Effects of Combined Exercise Training on Modulating Fine Particulate Matter-Induced Skeletal Muscle Damage in...

Area of Science:

• Developmental toxicology
• Exercise physiology
• Mitochondrial biology

Background:

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure during gestation poses developmental risks, particularly to fetal skeletal muscle.
• Midgestation is a critical window for skeletal muscle development, making it vulnerable to environmental insults like PM2.5.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gestational PM2.5 exposure on offspring skeletal muscle and mitochondrial function.
• To determine if combined exercise can mitigate PM2.5-induced skeletal muscle damage in offspring.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant mice were exposed to PM2.5 during midgestation.
• Offspring underwent 8 weeks of combined endurance and resistance exercise.
• Skeletal muscle mass, fiber size, mitochondrial function, and glucose metabolism were assessed.

Main Results:

• Gestational PM2.5 exposure led to reduced body weight, skeletal muscle mass, and mitochondrial dysfunction in offspring.
• Exercise failed to reverse skeletal muscle damage in male offspring but improved mitochondrial health in females via mitophagy.
• Males showed persistent mitochondrial damage and impaired glucose metabolism, while females exhibited improved mitochondrial function post-exercise.

Conclusions:

• Combined exercise exerts sex-specific effects on offspring exposed to gestational PM2.5.
• Male offspring display limited recovery from exercise, with ongoing mitochondrial damage.
• Female offspring demonstrate enhanced mitochondrial health due to exercise-induced mitophagy.