Alcohol-Mediated Skeletal Muscle Adaptations and Their Impact on Comorbidities

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Physiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• At-risk alcohol consumption negatively impacts numerous organ systems, notably skeletal muscle.
• Alcohol-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction arises from multifactorial mechanisms including altered protein synthesis/degradation, impaired glucose metabolism, and disrupted cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the primary mechanisms of alcohol-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
• To examine alcohol's impact on skeletal muscle in the context of comorbidities like aging, liver disease, and metabolic disorders.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on alcohol and skeletal muscle.
• Analysis of pathophysiological pathways and comorbid conditions.

Main Results:

• Alcohol affects skeletal muscle via decreased protein synthesis, increased degradation, impaired glucose homeostasis, bioenergetic issues, ECM remodeling, satellite cell dysfunction, circadian disruption, and epigenomic changes.
• Skeletal muscle maladaptations are prevalent (40-60%) in at-risk drinkers and linked to comorbidities, though causal relationships require further study.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction is complex and multifactorial, contributing to and resulting from various health conditions.
• Further clinical and preclinical research is needed to fully understand these effects and develop targeted interventions to improve quality of life and reduce costs.