[The role of Foxo1 and ubiquitin-proteasome system markers in muscle atrophy caused by chronic kidney disease]

OBJECTIVE: To identity whether there is muscle atrophy phenomenon in end-stage kidney disease patients and to detect the level of transcription factor Foxo1 and the activity of ubiquitin-proteasome system. METHODS: Twenty-two patients in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 were selected and their mean muscle cross sectional area was measured. mRNA and protein levels of Foxo1, Atrogin-1, MuRF1 in rectus abdominis biopsies obtained from consecutive patients were detected. Control biopsies were obtained from 8 healthy subjects during elective surgery for abdominal wall hernias and 6 subjects during elective surgery for adenomyosis. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, cross sectional area of muscle fibers decreased and the transcription and protein levels of Foxo1, Atrogin-1, MuRF1 were upregulated in CKD group (P < 0.05). Protein level of p-Foxo1 decreased in CKD group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There exist muscle atrophy phenomenon in CKD patients, which may associate with the upregulation of Foxo1 and activation of ubiquitin-proteasome system.