Phytoecdysteroids increase protein synthesis in skeletal muscle cells.
Phytoecdysteroids, which are structurally similar or identical to insect molting hormones, produce a range of effects in mammals, including increasing growth and physical performance. To study the mechanism of action of phytoecdysteroids in mammalian tissue, an in vitro cellular assay of protein synthesis was developed. In C2C12 murine myotubes and human primary myotubes, phytoecdysteroids increased protein synthesis by up to 20%. In vivo, ecdysteroids increased rat grip strength. Ecdysteroid-containing plant extracts produced similar results. The effect was inhibited by a phosphoinositide kinase-3 inhibitor, which suggests a PI3K-mediated mechanism.
Gorelick-Feldman
Jonathan
J
Biotech Center, Cook College, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA. jongf@eden.rutgers.edu
Maclean
David
D
Ilic
Nebojsa
N
Poulev
Alexander
A
Lila
Mary Ann
MA
Cheng
Diana
D
Raskin
Ilya
I
D031328:Ajuga / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D026461:Ecdysteroids / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004441:Ecdysterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D032342:Muscle Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D018724:Spinacia oleracea / Q000737:chemistry
D026461:Ecdysteroids; D004441:Ecdysterone