Alcohol Alters Skeletal Muscle Bioenergetic Function: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Muscle physiology and bioenergetics
• Alcohol-induced myopathy
• Skeletal muscle metabolism

Background:

• Skeletal muscle mass and function depend on bioenergetic pathways.
• Alcohol consumption is linked to skeletal muscle impairments.
• Understanding alcohol's impact on muscle energy metabolism is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review synthesizing evidence on alcohol's effects on skeletal muscle bioenergetics.
• To identify how alcohol impacts energy metabolism pathways in skeletal muscle.
• To inform potential interventions for alcohol-related muscle dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of six databases for relevant articles.
• Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts against inclusion criteria.
• Synthesis of findings from 21 included studies on alcohol and skeletal muscle bioenergetics.

Main Results:

• Alcohol exposure decreases skeletal muscle bioenergetic function.
• Reduced expression and activity of glycolytic and mitochondrial components were observed.
• Effects varied based on alcohol dose, duration, model system, and sample type.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol induces shifts in skeletal muscle energy metabolism, potentially impairing sarcomere function and causing myopathy.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate alcohol's complex effects on muscle bioenergetics.