Project R-8249

Skeletal muscle bioenergetics in multiple sclerosis: disease- or inactivity- induced impairments? (Research)

Physical inactivity due to hospitalisation or illness is a serious health risk, resulting in a decline in muscle strength/mass and mitochondrial dysfunction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease characterised by physical inactivity and muscle disuse. MS patients are frequently confronted with reduced muscle strength/mass, decreased exercise capacity and muscle fiber abnormalities. Interestingly, these impairments might be attributable to mitochondrial (dys)function. Various neurological disorders are associated with muscular mitochondrial dysfunction, however little is known about muscular mitochondrial metabolism in MS. Therefore, this study aims to analyse mitochondrial metabolism in skeletal muscle of MS patients. Our findings may result in the development of new strategies, such as rehabilitation programs and nutritional interventions, to restore mitochondrial function and improve muscle function.

01 October 2017 - 16 January 2018