Mitochondrial Respiration is Associated with Lower Energy Expenditure and Lower Aerobic Capacity in African American Women

OBJECTIVE: Reasons for the higher obesity prevalence in African American women (AAW) compared to Caucasian women (CW) are unknown. Energy expenditure and maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2)max) are lower in AAW. We hypothesized these differences are explained by skeletal muscle characteristics, particularly mitochondrial content and function. METHODS: Multivariate regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between energy expenditure (resting and during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp) and VO(2)max vs. body composition, physical activity, and skeletal muscle mitochondrial measurements in AAW and CW. RESULTS: In AAW, VO(2)max was lower (p<0.0001). Body-composition-adjusted energy expenditure during the clamp was lower in AAW (p<0.002). Physical activity was similar in both groups. After adjusting for mitochondrial respiration, racial differences in energy expenditure and VO(2)max were no longer present. Another novel finding was that a thermogenic response to the clamp was observed in CW (+53±22 kcal/d; p<0.03) but not in AAW (−19±24 kcal/d; p=0.43). CONCLUSIONS: AAW and CW show differences in adjusted energy expenditure and aerobic capacity that are largely accounted for by differences in skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative characteristics. Further research is needed to determine if lower mitochondrial respiration and lower thermogenesis are risk factors for obesity in AAW.