Lower mitochondrial proton leak and decreased glutathione redox in primary muscle cells of obese diet-resistant versus diet-sensitive humans.

CONTEXT

Weight loss success in response to energy restriction is highly variable. This may be due in part to differences in mitochondrial function and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine whether mitochondrial function, content, and oxidative stress differ in well-matched obese individuals in the upper [obese diet sensitive (ODS)] vs lower quintiles [obese diet resistant (ODR)] for rate of weight loss.

DESIGN

Primary myotubes derived from muscle biopsies of individuals identified as ODS or ODR were studied.

SETTING

Compliant ODS and ODR females who completed in the Ottawa Hospital Weight Management Program and identified as ODS and ODR participated in this study.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Eleven ODS and nine ODR weight-stable females matched for age, body mass, and body mass index participated in this study.

INTERVENTION

Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained and processed for muscle satellite cell isolation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mitochondrial respiration, content, reactive oxygen species, and glutathione redox ratios were measured in the myotubes of ODS and ODR individuals.

RESULTS

Mitochondrial proton leak was increased in myotubes of ODS compared with ODR (P < .05). Reduced and oxidized glutathione was decreased in the myotubes of ODR vs ODS (P < .05), indicating a more oxidized glutathione redox state. There were no differences in myotube mitochondrial content, uncoupling protein 3, or adenine nucleotide translocase levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower rate of mitochondrial proton leak in muscle is a cell autonomous phenomenon in ODR vs ODS individuals, and this is associated with a more oxidized glutathione redox state in ODR vs ODS myotubes. The muscle of ODR subjects may thus have a lower capacity to adapt to oxidative stress as compared with ODS.