Does FHL 1 enhanced myostatin activity mediate intensive care unit acquired paresis ?

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Skeletal muscle weakness and wasting is a common complication of critical illness and is associated with a poor outcome and prolonged stay on intensive care units (ICU); this is known as ICU acquired paresis (ICUAP). The causes are not fully understood, but it is thought that many factors contribute, including infection, medications and immobility. FHL1 and myostatin are proteins that are important in the regulation of muscle mass and are themselves regulated by muscle activity. It is not known if they are important in the development of ICUAP in humans but, based on current scientific evidence, we believe that they will be. This project aims to investigate the roles of these proteins and their importance in ICUAP. With experiments in the laboratory and in real patients on ICU we will test our theory that they interact together and are important in the development of ICUAP. With this study we hope to be able to better understand the factors leading to this problem and generate target for potential treatments.