Multiple sclerosis affects skeletal muscle characteristics

Inez Wens, Ulrik Dalgas, Frank Vandenabeele, Maartje Krekels, Lotte Grevendonk, Bert O Eijnde, Inez Wens, Ulrik Dalgas, Frank Vandenabeele, Maartje Krekels, Lotte Grevendonk, Bert O Eijnde

Abstract

Background: The impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on skeletal muscle characteristics, such as muscle fiber cross sectional area (CSA), fiber type proportion, muscle strength and whole muscle mass, remains conflicting.

Methods: In this cross sectional study, body composition and muscle strength of the quadriceps were assessed in 34 MS (EDSS: 2.5±0.19) patients and 18 matched healthy controls (HC). Hereafter a muscle biopsy (m.vastus lateralis) was taken.

Results: Compared to HC, mean muscle fiber CSA of all fibers, as well as CSA of type I, II and IIa fibers were smaller and muscle strength of the quadriceps was lower in MS patients. Whole body composition was comparable between groups. However, compared to HC, the biopsied leg tended to have a higher fat percentage (p = 0.1) and a lower lean mass (p = 0.06) in MS patients.

Conclusion: MS seems to negatively influence skeletal muscle fiber CSA, muscle strength and muscle mass of the lower limbs of mildly affected MS patients. This emphasises the need for rehabilitation programs focusing on muscle preservation of the lower limb.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01845896.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: Ulrik Dalgas has received research support, travel grants and/or teaching honorary from Biogen Idec, Merck Serono and Sanofi Aventis and further serves as PI for the ongoing Biogen sponsored ACTIMS study. This does not alter the authors' adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Figures

Figure 1. Representative image of fiber type…
Figure 1. Representative image of fiber type analysis of MS patients (left) and healthy controls (right).
Different fiber types are distinguished by color (dark blue: type I, pink: type IIa, green: type IIx, light blue: type IIc). Calculation of the fiber CSA was performed for the major fiber types (I, IIa and IIx) and for the mean fiber CSA, since the number of fibers expressing the minor fiber types (IIax and IIc) was too small for statistical comparison and CSA calculation.

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Source: PubMed

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