Mouse Model of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)

Published: 9 October 2023| Version 1 | DOI: 10.17632/skbxc86s9b.1
Contributor:
Laura van Rosmalen

Description

Insufficient energy intake to meet the energy expenditure demand of physical activity can result in systemic neuroendocrine and metabolic abnormalities in activity-dependent anorexia and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). REDs alone affects >40% of athletes, yet the lack of underlying molecular changes has been a hurdle to have a mechanistic understanding of REDs and its treatment. To assess the molecular mechanisms of how energy balance impacts health, we implemented the ‘exercise-for-food’ paradigm, in which, food reward size is determined by wheel-running activity. By regulating how much wheel-running activity will be rewarded with a food pellet, we mimicked a REDs condition in female and male mice, with high physical activity, and gradually reduced food intake, which results in weight loss, compromised bone health, organ-specific mass changes and altered rest-activity patterns. Here we identify possible mechanisms involved in adaptive changes in physiology and behavior, as a response to low energy availability, by integrating transcriptomics of 19 different metabolic/endocrine organs. Elucidating the mechanisms through which metabolic feedback acts on the neuroendocrine system and metabolic organs may provide important implications for metabolic health and (athletic) performance.

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Institutions

Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Categories

RNA Sequencing

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