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Updated: May 27, 2026

Repeated Measurement of Respiratory Muscle Activity and Ventilation in Mouse Models of Neuromuscular Disease
Published on: April 17, 2017
Nuclear factor-κB signaling contributes to mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragm weakness*
Ashley J Smuder1, Matthew B Hudson, W Bradley Nelson
1Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Center for Exercise Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation contributes to diaphragmatic weakness from mechanical ventilation. Oxidative stress triggers NF-κB, suggesting antioxidants may prevent this weakness.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology
- Cellular signaling
- Respiratory medicine
Background:
- Prolonged mechanical ventilation causes diaphragmatic weakness.
- Oxidative stress is a known contributor to this weakness.
- The role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in this process is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of NF-κB in mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic weakness.
- To determine if oxidative stress is required for NF-κB activation.
Main Methods:
- Mechanically ventilated animals were treated with an NF-κB inhibitor (SN50) or an antioxidant (curcumin).
- Diaphragmatic atrophy and contractile function were assessed.
Main Results:
- NF-κB inhibition partially reduced diaphragmatic atrophy and dysfunction.
- Curcumin prevented NF-κB activation and rescued diaphragm function.
- Curcumin treatment attenuated mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic atrophy and contractile dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- NF-κB activation plays a significant role in mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic weakness.
- Oxidative stress is an upstream activator of NF-κB in the diaphragm.
- Preventing oxidative stress may be a clinical strategy to mitigate diaphragmatic weakness.
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