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Effects of Metabolic Acidosis on Skeletal Muscle

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Metabolic Acidosis

Abstract

Metabolic acidosis is common among persons with chronic kidney disease due to an inability to excrete the daily acid load. A more subtle or low-grade acidosis also occurs in otherwise healthy individuals due to the effects of aging and the high acid-forming potential of the Western diet. This has numerous sequelae, including effects on skeletal muscle. Chronic metabolic acidosis increases skeletal muscle protein breakdown and may impair protein synthesis as well. This is partly mediated by impaired signaling via the insulin receptor substrate/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway, which triggers a cascade of proteolytic events involving activation of caspase-3 and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Over time, this likely results in a loss of lean mass and skeletal muscle wasting, which has been associated with morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence has also associated metabolic acidosis with impaired physical function. Correction of acidosis reduces muscle protein degradation in humans, preserves muscle mass, and may improve muscle strength and functional performance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Ullmann 615, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA

    Afolarin Amodu M.D., M.P.H. & Matthew K. Abramowitz M.D., M.S.

  2. Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Ullmann 615, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA

    Matthew K. Abramowitz M.D., M.S.

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  1. Afolarin Amodu M.D., M.P.H.
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Correspondence to Matthew K. Abramowitz M.D., M.S. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor Scott & WhiteHealth Dept Int Med., Texas A&M Health Sci. Cent. Collg of Med, Temple, Texas, USA

    Donald E. Wesson

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Amodu, A., Abramowitz, M.K. (2016). Effects of Metabolic Acidosis on Skeletal Muscle. In: E. Wesson, D. (eds) Metabolic Acidosis. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3463-8_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3463-8_10

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