Retinoic Acid Exerts Sexually Dimorphic Effects on Muscle Energy Metabolism and Function

The study investigates the sexually dimorphic effects of retinoic acid (RA) on muscle energy metabolism and function in Rdh10+/− mice. Male Rdh10+/− mice on a high-fat diet showed decreased fatty acid oxidation, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and a 40% reduction in running endurance. In contrast, female Rdh10+/− mice increased fatty acid oxidation, did not experience glucose intolerance or insulin resistance, and had a 220% increase in running endurance. These differences are attributed to the interactions between RA and sex hormones, with estrogen enhancing and androgens repressing RA signaling. The findings highlight the complex role of RA in muscle metabolism and its differential impact on metabolic health in males and females.