Short-term Physical Activity Reduces Metabolic-associated Steatohepatitis by Promoting the Degradation of Branched-chain Amino Acids in Skeletal Muscle
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background and Aims: Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is an advanced and progressive liver disease that potentially causes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Exercise is a crucial and effective intervention for ameliorating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of MASH, which benefit a broad spectrum of MASH patients, including those who have difficulty engaging in physical activity. Methods: We established a mouse model of MASH and selectively knocked down L-type amino acid transporter 1 and alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2. Mice were fed a high-fat high-cholesterol diet and subjected to either short- or long-term exercise regimens. We assessed the phosphorylation and activity of branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) as well as branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) content in skeletal muscle following exercise. Results: study revealed that glutamine derived from myocytes improved redox homeostasis and inhibited lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Conclusions: Short-term exercise enhances BCAA catabolism in skeletal muscle and promotes glutamine production, which circulates to the liver to improve redox balance and alleviate MASH.
Authors: Mingshu Gao, Jiaying Li, Yanan Zhang, Jiangtao Huang, Jiaqi Chen, Dawen Liao, Shengnan He, Qian Bi, Lele Ji, Yulu Du
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410908008