipid is negatively associated with insulin sensitivity in vivo, although absolute concentrations of lipid using this methodology has yet to be quantified. Our group has recently demonstrated, using quantitative histochemistry, that the lipid contained within muscle fibers from obese subjects with type 2 DM was higher, compared with lean nondiabetics (14). Therefore, one hypothesis tested in the current study was that an excess accumulation of lipid within muscle fibers is associated with insulin resistance independent of obesity.

Insulin resistant skeletal muscle is characterized by lower oxidative capacity (15, 16) and lower postabsorptive rates of fatty acid oxidation (17). Elevated concentrations of lipid contained within skeletal muscle have also been linked to an impaired oxidative capacity of muscle (15) and lower rates of fatty acid oxidation by muscle (17). This raises the possibility that the association between lipid accumulation within muscle and insulin resistance is influenced by a lower capacity for the oxidation of lipid as an energy substrate.

Exercise training enhances insulin sensitivity (18, 19, 20, 21) and the capacity for lipid oxidation (5, 22, 23, 24). Exercise training also increases fatty acid oxidation from intramuscular TG stores during exercise (25). However, the effect of exercise training on intramuscular TG is equivocal; some studies have demonstrated that training increases intramuscular TG (26, 27), and others have shown a decrease with exercise training (28). Accumulation of TG within skeletal muscle may not be invariably linked to insulin resistance. The possibility that endurance-trained athletes have an enhanced storage of intramuscular TG despite their high insulin sensitivity within muscle would contradict the apparent general association between increased intramuscular TG and insulin resistance. This serves as the basis for the intriguing hypothesis that the capacity for oxidative metabolism is an important mediator in the association between intramuscular lipid and insulin resistance.

Experimental Subjects

Nine lean and 8 obese volunteers with type 2 DM, 11 obese nondiabetics, and 9 endurance-trained athletes between the ages of 25 and 50 yr were recruited by public advertisement. Before participation, all potential research volunteers underwent a medical screening evaluation before participation. All volunteers were normotensive and had fasting TG and cholesterol levels less than 300 mg/dl without any antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications. Women taking oral contraceptives were also excluded. Type 2 DM volunteers had been withdrawn from oral antidiabetic medications for at least 2 wk before this study, and none had received insulin. Type 2 DM patients were excluded if they had moderate to severe complications of DM such as retinopathy or peripheral neuropathy. None of the lean, obese nondiabetic individuals or those with type 2 DM were currently engaged in exercise training, and all were weight stable (±2 kg) for at least 3 months before enrollment in the study. The endurance-trained individuals were currently participating in a minimum of 5 d/wk of aerobic exercise training, and all but two were involved in competitive cycling. The study was approved by the University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Board, and informed written consent was obtained from each volunteer.

Materials and Methods

Muscle biopsies

Subjects were instructed not to perform physical exercise 48 h before the muscle biopsy procedure to help prevent acute effects of exercise on muscle TG. Subjects were given a standard 10 kcal/kg meal consisting of 50% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 20% protein the night before the biopsy and then fasted overnight.

Muscle biopsies were obtained from the middle region of the vastus lateralis muscle (15 cm above the patella) and approximately 2 cm away from the fascia by the percutaneous needle biopsy technique as described by Evans et al. (29). Muscle specimens were trimmed, mounted, and frozen in isopentane cooled at -160 C by liquid nitrogen and stored at -80 C for histochemical analysis.

Histochemical analysis

Histochemical analyses were performed on light microscopic micrographs of 8-µm-thick transverse cryostat sections at -29 C (Micron HM505E, Walldorff, Germany). Initial sections from each frozen muscle block were inspected without stain to ensure that proper cross-sectional cuts were being obtained; if not, then the orientation was adjusted and this process repeated until good cross-sectional orientation was obtained. Muscle sectioning, staining, and image analysis were done in a blinded manner with respect to group.

Lipid staining was done using the Oil Red O soluble dye, which stains neutral lipid (mainly TGs) with an orange-red tint (30) (Fig. 1Go). The intramuscular lipid (IMCL) content was determined as previously described (14). Briefly, an Olympus Corp. light microscope (Provis, Tokyo, Japan), was used to examine the stained muscle sections, using a 40x oil immersion objective and bright field settings. Images were digitally captured using a CCD camera (Sony, Tokyo, Japan). Contiguous fields of view within the biopsy section that were free from artifact were analyzed for lipid content; quantitative image analysis was then carried out on at least 80 fibers, or approximately 10 contiguous fibers per field.



View larger version (125K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 1. Oil Red O staining of neutral lipid within skeletal muscle at 40x magnification. Lipid droplets are viewed as distinct spots of stain. Images were converted to gray scale for quantification of lipid staining.

 
Images from each file were saved as gray-scale images (TIFF file format) and the digitized data were then analyzed with the freeware NIH Image software (rsb.info.nih.gov/nih-image/). Oil Red staining was quantified as the area occupied by lipid staining: LAI = (total area occupied by lipid droplets of muscle fiber)·100/(total cross-sectional area of a muscle fiber). The LAI was calculated for each of eight fields within the section and a mean LAI was then calculated for each volunteer. A control section treated with acetone and subsequently stained revealed no visible staining and thus no background staining was observed.

Oxidative capacity of muscle was determined with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) staining (31). Quantification of SDH staining was performed using image analysis of staining intensity, a method that has been verified with biochemical determination of SDH activity in muscle (32, 33). As negative control slides for this reaction, to assess background staining, sections were incubated in media without the enzyme substrate succinate. The proportion of type 1, 2a, and 2b muscle fibers was also determined on cryosections containing at least 300 fibers by ATPase staining (34).

Insulin sensitivity

Insulin sensitivity was determined using the hyperinsulinemic (40 mU·m-2·min-1), euglycemic clamp method as previously described (2). Subjects were instructed to avoid strenuous activity for 2 d preceding these studies. On the day before measurement of insulin sensitivity, subjects were admitted to the University of Pittsburgh General Clinical Research Center. That evening they received a standard dinner (10 kcal/kg; 50% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 20% protein) and then fasted until completion of the glucose and insulin infusions. At ~ 0700 h, a catheter was placed in a forearm vein before beginning the euglycemic insulin infusion (Humulin, Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, IN). An additional catheter was inserted into a heated hand vein in the retrograde direction for sampling of arterialized blood. After obtaining basal blood samples, a primed constant infusion of [6, 6-2H2] glucose (0.22 µmol·kg-1, 17.6 µmol·kg-1 prime) 99% enriched (Isotech, Inc., Miamisburg, OH) was started with a calibrated syringe pump (Harvard Apparatus, Natick, MA), allowing 2 h for isotopic equilibration before the initiation of the insulin infusion in only subjects with type 2 DM. Euglycemia was maintained using an adjustable infusion of 20% dextrose, to which [6, 6-2H2] glucose was added to maintain stable plasma glucose enrichment (35). Plasma glucose was determined at 5-min intervals during the 4-h clamp. Blood samples for measurement of [6, 6-2H2] glucose enrichment were collected every 10 min during the final 40 min of insulin infusion.

Analyses

Plasma glucose was measured using an automated glucose oxidase reaction (2300 glucose analyzer, YSI, Inc., Yellow Springs, OH). Enrichment of plasma [6, 6-2H2] glucose enrichment was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HP 5971 MS, 5890 Series 2 GC; Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto, CA) analysis of the glucose penta-acetate derivatives, selectively monitoring ions at mass-to-charge 200 and 202.

Calculations. Rate of plasma glucose appearance and utilization were calculated using the Steele equations (36), as modified for variable rate glucose infusions, which contain isotope (35).

Statistical analysis. Data are presented as mean ± SEM, unless otherwise indicated. Group differences in IMCL, muscle oxidative staining, and insulin sensitivity were assessed with one-way ANOVA, using a Bonferroni correction for specific group comparisons. The relationships between insulin sensitivity and intramuscular lipid and muscle oxidative staining were determined with bivariate regression analysis. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was used to determine these associations after adjusting for total adiposity. All statistics were performed using JMP version 3.1.6 for the Macintosh (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC).

Results

Subject clinical characteristics

Lean and obese volunteers and obese subjects with type 2 DM were considered sedentary from their recent physical activity levels; none of these individuals were participating in regular exercise. The endurance-trained subjects were currently participating in at least 5 d/wk of aerobic exercise training. Moreover, the athletes had a relatively high aerobic capacity as evidenced by their maximal oxygen uptake of 61.0 ± 5.4 ml/kg per min, determined in another study protocol.

The general body composition characteristics of these subjects are described in Table 1Go. Obese subjects with type 2 diabetes were older than nondiabetics. Per study design, lean sedentary and trained subjects had a lower body mass index than either the obese or obese type 2 DM groups. Accordingly, their total and proportion of body fat were also lower as determined by DXA, model DPX-L (Lunar Corp., Madison, WI) using software version 1.3Z. Fasting plasma glucose was higher (P < 0.05) in the obese subjects with type 2 DM, compared with nondiabetics, who had similar fasting plasma glucose values (Table 2Go). Serum TG concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the trained group (Table 2Go).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 1. Subject physical characteristics

 

View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 2. Subject clinical characteristics

 
Insulin sensitivity

Values for insulin sensitivity are represented relative to fat free mass. Lean subjects were nearly twice as insulin sensitive, compared with obese subjects (P < 0.05; Fig. 2Go). Expectedly, those with type 2 DM were markedly insulin resistant, compared with those without diabetes (P < 0.05). Insulin sensitivity was similar in lean sedentary subjects and lean endurance-trained subjects.



View larger version (19K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 2. Insulin sensitivity in lean and obese subjects, obese subjects with type 2 DM, and exercise-trained subjects. *, P < 0.05 vs. obese and type 2 DM groups; **, P < 0.05 vs. type 2 DM group only. Results are mean ± SE.

 
Skeletal muscle lipid and oxidative capacity

The content of IMCL was approximately 2-fold higher in type 2 DM, compared with lean sedentary subjects (P < 0.05; Fig. 3Go). Trained subjects also had higher IMCL than the lean untrained subjects (P < 0.05), and indeed these values for trained subjects were similar to that of diabetic muscle. The oxidative capacity of muscle, determined by the SDH staining intensity, was 65% higher in trained muscle, compared with the sedentary obese group and 50% higher than those with type 2 DM (P < 0.05 for both; Fig. 4Go). The oxidative capacity also tended to be higher in trained subjects, compared with the lean sedentary group, but this difference was not significant. The oxidative capacities of lean, obese, and obese type 2 DM sedentary subjects were not significantly different. Interestingly, muscle fiber type was not different among the four groups. The proportion of type 1 fibers was 40 ± 8, 35 ± 4, 39 ± 7, and 44 ± 4 for lean, obese, obese type 2 DM, and trained subjects, respectively. The proportion of type 2a and 2b fibers was also not different among groups.



View larger version (19K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 3. IMCL content in lean and obese subjects, obese subjects with type 2 DM, and exercise-trained subjects. *, P < 0.05 vs. obese and lean groups; **, P < 0.05 vs. lean group only. Results are mean ± SE.

 


View larger version (21K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 4. SDH staining activities in lean and obese subjects, obese subjects with type 2 DM, and exercise-trained subjects. *, P < 0.05 vs. obese and type 2 DM groups. Results are mean ± SE.

 
Association of muscle lipid and oxidative capacity with insulin resistance

Among sedentary subjects, there was an inverse association between the amount of lipid contained within muscle fibers (IMCL) and insulin sensitivity (Fig. 5Go), in which IMCL accounted for 32% of the variance in insulin sensitivity. This relationship remained significant (P < 0.05) when obese individuals with type 2 DM omitted from the analysis, though the observed variance was reduced to 19%. Moreover, stepwise multivariate regression revealed that the association between IMCL and insulin resistance was independent of total adiposity and age. However, the negative association between IMCL and insulin sensitivity was observed only when the trained subjects were excluded from the analysis; there was no association (r2 = 0.03) when exercise-trained individuals were included.



View larger version (20K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 5. Association between IMCL and insulin sensitivity (M), including sedentary lean {blacksquare}, obese •, and type 2 DM {diamondsuit} subjects; n = 35. The r value represents the simple correlation coefficient for these subjects combined. The designated {alpha} indicates that this relationship was significant.

 
There was a positive association between the oxidative capacity of muscle determined with SDH staining and insulin sensitivity (Fig. 6Go), but only when the obese subjects with type 2 diabetes were omitted from the analysis. The profound insulin resistance in the diabetics likely contributed to our inability to detect this association with these subjects included. In fact, three of the obese subjects with diabetes had no measurable insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Nevertheless, this positive correlation between SDH staining and insulin sensitivity is consistent with the higher oxidative capacity and higher insulin sensitivity in the trained subjects, compared with the sedentary groups.



View larger version (23K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 6. Association between SDH staining activities and insulin sensitivity (M), including sedentary lean {blacksquare}, obese •, and trained {square} subjects; n = 29. The r value represents the simple correlation coefficient for these subjects combined. The designated {alpha} indicates that this relationship was significant.

 
Discussion

A primary finding of the present study was that the lipid contained within muscle fibers of sedentary individuals was inversely associated with insulin resistance. However, individuals engaged in regular exercise training had higher muscle fiber lipid content despite being markedly insulin sensitive. The higher oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle in these trained athletes provides a likely intermediary in the association between muscle lipid content and insulin resistance. By examining the muscle lipid content, oxidative capacity, and insulin sensitivity in trained and sedentary individuals, we have identified potential mediators governing the association between skeletal muscle lipid and insulin resistance of obesity and type 2 DM.

Skeletal muscle lipid within muscle fibers was directly ascertained with quantitative histochemical analysis of biopsy specimens, reflecting true intracellular concentration of lipid. Because of inherent limitations of prior methods, prior studies have relied on certain assumptions in their measurements of intramuscular TG concentrations. Quantifying intramuscular TG in human biopsy samples has typically involved the biochemical extraction of TG, possibly resulting in the inadvertent contamination of fat and connective tissue within the sample (4, 5, 7, 8, 10). Proton MRS studies of human muscle performed by several independent groups have recently differentiated extra- and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and have observed negative associations between IMCL and insulin sensitivity (1, 3, 6, 12, 13). Although MRS represents a novel noninvasive method to determine relative IMCL content in vivo, quantification of actual IMCL concentrations using MRS remains problematic. Nevertheless, the prior observed associations between IMCL and insulin resistance should not be discounted. On the contrary, our findings confirm those of these previous studies demonstrating that increased lipid stored within muscle fibers is indeed associated with insulin resistance.

Despite their expectedly higher insulin sensitivity, compared with obese subjects and with those with type 2 DM, the IMCL content in the trained subjects in this study was similar to individuals with type 2 DM. Moreover, the observed association between IMCL and insulin resistance disappeared when trained subjects were included in the analysis. In previous studies observing associations between IMCL and insulin resistance, the influence of physical fitness or physical activity was not directly assessed (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13). Thus, this study represents the first examination of the potential influence of physical training on the association between IMCL and insulin resistance. Interestingly, insulin sensitivity in these athletes was not greater, compared with lean sedentary men and women. This finding is supported by other studies finding only modest or no improvements in insulin sensitivity with exercise training when the effects of weight loss (21) and the last exercise session (21, 37) are accounted for.

Although their insulin sensitivity was similar, endurance-trained athletes had nearly 2-fold higher amounts of lipid stored within their muscle fibers, compared with their lean, sedentary counterparts. This finding is in accord with Hoppeler et al. (26), who observed that the volume of lipid droplets on electron micrographs was higher in trained subjects. However, IMCL quantification in that study was confined to the ultrastructure scale, which limited the scope of quantification. Boesch and Kreis (38) found in using MRS that IMCL was higher in one trained athlete, compared with other sedentary but otherwise healthy subjects. The effects of training on IMCL have not been clear, with some studies reporting higher concentrations of IMCL after training (27, 39) and others reporting decreases (28). These disparate results are not entirely surprising given the relatively small number of studies and the relatively high interbiopsy variability in the measure of IMCL (40). With relatively short-term training studies, it is conceivable that the specific adaptation to enhance TG storage had not yet occurred during the course of the study. There also remains the possibility that the subcellular localization of lipid within muscle may impact upon the association with insulin action.

The higher IMCL content in these trained athletes raises the possibility that IMCL is merely a surrogate for other factors in muscle that may directly affect insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism. Thompson and Cooney (41) recently reported that long chain fatty acyl CoA in skeletal muscle may induce insulin resistance by inhibiting hexokinase activity. Other reports suggest that long chain CoA and diacylglycerol, metabolites of IMCL metabolism, act on insulin signaling pathways in muscle (42, 43). Thus, no direct effect of muscle TG on insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism has been defined. Moreover, periodic turnover of IMCL and its associated metabolites with regular exercise may limit their negative influence on insulin signaling. Further studies are needed to specifically examine the effects of training on these lipid metabolites within muscle and, in general, how they may play a role in insulin resistance.

Alternative mechanisms may help elucidate the reasons that these trained athletes had high IMCL concomitant with their high insulin sensitivity. Factors governing the enhanced insulin sensitivity in muscle with exercise training such as increased GLUT 4 content (44, 45) and skeletal muscle blood flow (44) may override the negative consequences of IMCL on insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism. Thus, it is likely that the upregulation of these intermediates in the trained subjects at least partially modulated any deleterious effect of increased IMCL on insulin sensitivity. In addition, we addressed the role of the oxidative capacity of muscle as a mediator of insulin sensitivity.

The oxidative capacity was higher in trained subjects in accord with prior studies (22, 23, 46, 47). This, together with the high IMCL and insulin sensitivity in these subjects, suggests that the capacity for IMCL oxidation is an important intermediary of insulin resistance. A higher oxidative capacity within muscle reflects their increased mitochondria content and enhanced capacity for lipid oxidation. Including the trained subjects in the analysis, a lower oxidative capacity was associated with insulin resistance. This is in agreement with prior studies demonstrating that skeletal muscle from insulin-resistant and obese subjects is characterized by lower oxidative capacity (15, 17) and lower fasting rates of fatty acid oxidation (17, 48, 49). As a storage depot of fatty acids, IMCLs are changeable. During moderate exercise, fatty acids from the hydrolysis of IMCL are capable of contributing a substantial portion of the energy required for oxidative metabolism (25, 50, 51). Perhaps the periodic utilization of this energy source should be considered as an important factor mediating the association between IMCL and insulin resistance. Little, if any, fatty acids from IMCL are oxidized during resting conditions (52). The deficient utilization and subsequent accumulation of IMCL in sedentary subjects may confer insulin resistance, whereas the periodic utilization of this energy substrate during regular exercise may overcome this consequence of IMCL accrual.

Recent studies in mice overexpressing uncoupling protein also provide support for the role of an increased capacity for fatty acid oxidation to mediate the potential negative influence of IMCL on insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism (53). IMCL in mice overexpressing uncoupling protein was increased despite an increase in energy expenditure, GLUT 4 content, hexokinase activity within muscle, and a decrease in overall adiposity (53). Thus, in many respects, this transgenic animal model mimics the situation observed in skeletal muscle of endurance-trained athletes in which IMCLs are higher than in sedentary individuals with similar insulin sensitivity. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in skeletal muscle also plays a direct role in IMCL accretion (54), and exercise increases muscle LPL (55). Thus, it is likely that the induction of muscle LPL following exercise helps to replenish IMCL following exercise (56, 57). More studies are required to demonstrate whether an elevated muscle LPL in trained athletes influences their elevated IMCL content.

In summary, the association between intramuscular lipid content and insulin resistance may be influenced by the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle. The higher concentrations of lipid stored within muscle fibers, in conjunction with a higher oxidative capacity and insulin sensitivity of individuals participating in regular exercise, provide support for this concept. It is likely that intramuscular lipid content alone may not confer insulin resistance but rather may act as a surrogate for other potentially detrimental lipid metabolites. Future studies should examine the effects of exercise training on the interactions between fatty acid metabolism and insulin resistance of obesity and type 2 DM.

Acknowledgments

We thank the research volunteers for their participation in the study. We appreciate the skill of the nursing staff at the General Clinical Research and Obesity and Nutrition Research centers for their expert technical and analytical support.

Footnotes

This work was supported by funding from NIH Grants K01 AG00851 (to B.H.G.), R01 DK-49200-04 (to D.E.K.), 5M01RR00056 (General Clinical Research Center), and 1P30DK46204 (Obesity and Nutrition Research Center).

Abbreviations: DM, Diabetes mellitus; IMCL, intramuscular lipid; LAI, total area occupied by lipid droplets of muscle fiber; LPL, lipoprotein lipase; MRS, magnetic resonance spectroscopy; SDH, succinate dehydrogenase; TG, triglyceride.

Received February 23, 2001.

Accepted August 28, 2001.

References

  1. Forouhi NG, Jenkinson G, Thomas EL, Mullick S, Mierisova S, Bhonsle U, McKeigue PM, Bell JD 1999 Relation of triglyceride stores in skeletal muscle cells to central obesity and insulin sensitivity in European and South Asian men. Diabetologia 42:932–935[CrossRef][Medline]
  2. Goodpaster BH, Thaete FL, Simoneau J-A, Kelley DE 1997 Subcutaneous abdominal fat and thigh muscle composition predict insulin sensitivity independently of visceral fat. Diabetes 46:1579–1585[Abstract]
  3. Krssak M, Falk Petersen K, Dresner A, DiPietro L, Vogel SM, Rothman DL, Roden M, Shulman GI 1999 Intramyocellular lipid concentrations are correlated with insulin sensitivity in humans: a 1H NMR spectroscopy study. (Published errata appeared in Diabetologia 1999 42:386 and 1999 42:1269). Diabetologia 42:113–116
  4. Pan DA, Lillioja S, Kriketos AD, Milner MR, Baur LA, Bogardus C, Jenkins ABJ, Storlien LH 1997 Skeletal muscle triglyceride levels are inversely related to insulin action. Diabetes 46:983–988[Abstract]
  5. Phillips DIW, Caddy S, Ilic V, Fielding BA, Frayn KN, Borthwick AC, Taylor R 1996 Intramuscular triglyceride and muscle insulin sensitivity: evidence for a relationship in nondiabetic subjects. Metabolism 45:947–950[CrossRef][Medline]
  6. Stein DT, Dobbins R, Szczepaniak L, Malloy C, McGarry JD 1997 Skeletal muscle triglyceride stores are increased in insulin resistance. Diabetes [Suppl 1 (Abstract)[ 46:23A
  7. Falholt K, Jensen I, Lindkaer Jensen S, Mortensen H, Volund A, Heding LG, Noerskov Peterson P, Falholt W 1988 Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med 5:27–31[Medline]
  8. Standl E, Lotz N, Dexel T, Janka HU, Kolb HJ 1980 Muscle triglycerides in diabetic subjects. Effect of insulin deficiency and exercise. Diabetologia 18:463–469[Medline]
  9. Dobbins RL, Szczepaniak LS, Bentley B, Esser V, Myhill J, McGarry JD 2001 Prolonged inhibition of muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 promotes intramyocellular lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in rats. Diabetes 50:123–130[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  10. Oakes ND, Camilleri S, Furler SM, Chisholm DJ, Kraegen EW 1997 The insulin sensitizer, BRL 49653, reduces systemic fatty acid supply and utilization and tissue lipid availability in the rat. Metabolism 46:935–942[CrossRef][Medline]
  11. Shimabukuro M, Koyama K, Chen G, Wang MY, Trieu F, Lee Y, Newgard CB, Unger RH 1997 Direct antidiabetic effect of leptin through triglyceride depletion of tissues [see comments]. [Comment in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1997;94:4242–4245] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94:4637–4641
  12. Jacob S, Machann J, Rett K, Brechtel K, Volk A, Renn W, Maerker E, Matthaei S, Schick F, Claussen CD, Haring HU 1999 Association of increased intramyocellular lipid content with insulin resistance in lean nondiabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic subjects. Diabetes 48:1113–1119[Abstract]
  13. Perseghin G, Scifo P, De Cobelli F, Pagliato E, Battezzati A, Arcelloni C, Vanzulli A, Testolin G, Pozza G, Del Maschio A, Luzi L 1999 Intramyocellular triglyceride content is a determinant of in vivo insulin resistance in humans: a 1H-13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy assessment in offspring of type 2 diabetic parents. Diabetes 48:1600–1606[Abstract]
  14. Goodpaster BH, Theriault R, Watkins SC, Kelley DE 2000 Intramuscular lipid content is increased in obesity and decreased by weight loss. Metabolism 49:467–472[CrossRef][Medline]
  15. Simoneau J-A, Colberg SR, Thaete FL, Kelley DE 1995 Skeletal muscle glycolytic and oxidative enzyme capacities are determinants of insulin sensitivity and muscle composition in obese women. FASEB J 9:273–278[Abstract]
  16. Simoneau JA, Veerkamp JH, Turcotte LP, Kelley DE 1999 Markers of capacity to utilize fatty acids in human skeletal muscle: relation to insulin resistance and obesity and effects of weight loss. FASEB J 13:2051–2060[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  17. Kelley DE, Goodpaster B, Wing RR, Simoneau J-A 1999 Skeletal muscle fatty acid metabolism in association with insulin resistance, obesity and weight loss. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 277:E1130–E1141
  18. Bogardus C, Ravussin E, Robbins DC, Wolfe RR, Horton ES, Sims EA 1984 Effects of physical training and diet therapy on carbohydrate metabolism in patients with glucose intolerance and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Diabetes 33:311–318[Abstract]
  19. DeFronzo RA, Sherwin RS, Kraemer N 1987 Effect of physical training on insulin action and obesity. Diabetes 36:1379–1385[Abstract]
  20. Dela F, Mikines KJ, Larsen JJ, Galbo H 1996 Training-induced enhancement of insulin action in human skeletal muscle: the influence of aging. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 51:B247–B252
  21. Ross R, Dagnone D, Jones PJ, Smith H, Paddags A, Hudson R, Janssen I 2000 Reduction in obesity and related comorbid conditions after diet-induced weight loss or exercise-induced weight loss in men. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 133:92–103[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  22. Coggan AR, Spina RJ, King DS, Rogers MA, Brown M, Nemeth PM, Holloszy JO 1992 Skeletal muscle adaptations to endurance training in 60- to 70-yr-old men and women. J Appl Physiol 72:1780–1786[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  23. Gollnick PD, Armstrong RB, Saltin B, Saubert CW, Sembrowich WL, Shepherd RE 1973 Effect of training on enzyme activity and fiber composition of human skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol 34:107–111[Free Full Text]
  24. Phillips SM, Green HJ, Tarnopolsky MA, Heigenhauser GF, Hill RE, Grant SM 1996 Effects of training duration on substrate turnover and oxidation during exercise. J Appl Physiol 81:2182–2191[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  25. Hurley BF, Nemeth PM, Martin WHD, Hagberg JM, Dalsky GP, Holloszy JO 1986 Muscle triglyceride utilization during exercise: effect of training. J Appl Physiol 60:562–567[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  26. Hoppeler H, Howald H, Conley K, Lindstedt SL, Claasen H, Vock P, Weibel ER 1985 Endurance training in humans: aerobic capacity and structure of skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol 59:320–327[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  27. Morgan TE, Short FA, Cobb LA 1969 Effect of long-term exercise on skeletal muscle lipid composition. J Appl Physiol 216:82–86
  28. Bergman BC, Butterfield GE, Wolfel EE, Casazza GA, Lopaschuk GD, Brooks GA 1999 Evaluation of exercise and training on muscle lipid metabolism. Am J Physiol 276(1 Pt 1):E106–E117
  29. Evans W, Phinney S, Young V 1982 Suction applied to a muscle biopsy maximizes sample size. Med Sci Sports Exerc 14:101–102[Medline]
  30. Lillie RD, Ashburn LL 1943 Super-saturated solutions of fat stains in dilute isopropanol for demonstration of acute fatty degenerations not shown by the Herxheimer technique. Arch Pathol 36:432–440
  31. Dubowitz V 1985 Muscle Biopsy: A Practical Approach. London: Bailliere Tindall; 19–40
  32. Martin TP, Vailas AC, Durivage JB, Edgerton VR, Castleman KR 1985 Quantitative histochemical determination of muscle enzymes: biochemical verification. J Histochem Cytochem 33:1053–1059[Abstract]
  33. Skorjanc D, Heine G, Pette D 1997 Time-dependent increase in succinate dehydrogenase activity in low-frequency stimulated rabbit muscle: a comparison between microphotometric and biochemical methods. Histochem Cell Biol 107:47–55[CrossRef][Medline]
  34. Mabuchi K, Sreter FA 1980 Actomyosin ATPase. II. Fiber typing by histochemical ATPase reaction. Muscle Nerve 3:233–239[CrossRef][Medline]
  35. Finegood DT, Bergman RN, Vranic M 1987 Estimation of endogenous glucose production during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic glucose clamps. Comparison of unlabeled and labeled and unlabeled exogenous glucose infusates. Diabetes 36:914–924[Abstract]
  36. Steele R 1959 Influence of glucose loading and injected insulin on hepatic glucose output. Ann N Y Acad Sci 82:420–430
  37. Segal KR, Edano A, Abalos A, Albu J, Blando L, Tomas MB, Pi-Sunyer FX 1991 Effect of exercise training on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in lean, obese, and diabetic men. J Appl Physiol 71:2402–2411[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  38. Boesch C, Kreis R 2000 Observation of intramyocellular lipids by 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 904:25–31[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  39. Kiens B, Essén-Gustavsson B, Christensen NJ, Saltin B 1993 Skeletal muscle substrate utilization during submaximal exercise in man: effect of endurance training. J Physiol (Lond) 469:459–478[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  40. Wendling PS, Peters SJ, Heigenhauser GJ, Spriet LL 1996 Variability of triacylglycerol content in human skeletal muscle biopsy samples. J Appl Physiol 81:1150–1155[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  41. Thompson AL, Cooney GJ 2000 Acyl-CoA inhibition of hexokinase in rat and human skeletal muscle is a potential mechanism of lipid-induced insulin resistance. Diabetes 49:1761–1765[Abstract]
  42. Itani SI, Zhou Q, Pories WJ, MacDonald KG, Dohm GL 2000 Involvement of protein kinase C in human skeletal muscle insulin resistance and obesity. Diabetes 49:1353–1358[Abstract]
  43. Laybutt DR, Schmitz-Peiffer S, Ruderman NB, Chisholm D, Biden T, Kraegen EW 1997 Activation of protein kinase C{epsilon} may contribute to muscle insulin resistance induced by lipid accumulation during chronic glucose infusion in rats (Abstract). Diabetes 46:241A
  44. Hardin DS, Azzarelli B, Edwards J, Wigglesworth J, Maianu L, Brechtel G, Johnson A, Baron A, Garvey WT 1995 Mechanisms of enhanced insulin sensitivity in endurance-trained athletes: effects on blood flow and differential expression of GLUT 4 in skeletal muscles. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 80:2437–2446[Abstract]
  45. Houmard JA, Shinebarger MH, Dolan PL, Leggett-Frazier N, Bruner RK, McCammon MR, Israel RG, Dohm GL 1993 Exercise training increases GLUT-4 protein concentration in previously sedentary middle-aged men. Am J Physiol 264 (6 Pt 1):E896–E901
  46. Jansson E, Kaijser L 1987 Substrate utilization and enzymes in skeletal muscle in extremely endurance-trained men. J Appl Physiol 62:999–1005[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  47. Proctor DN, Sinning WE, Walro JM, Sieck GC, Lemon PW 1995 Oxidative capacity of human muscle fiber types: effects of age and training status. J Appl Physiol 78:2033–2038[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  48. Kelley DE, Simoneau J-A 1994 Impaired free fatty acid utilization by skeletal muscle in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Invest 94:2349–2356
  49. Kim J-K, Hickner RC, Cortright RN, Dohm GL, Houmard JA 2000 Lipid oxidation is reduced in obese skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 279:E1039–E1044
  50. Krssak M, Petersen KF, Bergeron R, Price T, Laurent D, Rothman DL, Roden M, Shulman GI 2000 Intramuscular glycogen and intramyocellular lipid utilization during prolonged exercise and recovery in man: a 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 85:748–754[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  51. Romijn JA, Coyle EF, Sidossis LS, Gastaldelli A, Horowitz JF, Endert E, Wolfe RR 1993 Regulation of endogenous fat and carbohydrate metabolism in relation to exercise intensity and duration. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 265:E380–E391
  52. Blaak EE, van Aggel-Leijssen DPC, Wagenmakers AJM, Saris WHM, van Baak MA 2000 Impaired oxidation of plasma-derived fatty acids in type 2 diabetic subjects during moderate-intensity exercise. Diabetes 49:2102–2107[Abstract]
  53. Li B, Nolte LA, Ju J-S, Han DH, Coleman T, Holloszy JO, Semenkovich CG 2000 Skeletal muscle respiratory uncoupling prevents diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice. Nat Med 6:1115–1120[CrossRef][Medline]
  54. Poirier P, Marcell T, Huey PU, Schlaepfer IR, Owens GC, Jensen DR, Eckel RH 2000 Increased intracellular triglyceride in C(2)C(12) muscle cells transfected with human lipoprotein lipase. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 270:997–1001
  55. Greiwe JS, Holloszy JO, Semenkovich CF 2000 Exercise induces lipoprotein lipase and GLUT-4 protein in muscle independent of adrenergic-receptor signaling. J Appl Physiol 89:176–181[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  56. Nikkila EA 1987 Role of lipoprotein lipase in metabolic adaptation to exercise and training. In: Borensztajn J, ed. Lipoprotein lipase. Chicago: Evener Publishers, Inc.; 187–199
  57. Seip RL, Semenkovich CF 1998 Skeletal muscle lipoprotein lipase: molecular regulation and physiological effects in relation to exercise. [Review] [153 refs]. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 26:191–218[Medline]



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
EndocrinologyHome page
Y. Kamei, S. Miura, T. Suganami, F. Akaike, S. Kanai, S. Sugita, A. Katsumata, H. Aburatani, T. G. Unterman, O. Ezaki, et al.
Regulation of SREBP1c Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle: Role of Retinoid X Receptor/Liver X Receptor and Forkhead-O1 Transcription Factor
Endocrinology, May 1, 2008; 149(5): 2293 - 2305.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
J. J. Dube, F. Amati, M. Stefanovic-Racic, F. G. S. Toledo, S. E. Sauers, and B. H. Goodpaster
Exercise-induced alterations in intramyocellular lipids and insulin resistance: the athlete's paradox revisited
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, May 1, 2008; 294(5): E882 - E888.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
K. De Bock, W. Derave, B. O. Eijnde, M. K. Hesselink, E. Koninckx, A. J. Rose, P. Schrauwen, A. Bonen, E. A. Richter, and P. Hespel
Effect of training in the fasted state on metabolic responses during exercise with carbohydrate intake
J Appl Physiol, April 1, 2008; 104(4): 1045 - 1055.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
J. P. Thyfault
Setting the stage: possible mechanisms by which acute contraction restores insulin sensitivity in muscle
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, April 1, 2008; 294(4): R1103 - R1110.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
R. T. Morris, M. J. Laye, S. J. Lees, R. S. Rector, J. P. Thyfault, and F. W. Booth
Exercise-induced attenuation of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and skeletal muscle lipid peroxidation in the OLETF rat
J Appl Physiol, March 1, 2008; 104(3): 708 - 715.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EndocrinologyHome page
N. A. Ducharme and P. E. Bickel
Minireview: Lipid Droplets in Lipogenesis and Lipolysis
Endocrinology, March 1, 2008; 149(3): 942 - 949.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
J. Koska, N. Stefan, P. A Permana, C. Weyer, M. Sonoda, C. Bogardus, S. R Smith, D. R Joanisse, T. Funahashi, J. Krakoff, et al.
Increased fat accumulation in liver may link insulin resistance with subcutaneous abdominal adipocyte enlargement, visceral adiposity, and hypoadiponectinemia in obese individuals
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, February 1, 2008; 87(2): 295 - 302.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
C. Moro, S. Bajpeyi, and S. R. Smith
Determinants of intramyocellular triglyceride turnover: implications for insulin sensitivity
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, February 1, 2008; 294(2): E203 - E213.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
R. Weiss and F. R. Kaufman
Metabolic Complications of Childhood Obesity: Identifying and mitigating the risk
Diabetes Care, February 1, 2008; 31(Supplement_2): S310 - S316.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USAHome page
P. Aguiari, S. Leo, B. Zavan, V. Vindigni, A. Rimessi, K. Bianchi, C. Franzin, R. Cortivo, M. Rossato, R. Vettor, et al.
High glucose induces adipogenic differentiation of muscle-derived stem cells
PNAS, January 29, 2008; 105(4): 1226 - 1231.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci.Home page
S. E. Yeo, N. P. Hays, R. A. Dennis, P. M. Kortebein, D. H. Sullivan, W. J. Evans, and R. H. Coker
Fat Distribution and Glucose Metabolism in Older, Obese Men and Women
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., December 1, 2007; 62(12): 1393 - 1401.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
P. L. McClean, N. Irwin, R. S. Cassidy, J. J. Holst, V. A. Gault, and P. R. Flatt
GIP receptor antagonism reverses obesity, insulin resistance, and associated metabolic disturbances induced in mice by prolonged consumption of high-fat diet
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, December 1, 2007; 293(6): E1746 - E1755.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
M. C. Devries, S. A. Lowther, A. W. Glover, M. J. Hamadeh, and M. A. Tarnopolsky
IMCL area density, but not IMCL utilization, is higher in women during moderate-intensity endurance exercise, compared with men
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, December 1, 2007; 293(6): R2336 - R2342.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
M. C. Levin, M. Monetti, M. J. Watt, M. P. Sajan, R. D. Stevens, J. R. Bain, C. B. Newgard, R. V. Farese Sr., and R. V. Farese Jr.
Increased lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in transgenic mice expressing DGAT2 in glycolytic (type II) muscle
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, December 1, 2007; 293(6): E1772 - E1781.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
M.-P. St-Onge, B. R Newcomer, S. Buchthal, I. Aban, D. B Allison, A. Bosarge, and B. Gower
Intramyocellular lipid content is lower with a low-fat diet than with high-fat diets, but that may not be relevant for health
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, November 1, 2007; 86(5): 1316 - 1322.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular DiseaseHome page
P. Velasquez-Mieyer, C. P. Neira, R. Nieto, and P. A. Cowan
Review: Obesity and cardiometabolic syndrome in children
Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, October 1, 2007; 1(1): 61 - 81.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Endocr. Rev.Home page
J. Gibney, M.-L. Healy, and P. H. Sonksen
The Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Axis in Exercise and Sport
Endocr. Rev., October 1, 2007; 28(6): 603 - 624.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
M.-H. Cui, J.-H. Hwang, V. Tomuta, Z. Dong, and D. T. Stein
Cross contamination of intramyocellular lipid signals through loss of bulk magnetic susceptibility effect differences in human muscle using 1H-MRSI at 4 T
J Appl Physiol, October 1, 2007; 103(4): 1290 - 1298.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
A. W. Herling, M. Gossel, G. Haschke, S. Stengelin, J. Kuhlmann, G. Muller, D. Schmoll, and W. Kramer
CB1 receptor antagonist AVE1625 affects primarily metabolic parameters independently of reduced food intake in Wistar rats
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, September 1, 2007; 293(3): E826 - E832.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EndocrinolHome page
R. Weiss
Fat distribution and storage: how much, where, and how?
Eur. J. Endocrinol., August 1, 2007; 157(suppl_1): S39 - S45.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
J. J. Dube, B. A. Bhatt, N. Dedousis, A. Bonen, and R. M. O'Doherty
Leptin, skeletal muscle lipids, and lipid-induced insulin resistance
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, August 1, 2007; 293(2): R642 - R650.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
E. V. Menshikova, V. B. Ritov, R. E. Ferrell, K. Azuma, B. H. Goodpaster, and D. E. Kelley
Characteristics of skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis induced by moderate-intensity exercise and weight loss in obesity
J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2007; 103(1): 21 - 27.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
F. J. Spargo, S. L. McGee, N. Dzamko, M. J. Watt, B. E. Kemp, S. L. Britton, L. G. Koch, M. Hargreaves, and J. A. Hawley
Dysregulation of muscle lipid metabolism in rats selectively bred for low aerobic running capacity
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, June 1, 2007; 292(6): E1631 - E1636.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page