Skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity in people with multiple sclerosis. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harp, Mary Ann; McCully, Kevin K; Moldavskiy, Marina; Backus, Deborah
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis journal, experimental, translational and clinical. Volume 2(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Near-infrared spectroscopy -- 25-foot walk; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; 616.834
• DOI: 10.1177/2055217316678020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-2173

Abstract

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have functional disability and may have reduced muscle mitochondrial capacity. Objective: The objective of this paper is to measure muscle mitochondrial capacity of leg muscles using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and compare to functional status. Materials and methods: People with MS ( n = 16) and a control (CON) group ( n = 9) were evaluated for 25-ft walk time. Mitochondrial capacity of both gastrocnemius muscles were measured with NIRS as the rate of recovery of oxygen consumption in after exercise. Results: Mitochondrial capacity was lower in the MS group compared to the CON group (rate constants: 1.13 ± 0.29 vs. 1.68 ± 0.37 min −1, p < 0.05). There was a tendency for people with MS who used assistive devices to have lower mitochondrial capacity in the weaker leg ( p = 0.07). Conclusion: NIRS measurements of mitochondrial capacity suggest a 40% deficit in people with MS compared to CONs and this may contribute to walking disability.