Alcohol Alters Skeletal Muscle Bioenergetic Function: A Scoping Review

Bioenergetic pathways uniquely support sarcomere function which, in turn, helps to maintain functional skeletal muscle (SKM) mass. Emerging evidence supports alcohol (EtOH)-induced bioenergetic impairments in SKM and muscle precursor cells. We performed a scoping review to synthesize existing evidence regarding the effects of EtOH on SKM bioenergetics. Eligible articles from six databases were identified, and titles, abstracts, and full texts for potentially relevant articles were screened against inclusion criteria. Through the search, we identified 555 unique articles, and 21 met inclusion criteria. Three studies investigated EtOH effects on the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-phosphocreatine (PCr) system, twelve investigated EtOH effects on glycolytic metabolism, and seventeen investigated EtOH effects on mitochondrial metabolism. Despite increased ATP-PCr system reliance, EtOH led to an overall decrease in bioenergetic function through decreased expression and activity of glycolytic and mitochondrial pathway components. However, effects varied depending on the EtOH dose and duration, model system, and sample type. The results detail the EtOH-induced shifts in energy metabolism, which may adversely affect sarcomere function and contribute to myopathy. These findings should be used to develop targeted interventions that improve SKM bioenergetic function, and thus sarcomere function, in people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Key areas in need of further investigation are also identified.