SP0060 Peripheral Effects of Inflammation: Skeletal Muscle and Fatigue

Repeated activation of skeletal muscle results in impaired contractile function; that is, fatigue develops. Fatigue that limits everyday activities develops more rapidly if muscles are weak already in the unfatigued state. Thus from a practical perspective, muscle weakness and muscle fatigue are closely connected. Muscle weakness and impaired work capacity are commonly observed symptoms in patients with rheumatic diseases. We have studied mechanisms underlying these muscular impairments in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and our results indicate key roles of alterations in (i) the metabolism of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, (ii) cellular calcium handling, and (iii) myofibrillar function.Disclosure of InterestNone declared