Low Anaerobic Threshold and Increased Lactate Production in Huntington's Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Andrea Ciammola, Jenny Sassone, Monica Sciacco, Niccolò Mencacci, Michela Ripolone, Caterina Bizzi, Clarissa Colciago, Maurizio Moggio, Gianfranco Parati, Vincenzo Silani, Gabriella Malfatto
Primary Institution: Università degli Studi di Milano - IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano
Hypothesis
During physical exercise, the lower level of ATP synthesis in HD patients would reduce the ability of muscle cells to extract O2 from blood, leading to an early anaerobic threshold and high lactate production.
Conclusion
The study confirms mitochondrial abnormalities in the skeletal muscle of HD patients, reflected in a low anaerobic threshold and increased lactate production during exercise.
Supporting Evidence
- HD patients had a lower anaerobic threshold than healthy controls.
- HD patients produced more lactate during exercise compared to controls.
- Structural abnormalities in mitochondria were observed in muscle biopsies from HD patients.
Takeaway
People with Huntington's disease have a harder time using oxygen during exercise, which makes them produce more lactate, a sign of energy problems in their muscles.
Methodology
The study involved monitoring ventilatory and cardiometabolic parameters and plasma lactate concentrations during incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests in HD patients and healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the exclusion criteria for participants.
Limitations
The study did not include a long-term follow-up of the participants to assess the progression of symptoms.
Participant Demographics
The study included 15 symptomatic HD patients, 10 presymptomatic HD subjects, and 25 healthy controls, with a mix of genders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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