With life expectancy increasing, age-related diseases are also on the rise, including sarcopenia, and the loss of muscle mass due to aging.
In a study from the University of Basel, scientists found that a well-known drug can delay the progression of age-related muscle weakness.
They discovered that mTORC1 contributes to sarcopenia and its suppression with the well-known drug rapamycin slows age-related muscle wasting.
MTORC1 is a protein complex that functions as a nutrient/energy sensor and controls protein synthesis.
Drug rapamycin can prevent organ transplant rejection and treat rare lung diseases. It is especially useful in preventing the rejection of kidney transplants.
Even during peak years, human muscles begin to shrink and become less strong. Unfortunately, this is a natural part of aging. For some people, the decline in muscle mass and function is excessive.
This condition, called sarcopenia, affects every second or third person over 80, reducing mobility, autonomy, and quality of life.
The causes of sarcopenia are diverse, ranging from altered muscle metabolism to changes in the nerves supplying muscles.
In the study, the team found that long-term mTORC1 suppression with rapamycin is very beneficial for skeletal muscle aging in mice, preserving muscle size and strength.
There is currently no effective therapy to treat sarcopenia.
This study suggests the possibility of slowing down age-related muscle wasting with treatments that suppress mTORC1 and thereby extend the autonomy and life quality of elderly people.
If you care about muscle, please read about studies about factors that can cause muscle weakness in older people, and scientists find a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about an easy, cheap way to maintain muscles, and results showing these vegetables essential for your muscle strength.
The study was conducted by Professor Markus Rüegg et al and published in Nature Communications.
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