Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.1
3.7
Journals
Metabolites
Special Issues
Muscle Metabolic Response and Adaptation to Exercise, Diet, and Environment:...
share announcement

Muscle Metabolic Response and Adaptation to Exercise, Diet, and Environment: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 3995

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Susumu Muroya

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
Interests: muscle biology; meat biochemistry; epigenetics; metabolomics; animal science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Skeletal muscle plays a crucial role as a locomotor organ and as a modulator of systemic energy homeostasis in animals. Dysregulation of muscle metabolism in humans leads to the development of serious diseases such as diabetes and sarcopenia. In farm animals, excessive pursuit of productivity sometimes causes disruption of energy homeostasis, as exhibited in undesirable products such as abnormal chicken meat quality derived from disturbed mitophagy and/or redox metabolism. Optimized muscle metabolism is important for an increase in muscle mass during animal development and growth. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the developmental regulation of metabolism and adaptation of skeletal muscle metabolism to various inputs, including diet, exercise, and environmental stress, contributes to further improvement in human health, animal welfare and productivity, and meat quality.

Recent metabolomics technologies, in combination with the development of bioinformatics and imaging mass spectrometry, have provided great benefits in the approach to unexplored muscle metabolisms. With this background, this Special Issue aims to share and discuss research topics focusing on the molecular mechanisms of the metabolic response of skeletal muscle tissue and cells, with regard to genes, transcripts, proteins, metabolites, and epigenetic factors, when exposed to various nutritional conditions and physiological stress-inducing environments. Papers addressing mechanisms of metabolic adaptation and disturbance, especially in terms of mitochondria, energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and redox metabolism, including cell culture studies, are encouraged in this issue. Meanwhile, other studies regarding skeletal muscle growth, maturation, aging, disease, and farm animal intramuscular fat and postmortem muscle aging are also welcome. Most of these studies may be conducted by the use of metabolomics and integrative multi-omics approaches, but cutting-edge studies targeting a specific key metabolite and inter-organ crosstalk around muscle in the above-mentioned fields are also acceptable.

Dr. Susumu Muroya
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metabolites is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • skeletal muscle
  • metabolomics
  • mitochondria
  • energy metabolism
  • lipid metabolism
  • nutrition
  • feeding
  • environment
  • exercise
  • stress

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

18 pages, 891 KB  
Article
Finishing Barrow Skeletal Muscle Performance and Fatigue Response to Large-Dose Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementation
by Daniela A. Alambarrio, Xiaohan Li, Siara S. Zedonek, Sophia E. Willis, Jordan N. Proctor, Faezeh Mozafari, Jarrod A. Call, Litzy E. Delgado, McKenna S. Doran and John M. Gonzalez
Metabolites 2026, 16(4), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16040261 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 599
Abstract
Background/Objective: Delaying muscle fatigue could alleviate economic and food security, and welfare concerns associated with transporting market-weight pigs to harvest. Previous research demonstrates barrow nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation at varying doses during the last 10 d of finishing shows to be [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Delaying muscle fatigue could alleviate economic and food security, and welfare concerns associated with transporting market-weight pigs to harvest. Previous research demonstrates barrow nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation at varying doses during the last 10 d of finishing shows to be a countermeasure to muscle fatigue by reducing muscle fiber recruitment and increasing mitochondrial DNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, this study aims to determine if a greater NR dose further enhances barrow fatigue resistance and characterize muscle mitochondria content and efficiency. Methods: Barrows (N = 87) were assigned to one of two dietary NR supplementation doses (TRT): 0 (0NR) or 150 (150NR) mg/kg body weigh NR administered during the last 14 d of finishing. Muscle (MUS) biopsies were collected on supplementation d (DAY) 0, 7 and 14 from three hind-leg muscles for NAD+ quantification and mitochondrial DNA expression and efficiency. On days 15 and 16, barrows were subjected to a performance test until they were subjectively exhausted. Electromyography data collection during the performance test were divided into five periods (PER) and included normalized root mean square (nRMS) from the same muscles. Results: There were no three-way interaction for nRMS (p > 0.83), but there were MUS × TRT and PER × TRT interactions (p < 0.05). During performance testing, 150NR had greater nRMS than 0NR in the bicep femoris (BF) and tensor fasciae latae (TFL; p < 0.01), but there were no differences in the semitendinosus (ST; p = 0.77). Treatments did not differ during PER 1 and 2 (p > 0.14) but 150NR had greater nRMS than 0NR during PER 3, 4 and 5 (p < 0.01) across all muscles. There was no three-way interaction for normalized (nNAD+; p = 0.14), but there was a DAY × TRT interaction (p < 0.05). There were no differences between 0NR and 150NR at d 0 (p = 0.95); however, by d 7 and 14, 150NR muscles had greater nNAD+ than 0NR muscles (p < 0.01). There tended to be a three-way interaction for mitochondrial DNA expression (p = 0.09). At supplementation d 14, all 150NR muscles had greater mitochondrial DNA expression and electron transport chain complex I and II activities (p < 0.01). When normalized to citrate synthase activity, electron transport chain complex I and II activity did not differ (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Large-dose NR supplementation appears to support sustained muscle fiber recruitment during prolonged activity and enhance fatigue resilience, primarily through increased NAD+ and mitochondrial biomarkers abundance and not through mitochondrial efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Metabolic Response and Adaptation to Exercise, Diet, and Environment: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1963 KB  
Article
Dietary Citrus Peel Supplementation Enhances Hepatic Energy Metabolism, Muscle 9-HODE Generation and Isoleucine Catabolism in Beef Cattle
by Susumu Muroya, Koichi Ojima, Arata Banno, Hirotaka Nagai, Kazumasa Kakibuchi, Takuma Higuchi, Shuji Sakamoto and Kazutsugu Matsukawa
Metabolites 2026, 16(3), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16030201 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1103
Abstract
Background: Citrus components potentially suppress adipogenic differentiation and lipid accumulation, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We hypothesized that the bioactive compounds in Citrus junos Sieb ex Tanaka (yuzu) fruit peel can alter the systemic metabolism and productivity of beef cattle. Methods: Japanese [...] Read more.
Background: Citrus components potentially suppress adipogenic differentiation and lipid accumulation, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We hypothesized that the bioactive compounds in Citrus junos Sieb ex Tanaka (yuzu) fruit peel can alter the systemic metabolism and productivity of beef cattle. Methods: Japanese Brown (JBR) steers were fed with a diet supplemented with 2.5% yuzu peel during the last month of the finishing period. To investigate the effect of dietary yuzu supplementation (DYS) on beef and liver metabolism, we explored the metabolomic profiles of longissimus thoracis (LT, loin) muscle at 14 d postmortem using capillary electrophoresis (CE-TOF/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF/MS). Results: The DYS treatment enhanced the beef fat score compared to that recorded in beef in the no-DYS (None) group (p = 0.050); however, the other carcass quality traits were not significantly different between the DYS and None groups. CE-TOF/MS and LC-TOF/MS revealed 242 and 107 annotated peaks, respectively, for the LT muscle. DYS significantly increased 9(S)-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE, a beef flavor precursor), cyclo(-Leu-Pro), spermidine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and 7α-hydroxycholesterol levels and reduced 2-ethylhydracrylic acid (2-EHAA), γ-tocopherol, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), sphingomyelin(d18:1/16:0), Cys-Gly, Tyr-Arg, and palmitoylcarnitine levels in postmortem LT muscle (p < 0.050). Concomitantly, in the fresh liver, DYS increased acetyl-CoA, 6-phosphogluconic acid, S-methylglutathione, ATP, ribulose 5-phosphate, and ADP levels and suppressed the content of thiamine, Ala-Ala, riboflavin, and ascorbate 2-sulfate (p < 0.050). Conclusion: Collectively, yuzu ingredients activated ATP production in the liver through the elevation of hepatic energy metabolism primarily in the citrate cycle and β-oxidation, and potentially altered muscle metabolism, including linoleic acid oxidation, FAD-mediated electron transport chain, and isoleucine catabolism, as demonstrated in the reduced accumulation of 2-EHAA and CoQ10 in DYS beef. Moreover, DYS likely affects the gut microbiome by enhancing the production of cyclo(-Leu-Pro), an antimicrobial dipeptide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Metabolic Response and Adaptation to Exercise, Diet, and Environment: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 1585 KB  
Article
Repeated Cold Water Stress Leads to Improvements in Mitochondrial Metabolism of Skeletal Muscles in Rats
by Mateusz Bosiacki, Maciej Tarnowski, Mariusz Panczyk and Anna Lubkowska
Metabolites 2026, 16(3), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16030179 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 773
Abstract
Background: In this study, we aimed to determine whether cold-water swimming could serve as a potential strategy to enhance antioxidant capacity, improve NADH utilization in oxidative metabolism, and consequently lead to better muscle metabolism and improved mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscles of [...] Read more.
Background: In this study, we aimed to determine whether cold-water swimming could serve as a potential strategy to enhance antioxidant capacity, improve NADH utilization in oxidative metabolism, and consequently lead to better muscle metabolism and improved mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscles of rats. We hypothesized that cold-water swimming may upregulate malate–aspartate shuttle (MAS) expression, leading to more efficient NADH utilization in oxidative pathways and thereby improving muscle metabolism and mitochondrial function. Methods: We analyzed the expression of all MAS components, as well as the expression of phosphofructokinase I (PFK-1)—a key regulatory enzyme of glycolysis (which, under oxidative conditions, serves as a source of NADH for MAS)—in the skeletal muscles of rats subjected to cold-water swimming training. The study involved 32 male and 32 female rats aged 15 months, randomly assigned to control sedentary animals, animals training in cold water at 5 ± 2 °C, or animals training in water at thermal comfort temperature (36 ± 2 °C). The rats underwent swimming training for nine weeks, gradually increasing the duration of the sessions from 2 min to 4 min per day, five days a week. Results: Our findings revealed increased expression of all MAS enzymes involved in the delivery of NADH to mitochondria, elevated expression of the active form of PFK-1 indicating intensified glycolysis, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusions: Cold-water swimming can improve metabolism and enhance mitochondrial function in the muscles of older adult rats subjected to cold-water swimming training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Metabolic Response and Adaptation to Exercise, Diet, and Environment: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1004 KB  
Article
Matched Metabolic Stress Preserves Myokine Responses Regardless of Mechanical Load: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial
by Yuji Maki, Hiroo Matsuse, Ryuki Hashida, Norika Matsukuma, Hiroshi Tajima, Eriko Baba, Yuji Kaneyuki, Sohei Iwanaga, Masayuki Omoto, Yoshio Takano, Matsuo Shigeaki, Takeshi Nago and Koji Hiraoka
Metabolites 2025, 15(10), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15100641 - 25 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1031
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ by secreting myokines in response to exercise, with interleukin-6 (IL-6) recognized as a representative intensity-dependent biomarker that rapidly increases immediately after exercise and is strongly dependent on exercise intensity. However, it is unclear how [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ by secreting myokines in response to exercise, with interleukin-6 (IL-6) recognized as a representative intensity-dependent biomarker that rapidly increases immediately after exercise and is strongly dependent on exercise intensity. However, it is unclear how changes in mechanical stress affect the response of myokines after exercise. This randomized crossover study aimed to investigate the effect of mechanical stress on acute myokine secretion during matched metabolic exercise under different mechanical stress. Methods: Ten healthy adult males performed 30 min of cycling at 60% of peak V·O2 in both semi-recumbent position and side-lying positions. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and at 30 and 60 min post-exercise to evaluate IL-6, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and lactate. Results: BDNF and lactate levels peaked immediately after exercise, and IL-6 reached its peak at 30 min post-exercise in both the semi-recumbent position and side-lying positions. All markers showed significant elevations in response to exercise. However, no significant differences were found between the two postures in any of the measured variables. Conclusions: These findings suggest that reduced mechanical load does not impair endocrine responses when the intensity of metabolic stress is maintained. This study provides scientific evidence that, regardless of posture or environment, sufficient exercise intensity can induce adequate IL-6 and BDNF secretion, through which the beneficial effects of exercise may be expected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Metabolic Response and Adaptation to Exercise, Diet, and Environment: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop