Physiologic Responses to Dietary Sulfur Amino Acid Restriction in Mice Are Influenced by Atf4 Status and Biological Sex

Background: Dietary sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR) improves body composition and metabolic health across several model organisms in part through induction of the integrated stress response (ISR). Objective: We investigate the hypothesis that activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) acts as a converging point in the ISR during SAAR. Methods: Using liver-specific or global gene ablation strategies, in both female and male mice, we address the role of ATF4 during dietary SAAR. Results: We show that ATF4 is dispensable in the chronic induction of the hepatokine fibroblast growth factor 21 while being essential for the sustained production of endogenous hydrogen sulfide. We also affirm that biological sex, independent of ATF4 status, is a determinant of the response to dietary SAAR. Conclusions: Our results suggest that auxiliary components of the ISR, which are independent of ATF4, are critical for SAAR-mediated improvements in metabolic health in mice

Effects of linear periodization versus daily undulating periodization on neuromuscular performance and activities of daily living in an elderly population

Periodization is a systematic training calendar designed to provide variations in performance targeting, while maximizing results and reducing the potential for overtraining. When provided across multiple weeks, termed a mesocycle, it may also incorporate active recovery periods using specified drills designed to translate neuromuscular gains into targeted functional abilities. There are a number of models that can be used when applying periodization to resistance training (RT). Among the most common are the linear (LP) and daily fixed non-linear (NLP) models. It is currently unknown whether an optimal periodization strategy exists that will maximize benefits for older adults; therefore, we compared the impact of these two periodization models on neuromuscular and functional measures in a group of older persons living independently in the community. Thirty-six older adults, 58–80 years of age, were randomly assigned to either a LP (n = 16; 69.3 ± 4.6 y) or NLP (n = 14; 68.9 ± 6.7 y) group. The LP group performed 12 weeks of training comprised of separate 4-week strength and power training cycles, each followed by a 2-week recovery period incorporating translational exercises. The NLP group performed the strength, power, and translational training on three separate days during the week. Neuromuscular testing included seated chest press and leg press strength and power tests, while physical function testing included the gallon jug shelf test, laundry transfer test, floor stand-up, chair-to-stand test, and 8 foot timed up-and-go. 3 (time) × 2 (sex) × 2 (group) repeated measures ANOVA revealed both periodization strategies were equally effective at inducing neuromuscular and functional improvements and that men generally produced more strength and power than women. Both LP and NLP can be used to improve strength, power, and functional performance in healthy untrained older adults when strength, power and functional training cycles are involved. Therefore, personal preference and variety should be considered when deciding which approach to use, provided high-speed power and translational recovery components are included. •Linear and non-linear periodization are useful for improving elders' daily function.•Linear and non-linear periodization can improve elders' power output.•Older men consistently demonstrate greater strength and power than older women

GCN2 is required to maintain core body temperature in mice during acute cold

Nonshivering thermogenesis in rodents requires macronutrients to fuel the generation of heat during hypothermic conditions. In this study, we examined the role of the nutrient sensing kinase, general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) in directing adaptive thermogenesis during acute cold exposure in mice. We hypothesized that GCN2 is required for adaptation to acute cold stress via activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) resulting in liver production of FGF21 and increased amino acid transport to support nonshivering thermogenesis. In alignment with our hypothesis, female and male mice lacking GCN2 failed to adequately increase energy expenditure and veered into torpor. Mice administered a small molecule inhibitor of GCN2 were also profoundly intolerant to acute cold stress. Gcn2 deletion also impeded liver-derived FGF21 but in males only. Within the brown adipose tissue (BAT), acute cold exposure increased ISR activation and its transcriptional execution in males and females. RNA sequencing in BAT identified transcripts that encode actomyosin mechanics and transmembrane transport as requiring GCN2 during cold exposure. These transcripts included class II myosin heavy chain and amino acid transporters, critical for maximal thermogenesis during cold stress. Importantly, Gcn2 deletion corresponded with higher circulating amino acids and lower intracellular amino acids in the BAT during cold stress. In conclusion, we identify a sex-independent role for GCN2 activation to support adaptive thermogenesis via uptake of amino acids into brown adipose. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: This paper details the discovery that GCN2 activation is required in both male and female mice to maintain core body temperature during acute cold exposure. The results point to a novel role for GCN2 in supporting adaptive thermogenesis via amino acid transport and actomyosin mechanics in brown adipose tissue