HIV-1 transgenic expression in mice induces selective atrophy of fast-glycolytic skeletal muscle fibers

Front Biosci. 2008 Jan 1:13:2797-805. doi: 10.2741/2886.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced wasting syndrome, characterized by weakness and severe loss of muscle mass, is a common condition of patients with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The homozygous HIV-1 transgenic mouse line Tg26 reproduces the wasting syndrome of AIDS patients, thus constituting a valid animal model to characterize the muscle phenotype induced by HIV infection. In this study, we identified a selective atrophy of fast-glycolytic myofibers in skeletal muscles of homozygous HIV-1 transgenic mice, whereas the more oxidative fiber types are spared. In agreement with this, muscles enriched in fast-glycolytic myofibers such as the extensor digitorum longus and gastrocnemius, but not those rich in oxidative fibers such as the soleus, exhibited a reduced muscle size in homozygous HIV-1 transgenic mice compared to their littermate control counterparts. Additionally, muscles of heterozygous HIV-1 transgenic mice displayed increased inflammation and blunted myofiber growth in an injury-induced muscle regeneration process. Since no myogenic intrinsic defect was observed in satellite cells from the transgenic mice, these results support the notion of an inflammation-mediated, fiber-type-specific inhibition of muscle growth in the presence of the HIV-1 transgene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / therapy*
  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Expression*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • Heterozygote
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Inflammation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscles / metabolism*
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / cytology
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / metabolism*
  • Transgenes