Differences in Cardiac Troponin T Composition in Myocardial Infarction and End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: A Blood Tube Effect?

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is key in diagnosing myocardial infarction (MI) but is also elevated in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Specific larger cTnT proteoforms were identified for the acute phase of MI, while in serum of ESRD patients solely small cTnT fragments were found. However, others allocated this to a pre-analytic effect due to abundant thrombin generation in serum. Therefore, we investigated the effect of various anticoagulation methods on cTnT composition and concentration and compared the cTnT composition of MI and ESRD patients. METHODS: The agreement of cTnT concentrations between simultaneously collected serum, lithium-heparin (LH) plasma, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma was studied using the high-sensitivity (hs-)cTnT immunoassay. cTnT proteoform composition was investigated in a standardized time-dependent manner through spike experiments and in simultaneously collected blood matrixes of MI and ESRD patients. RESULTS: Excellent hs-cTnT concentration agreements were observed across all blood matrixes (slopes > 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.04). Time-dependent degradation (40 kDa intact:29 kDa fragment:15 to 18 kDa fragments) was found in LH plasma and EDTA plasma, and serum in ratios (%) of 90:10:0, 0:5:95, and 0:0:100, respectively (48 h after blood collection). Moreover, gel filtration chromatography (GFC) profiles illustrated mainly larger cTnT proteoforms in MI patients, while in ESRD patients mainly 15 to 18 kDa fragments were found for all matrices. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of cTnT degradation in vitro is dependent on the (anti)coagulation method, without impacting hs-cTnT concentrations. Furthermore, mainly larger cTnT proteoforms were present in MI patients, while in ESRD patients mainly small 15 to 18 kDa cTnT fragments were found. These insights are essential when developing a novel hs-cTnT assay targeting larger cTnT proteoforms.

Daily blood flow restriction does not preserve muscle mass and strength during 2 weeks of bed rest.

We measured the impact of blood flow restriction on muscle protein synthesis rates, muscle mass and strength during 2 weeks of strict bed rest. Twelve healthy, male adults (age: 24 ± 3 years, body mass index: 23.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2 ) were subjected to 14 days of strict bed rest with unilateral blood flow restriction performed three times daily in three 5 min cycles (200 mmHg). Participants consumed deuterium oxide and we collected blood and saliva samples throughout 2 weeks of bed rest. Before and immediately after bed rest, lean body mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan) and thigh muscle volume (magnetic resonance imaging scan) were assessed in both the blood flow restricted (BFR) and control (CON) leg. Muscle biopsies were collected and unilateral muscle strength (one-repetition maximum; 1RM) was assessed for both legs before and after the bed rest period. Bed rest resulted in 1.8 ± 1.0 kg lean body mass loss (P < 0.001). Thigh muscle volume declined from 7.1 ± 1.1 to 6.7 ± 1.0 L in CON and from 7.0 ± 1.1 to 6.7 ± 1.0 L in BFR (P < 0.001), with no differences between treatments (P = 0.497). In addition, 1RM leg extension strength decreased from 60.2 ± 10.6 to 54.8 ± 10.9 kg in CON and from 59.2 ± 12.1 to 52.9 ± 12.0 kg in BFR (P = 0.014), with no differences between treatments (P = 0.594). Muscle protein synthesis rates during bed rest did not differ between the BFR and CON leg (1.11 ± 0.12 vs. 1.08 ± 0.13%/day, respectively; P = 0.302). Two weeks of bed rest substantially reduces skeletal muscle mass and strength. Blood flow restriction during bed rest does not modulate daily muscle protein synthesis rates and does not preserve muscle mass or strength. KEY POINTS: Bed rest, often necessary for recovery from illness or injury, leads to the loss of muscle mass and strength. It has been postulated that blood flow restriction may attenuate the loss of muscle mass and strength during bed rest. We investigated the effect of blood flow restriction on muscle protein synthesis rates, muscle mass and strength during 2 weeks of strict bed rest. Blood flow restriction applied during bed rest does not modulate daily muscle protein synthesis rates and does not preserve muscle mass or strength. Blood flow restriction is not effective in preventing muscle atrophy during a prolonged period of bed rest.

A Low or High Physical Activity Level Does Not Modulate Prostate Tumor Tissue Protein Synthesis Rates.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity level has been identified as an important factor in the development and progression of various types of cancer. In this study, we determined the impact of a low versus high physical activity level on skeletal muscle, healthy prostate, and prostate tumor protein synthesis rates in vivo in prostate cancer patients. METHODS: Thirty prostate cancer patients (age, 66 ± 5 yr; body mass index, 27.4 ± 2.9 kg·m -2 ) were randomized to a low (<4000 steps per day, n = 15) or high (>14,000 steps per day, n = 15) physical activity level for 7 d before their scheduled radical prostatectomy. Daily deuterium oxide administration was combined with the collection of plasma, skeletal muscle, nontumorous prostate, and prostate tumor tissue during the surgical procedure to determine tissue protein synthesis rates throughout the intervention period. RESULTS: Daily step counts averaged 3610 ± 878 and 17,589 ± 4680 steps in patients subjected to the low and high physical activity levels, respectively ( P < 0.001). No differences were observed between tissue protein synthesis rates of skeletal muscle, healthy prostate, or prostate tumor between the low (1.47% ± 0.21%, 2.74% ± 0.70%, and 4.76% ± 1.23% per day, respectively) and high (1.42% ± 0.16%, 2.64% ± 0.58%, and 4.72% ± 0.80% per day, respectively) physical activity group (all P > 0.4). Tissue protein synthesis rates were nearly twofold higher in prostate tumor compared with nontumorous prostate tissue. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term high or low physical activity level does not modulate prostate or prostate tumor protein synthesis rates in vivo in prostate cancer patients. More studies on the impact of physical activity level on tumor protein synthesis rates and tumor progression are warranted to understand the potential impact of lifestyle interventions in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Administration of Free Amino Acids Improves Exogenous Amino Acid Availability when Compared with Intact Protein in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Protein digestion and amino acid absorption appear compromised in critical illness. The provision of enteral feeds with free amino acids rather than intact protein may improve postprandial amino acid availability. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to quantify the uptake of diet-derived phenylalanine after the enteral administration of intact protein compared with an equivalent amount of free amino acids in critically ill patients. METHODS: Sixteen patients who were mechanically ventilated in intensive care unit (ICU) at risk of malabsorption received a primed continuous infusion of L-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine and L-[ring-3,5-2H2]-tyrosine after an overnight fast. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 20 g intrinsically L-[1-13C]-phenylalanine-labeled milk protein or an equivalent amount of amino acids labeled with free L-[1-13C]-phenylalanine via a nasogastric tube over a 2-h period. Protein digestion and amino acid absorption kinetics and whole-body protein net balance were assessed throughout a 6-h period. RESULTS: After enteral nutrient infusion, both plasma phenylalanine and leucine concentrations increased (P-time < 0.001), with a more rapid and greater rise after free amino acid compared with intact protein administration (P-time × treatment = 0.003). Diet-derived phenylalanine released into the circulation was 25% greater after free amino acids compared with intact protein administration [68.7% (confidence interval {CI}: 62.3, 75.1%) compared with 43.8% (CI: 32.4, 55.2%), respectively; P < 0.001]. Whole-body protein net balance became positive after nutrient administration (P-time < 0.001) and tended to be more positive after free amino acid in provision (P-time × treatment = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of free amino acids as opposed to intact protein further increases postprandial plasma amino acid availability in critically ill patients, allowing more diet-derived phenylalanine to become available to peripheral tissues. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04791774.

Low Levels of Serum and Intracellular Vitamin C in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

Vitamin C is a crucial micronutrient for human immune cell function and has potent antioxidant properties. It is hypothesized that vitamin C serum levels decline during infection. However, the precise mechanisms remain unknown. To gain deeper insights into the true role of vitamin C during infections, we aimed to evaluate the body's vitamin C storage during a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this single-center study, we examined serum and intracellular vitamin C levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 70 hospitalized COVID-19 patients on the first and fifth days of hospitalization. Also, clinical COVID-19 severity was evaluated at these timepoints. Our findings revealed a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and vitamin C deficiency in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (36% and 15%). Moreover, patients with severe or critical disease exhibited a higher prevalence of low serum vitamin C levels than those with moderate illness. Serum vitamin C levels had a weak negative correlation with clinical COVID-19 severity classification on the day of hospitalization; however, there was no correlation with intracellular vitamin C. Intracellular vitamin C levels were decreased in this cohort as compared to a healthy cohort and showed further decline during hospitalization, while serum levels showed no relevant change. Based on this observation, it can be suggested that the reduction of intracellular vitamin C may be attributed to its antioxidative function, the need for replenishing serum levels, or enhanced turnover by immune cells. These data give an incentive to further investigate the role of intracellular vitamin C in a larger and more heterogeneous cohort as well as the underlying mechanisms.

The Muscle Protein Synthetic Response to the Ingestion of a Plant-Derived Protein Blend Does Not Differ from an Equivalent Amount of Milk Protein in Healthy Young Males.

BACKGROUND: Plant-derived proteins are considered to have lesser anabolic properties when compared with animal-derived proteins. The attenuated rise in muscle protein synthesis rates following ingestion of plant-derived compared with animal-derived protein has been, at least partly, attributed to deficiencies in specific amino acids such as leucine, lysine, and/or methionine. Combining different plant-derived proteins could provide plant-derived protein blends with a more balanced amino acid profile. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of 30 g milk protein with a 30 g blend combining wheat, corn, and pea protein in healthy young men. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design, 24 young males (aged 24 ± 4 y) received a primed continuous l-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine infusion after which they ingested 30 g milk protein (MILK) or a 30 g plant-derived protein blend combining 15 g wheat, 7.5 g corn, and 7.5 g pea protein (PLANT-BLEND). Blood and muscle biopsies were collected frequently for 5 h to assess postprandial plasma amino acid profiles (secondary outcome) and subsequent muscle protein synthesis rates (primary outcome). Data were analyzed by 2-factor repeated measures ANOVA and 2-samples t tests. RESULTS: MILK increased plasma essential amino acid concentrations more than PLANT-BLEND over the 5 h postprandial period (incremental AUC = 151 ± 31 compared with 79 ± 12 mmol·300 min·L-1, respectively; P < 0.001). Ingestion of both MILK and PLANT-BLEND increased myofibrillar protein synthesis rates (P < 0.001), with no significant differences between treatments (0.053 ± 0.013%/h and 0.064 ± 0.016%/h, respectively; P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of 30 g plant-derived protein blend combining wheat-, corn-, and pea-derived protein increases muscle protein synthesis rates in healthy young males. The muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of 30 g of this plant-derived protein blend does not differ from the ingestion of an equivalent amount of a high-quality animal-derived protein.Clinical trial registry number for Nederlands Trial Register: NTR6548 (https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR6548).

No Effect of Vitamin C Administration on Neutrophil Recovery in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Myeloma or Lymphoma: A Blinded, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Vitamin C is an important micronutrient for various immune cells. It increases phagocytic cell function and is necessary for T and natural killer (NK) cell development. Patients in need of an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are often vitamin C-depleted. We therefore hypothesized that vitamin C supplementation could improve immune recovery in autologous HSCT patients. This blinded, placebo-controlled trial included 44 patients randomized to receive vitamin C or a placebo. The following outcome measures used were clinical and immunological parameters, among others: time to neutrophil recovery, serum, and intracellular vitamin C values. Twenty-one patients received vitamin C, and 23 received a placebo. The time to neutrophil recovery did not differ between the two groups at 11.2 days (p = 0.96). There were no differences in hospitalization time (19.7 vs. 19.1 days, p = 0.80), the incidence of neutropenic fever (57% vs. 78%, p = 0.20), or 3-month overall survival (90.5% vs. 100%, p = 0.13). Bacteremia seemed to occur less in the vitamin C group (10% vs. 35%, p = 0.07). Our study shows no benefit from vitamin C supplementation on neutrophil recovery and hospitalization, despite possible lower rates of bacteremia in the vitamin C group. Therefore, we do not advise vitamin C supplementation in this treatment group.

Potato Protein Ingestion Increases Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates at Rest and during Recovery from Exercise in Humans.

INTRODUCTION: Plant-derived proteins have received considerable attention as an alternative to animal-based proteins and are now frequently used in both plant-based diets and sports nutrition products. However, little information is available on the anabolic properties of potato-derived protein. This study compares muscle protein synthesis rates after the ingestion of 30 g potato protein versus 30 g milk protein at rest and during recovery from a single bout of resistance exercise in healthy, young males. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design, 24 healthy young males (24 ± 4 yr) received primed continuous l -[ ring - 13 C 6 ]-phenylalanine infusions while ingesting 30 g potato-derived protein or 30 g milk protein after a single bout of unilateral resistance exercise. Blood and muscle biopsies were collected for 5 h after protein ingestion to assess postprandial plasma amino acid profiles and mixed muscle protein synthesis rates at rest and during recovery from exercise. RESULTS: Ingestion of both potato and milk protein increased mixed muscle protein synthesis rates when compared with basal postabsorptive values (from 0.020% ± 0.011% to 0.053% ± 0.017%·h -1 and from 0.021% ± 0.014% to 0.050% ± 0.012%·h -1 , respectively; P < 0.001), with no differences between treatments ( P = 0.54). In the exercised leg, mixed muscle protein synthesis rates increased to 0.069% ± 0.019% and 0.064% ± 0.015%·h -1 after ingesting potato and milk protein, respectively ( P < 0.001), with no differences between treatments ( P = 0.52). The muscle protein synthetic response was greater in the exercised compared with the resting leg ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of 30 g potato protein concentrate increases muscle protein synthesis rates at rest and during recovery from exercise in healthy, young males. Muscle protein synthesis rates after the ingestion of 30 g potato protein do not differ from rates observed after ingesting an equivalent amount of milk protein.

Easy-to-Use HPLC Method to Measure Intracellular Ascorbic Acid Levels in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and in Plasma.

Given the growing interest in ascorbic acid (AA), there is a need for a reliable and reproducible method to measure AA status in the human body. Serum AA concentrations do not correlate well with tissue levels, but AA levels in leukocytes do. However, a standard method for clinical application is lacking. This present study describes a method to measure AA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). The method can also be used in plasma and other leukocyte subsets. The measurements of AA in PBMCs and plasma were performed with HPLC with HILIC separation and UV detection. The sample preparation involved the isolation of PBMCs and lysis and precipitation with acetonitrile. European Medicine Agency guidelines for bioanalytic method validation were followed for the evaluation. A highly precise execution of the method was found with intra- and inter-assay variations at a maximum of 7.8%. In 40 healthy donors, a mean intracellular AA concentration of 7.9 microgram/108 cells was found in PBMCs. A correlation between plasma and PBMC AA concentration was not present (r = 0.22). In conclusion, we developed a convenient, reliable, and reproducible method for the quantitative determination of AA within PBMCs and plasma from human blood.

Cardiac Troponin T: The Impact of Posttranslational Modifications on Analytical Immunoreactivity in Blood up to the Excretion in Urine.

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is a sensitive and specific biomarker for detecting cardiac muscle injury. Its concentration in blood can be significantly elevated outside the normal reference range under several pathophysiological conditions. The classical analytical method in routine clinical analysis to detect cTnT in serum or plasma is a single commercial immunoassay, which is designed to quantify the intact cTnT molecule. The targeted epitopes are located in the central region of the cTnT molecule. However, in blood cTnT exists in different biomolecular complexes and proteoforms: bound (to cardiac troponin subunits or to immunoglobulins) or unbound (as intact protein or as proteolytic proteoforms). While proteolysis is a principal posttranslational modification (PTM), other confirmed PTMs of the proteoforms include N-terminal initiator methionine removal, N-acetylation, O-phosphorylation, O-(N-acetyl)-glucosaminylation, N(ɛ)-(carboxymethyl)lysine modification and citrullination. The immunoassay probably detects several of those cTnT biomolecular complexes and proteoforms, as long as they have the centrally targeted epitopes in common. While analytical cTnT immunoreactivity has been studied predominantly in blood, it can also be detected in urine, although it is unclear in which proteoform cTnT immunoreactivity is present in urine. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge on the pathophysiological lifecycle of cTnT. It provides insight into the impact of PTMs, not only on the analytical immunoreactivity, but also on the excretion of cTnT in urine as one of the waste routes in that lifecycle. Accordingly, and after isolating the proteoforms from urine of patients suffering from proteinuria and acute myocardial infarction, the structures of some possible cTnT proteoforms are reconstructed using mass spectrometry and presented.

Multi-Site Coronary Vein Sampling Study on Cardiac Troponin T Degradation in Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Toward a More Specific Cardiac Troponin T Assay.

Background Cardiac troponin T ( cTnT ) is seen in many other conditions besides myocardial infarction, and recent studies demonstrated distinct forms of cTnT . At present, the in vivo formation of these different cTnT forms is incompletely understood. We therefore performed a study on the composition of cTnT during the course of myocardial infarction, including coronary venous system sampling, close to its site of release. Methods and Results Baseline samples were obtained from multiple coronary venous system locations, and a peripheral artery and vein in 71 non- ST -segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Additionally, peripheral blood was drawn at 6- and 12-hours postcatheterization. cTnT concentrations were measured using the high-sensitivity- cTnT immunoassay. The cTnT composition was determined via gel filtration chromatography and Western blotting in an early and late presenting patient. High-sensitivity - cTnT concentrations were 28% higher in the coronary venous system than peripherally (n=71, P<0.001). Coronary venous system samples demonstrated cT n T-I-C complex, free intact cTnT , and 29 kD a and 15 to 18 kD a cTnT fragments, all in higher concentrations than in simultaneously obtained peripheral samples. While cT n T-I-C complex proportionally decreased, and disappeared over time, 15 to 18 kD a cTnT fragments increased. Moreover, cT n T-I-C complex was more prominent in the early than in the late presenting patient. Conclusions This explorative study in non- ST -segment-elevation myocardial infarction shows that cTnT is released from cardiomyocytes as a combination of cT n T-I-C complex, free intact cTnT , and multiple cTnT fragments indicating intracellular cTnT degradation. Over time, the cT n T-I-C complex disappeared because of in vivo degradation. These insights might serve as a stepping stone toward a high-sensitivity- cTnT immunoassay more specific for myocardial infarction.

Branched-chain amino acid and branched-chain ketoacid ingestion increases muscle protein synthesis rates in vivo in older adults: a double-blind, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Protein ingestion increases muscle protein synthesis rates. However, limited data are currently available on the effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and branched-chain ketoacid (BCKA) ingestion on postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the impact of ingesting 6 g BCAA, 6 g BCKA, and 30 g milk protein (MILK) on the postprandial rise in circulating amino acid concentrations and subsequent myofibrillar protein synthesis rates in older males. METHODS: In a parallel design, 45 older males (age: 71 ± 1 y; BMI: 25.4 ± 0.8 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to ingest a drink containing 6 g BCAA, 6 g BCKA, or 30 g MILK. Basal and postprandial myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were assessed by primed continuous l-[ring-13C6]phenylalanine infusions with the collection of blood samples and muscle biopsies. RESULTS: Plasma BCAA concentrations increased following test drink ingestion in all groups, with greater increases in the BCAA and MILK groups compared with the BCKA group (P < 0.05). Plasma BCKA concentrations increased following test drink ingestion in all groups, with greater increases in the BCKA group compared with the BCAA and MILK groups (P < 0.05). Ingestion of MILK, BCAA, and BCKA significantly increased early myofibrillar protein synthesis rates (0-2 h) above basal rates (from 0.020 ± 0.002%/h to 0.042 ± 0.004%/h, 0.022 ± 0.002%/h to 0.044 ± 0.004%/h, and 0.023 ± 0.003%/h to 0.044 ± 0.004%/h, respectively; P < 0.001), with no differences between groups (P > 0.05). Myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during the late postprandial phase (2-5 h) remained elevated in the MILK group (0.039 ± 0.004%/h; P < 0.001), but returned to baseline values following BCAA and BCKA ingestion (0.024 ± 0.005%/h and 0.024 ± 0.005%/h, respectively; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of 6 g BCAA, 6 g BCKA, and 30 g MILK increases myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during the early postprandial phase (0-2 h) in vivo in healthy older males. The postprandial increase following the ingestion of 6 g BCAA and BCKA is short-lived, with higher myofibrillar protein synthesis rates only being maintained following the ingestion of an equivalent amount of intact milk protein. This trial was registered at Nederlands Trial Register (www.trialregister.nl) as NTR6047.

Leucine coingestion augments the muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of 15 g of protein following resistance exercise in older men.

Older adults have shown an attenuated postexercise increase in muscle protein synthesis rates following ingestion of smaller amounts of protein compared with younger adults. Consequently, it has been suggested that older adults require the ingestion of more protein to increase postexercise muscle protein synthesis rates compared with younger adults. We investigated whether coingestion of 1.5 g of free leucine with a single 15-g bolus of protein further augments the postprandial muscle protein synthetic response during recovery from resistance-type exercise in older men. Twenty-four healthy older men (67 ± 1 yr) were randomly assigned to ingest 15 g of milk protein concentrate (MPC80) with (15G+LEU; n = 12) or without (15G; n = 12) 1.5 g of free leucine after performing a single bout of resistance-type exercise. Postprandial protein digestion and amino acid absorption kinetics, whole body protein metabolism, and postprandial myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were assessed using primed, continuous infusions with l-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine, l-[ring-2H2]tyrosine, and l-[1-13C]leucine combined with ingestion of intrinsically l-[1-13C]phenylalanine-labeled milk protein. A total of 70 ± 1% (10.5 ±0.2 g) and 75 ± 2% (11.2 ± 0.3 g) of the protein-derived amino acids were released in the circulation during the 6-h postexercise recovery phase in 15G+LEU and 15G, respectively (P < 0.05). Postexercise myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were 16% (0.058 ± 0.003 vs. 0.049 ± 0.002%/h, P < 0.05; based on l-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine) and 19% (0.071 ± 0.003 vs. 0.060 ± 0.003%/h, P < 0.05; based on l-[1-13C]leucine) greater in 15G+LEU compared with 15G. Leucine coingestion further augments the postexercise muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of a single 15-g bolus of protein in older men.

Dose-Dependent Increases in Whole-Body Net Protein Balance and Dietary Protein-Derived Amino Acid Incorporation into Myofibrillar Protein During Recovery from Resistance Exercise in Older Men.

BACKGROUND: Age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass is at least partly attributed to anabolic resistance to food intake. Resistance exercise sensitizes skeletal muscle tissue to the anabolic properties of amino acids. OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed protein digestion and amino acid absorption kinetics, whole-body protein balance, and the myofibrillar protein synthetic response to ingestion of different amounts of protein during recovery from resistance exercise in older men. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy older men [mean ± SEM age: 66 ± 1 y; body mass index (kg/m2): 25.4 ± 0.3] were randomly assigned to ingest 0, 15, 30, or 45 g milk protein concentrate after a single bout of resistance exercise consisting of 4 sets of 10 repetitions of leg press and leg extension and 2 sets of 10 repetitions of lateral pulldown and chest press performed at 75-80% 1-repetition maximum. Postprandial protein digestion and amino acid absorption kinetics, whole-body protein metabolism, and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were assessed using primed, continuous infusions of l-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine, l-[ring-2H2]-tyrosine, and l-[1-13C]-leucine combined with ingestion of intrinsically l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine and l-[1-13C]-leucine labeled protein. RESULTS: Whole-body net protein balance showed a dose-dependent increase after ingestion of 0, 15, 30, or 45 g of protein (0.015 ± 0.002, 0.108 ± 0.004, 0.162 ± 0.008, and 0.215 ± 0.009 µmol Phe · kg-1 · min-1, respectively; P < 0.001). Myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were higher after ingesting 30 (0.0951% ± 0.0062%/h, P = 0.07) or 45 g of protein (0.0970% ± 0.0062%/h, P < 0.05) than after 0 g (0.0746% ± 0.0051%/h). Incorporation of dietary protein-derived amino acids (l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine) into de novo myofibrillar protein showed a dose-dependent increase after ingestion of 15, 30, or 45 g protein (0.0171 ± 0.0017, 0.0296 ± 0.0030, and 0.0397 ± 0.0026 mole percentage excess, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary protein ingested during recovery from resistance exercise is rapidly digested and absorbed. Whole-body net protein balance and dietary protein-derived amino acid incorporation into myofibrillar protein show dose-dependent increases. Ingestion of ≥30 g protein increases postexercise myofibrillar protein synthesis rates in older men. This trial was registered at Nederlands Trial Register as NTR4492.

Brain tissue plasticity: protein synthesis rates of the human brain.

All tissues undergo continuous reconditioning via the complex orchestration of changes in tissue protein synthesis and breakdown rates. Skeletal muscle tissue has been well studied in this regard, and has been shown to turnover at a rate of 1-2% per day in vivo in humans. Few data are available on protein synthesis rates of other tissues. Because of obvious limitations with regard to brain tissue sampling no study has ever measured brain protein synthesis rates in vivo in humans. Here, we applied stable isotope methodology to directly assess protein synthesis rates in neocortex and hippocampus tissue of six patients undergoing temporal lobectomy for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (Clinical trial registration: NTR5147). Protein synthesis rates of neocortex and hippocampus tissue averaged 0.17 ± 0.01 and 0.13 ± 0.01%/h, respectively. Brain tissue protein synthesis rates were 3-4-fold higher than skeletal muscle tissue protein synthesis rates (0.05 ± 0.01%/h; P < 0.001). In conclusion, the protein turnover rate of the human brain is much higher than previously assumed.

Mass Spectrometric Identification of Cardiac Troponin T in Urine of Patients Suffering from Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Because of its high cardiospecificity, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is one of the first-choice biomarkers to diagnose acute myocardial infarction (AMI). cTnT is extensively fragmented in serum of patients suffering from AMI. However, it is currently unknown whether all cTnT is completely degraded in the body or whether some cTnT fragments can leave the body via urine. The aim of the present study is to develop a method for the detection of cTnT in urine and to examine whether cTnT is detectable in patient urine. METHODS: Proteins in urine samples of 20 patients were precipitated using a cTnT-specific immunoprecipitation technique and a nonspecific acetonitrile protein precipitation. After in-solution digestion of the precipitated proteins, the resulting peptides were separated and analyzed using HPLC and mass spectrometry with a targeted selected ion monitoring assay with data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry (t-SIM/dd-MS2). RESULTS: The t-SIM/dd-MS2 assay was validated using a synthetic peptide standard containing 10 specific cTnT peptides of interest and with purified human intact cTnT spiked in urine from healthy individuals. Using this assay, 6 different cTnT-specific peptides were identified in urine samples from 3 different patients, all suffering from AMI. CONCLUSIONS: We show here for the first time that cTnT can be present in the urine of AMI patients using a targeted LC-MS/MS assay. Whether the presence of cTnT in urine reflects a physiological or pathophysiological process still needs to be elucidated.

Protein Ingestion before Sleep Increases Overnight Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The loss of skeletal muscle mass with aging has been attributed to the blunted anabolic response to protein intake. Presleep protein ingestion has been suggested as an effective strategy to compensate for such anabolic resistance.Objective: We assessed the efficacy of presleep protein ingestion on dietary protein digestion and absorption kinetics and overnight muscle protein synthesis rates in older men.Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, parallel design, 48 older men (mean ± SEM age: 72 ± 1 y) ingested 40 g casein (PRO40), 20 g casein (PRO20), 20 g casein plus 1.5 g leucine (PRO20+LEU), or a placebo before sleep. Ingestion of intrinsically l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine- and l-[1-13C]-leucine-labeled protein was combined with intravenous l-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine and l-[1-13C]-leucine infusions during sleep. Muscle and blood samples were collected throughout overnight sleep.Results: Exogenous phenylalanine appearance rates increased after protein ingestion, but to a greater extent in PRO40 than in PRO20 and PRO20+LEU (P < 0.05). Overnight myofibrillar protein synthesis rates (based on l-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine) were 0.033% ± 0.002%/h, 0.037% ± 0.003%/h, 0.039% ± 0.002%/h, and 0.044% ± 0.003%/h in placebo, PRO20, PRO20+LEU, and PRO40, respectively, and were higher in PRO40 than in placebo (P = 0.02). Observations were similar based on l-[1-13C]-leucine tracer (placebo: 0.047% ± 0.004%/h and PRO40: 0.058% ± 0.003%/h, P = 0.08). More protein-derived amino acids (l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine) were incorporated into myofibrillar protein in PRO40 than in PRO20 (0.033 ± 0.002 and 0.019 ± 0.002 MPE, respectively, P < 0.001) and tended to be higher than in PRO20+LEU (0.025 ± 0.002 MPE, P = 0.06).Conclusions: Protein ingested before sleep is properly digested and absorbed throughout the night, providing precursors for myofibrillar protein synthesis during sleep in healthy older men. Ingestion of 40 g protein before sleep increases myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during overnight sleep. These findings provide the scientific basis for a novel nutritional strategy to support muscle mass preservation in aging and disease. This trial was registered at www.trialregister.nl as NTR3885.