Increased Smad signalling and reduced MRF expression in skeletal muscle from obese subjects

The molecular mechanisms underpinning the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with insulin resistance remain to be extensively investigated. There is mounting recognition that certain ligands of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family are upregulated in insulin resistant states, including obesity. This study analyses the expression of potent ligands of this family, TGF-β1 and myostatin (MSTN) and downstream components of the canonical TGF-β family signaling pathway (Smads) in skeletal muscle from lean and insulin resistant obese subjects.