Phytoecdysteroids increase protein synthesis in skeletal muscle cells

J Agric Food Chem. 2008 May 28;56(10):3532-7. doi: 10.1021/jf073059z. Epub 2008 Apr 30.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ajuga / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Ecdysteroids / analysis
  • Ecdysteroids / pharmacology*
  • Ecdysterone / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Muscle Cells / drug effects*
  • Muscle Cells / metabolism
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / drug effects
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Plants / chemistry*
  • Protein Biosynthesis / drug effects*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Spinacia oleracea / chemistry

Substances

  • Ecdysteroids
  • Ecdysterone