Post‑sepsis chronic muscle weakness can be prevented by pharmacological protection of mitochondria

Sepsis survivors often experience long-term complications, including chronic muscle weakness. This study investigates the role of mitochondrial abnormalities in causing this weakness. The research shows that mitochondrial abnormalities accumulate over time after sepsis and are a major cause of post-sepsis muscle weakness. Protecting mitochondria during sepsis can prevent this weakness. Using a mouse model, researchers found that interventions targeting mitochondria, such as overexpressing an antioxidant enzyme or using a specific peptide, can effectively prevent muscle weakness after sepsis.

• 1
  Post-sepsis skeletal muscle weakness develops progressively after the resolution of acute sepsis and is linked to mitochondrial abnormalities.
• 2
  Mice overexpressing MnSOD, a mitochondria-specific antioxidant, were protected from mitochondrial abnormalities and muscle weakness following sepsis.
• 3
  Pharmacological protection of mitochondria using SS-31 during sepsis effectively prevented the later development of muscle weakness.