Preventive effect of dietary quercetin on disuse muscle atrophy by targeting mitochondria in denervated mice

Quercetin is a major dietary flavonoid in fruits and vegetables. We aimed to clarify the preventive effect of dietary quercetin on disuse muscle atrophy and the underlying mechanisms. We established a mouse denervation model by cutting the sciatic nerve in the right leg (SNX surgery) to lack of mobilization in hind-limb. Pre-intake of a quercetin-mixed diet for 14 days before SNX surgery prevented loss of muscle mass and atrophy of muscle fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM). Phosphorylation of Akt, a key phosphorylation pathway of suppression of protein degradation, was activated in the quercetin-mixed diet group with and without SNX surgery.

Source: The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry - February 8, 2016 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Rie Mukai, Naoko Matsui, Yutaka Fujikura, Norifumi Matsumoto, De-Xing Hou, Noriyuki Kanzaki, Hiroshi Shibata, Manabu Horikawa, Keiko Iwasa, Katsuya Hirasaka, Takeshi Nikawa, Junji Terao Source Type: research