Sarcopenia pill

A drug for muscle rejuvenation has been developed

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

The drug blocks some physiological changes, increasing muscle mass and strength. Scientists hope that this is not the doping of the future, but salvation from old age.

From the age of 35, muscle mass and strength begin to decline. Over time, it becomes increasingly difficult for a person to restore degenerating skeletal muscles, and in old age this significantly limits the ability to lead a full life. American scientists have proved that this process can be reversed.

Researchers from The University of Texas has developed a drug that restores the regenerating abilities of muscle tissue, increases muscle mass and strength. So far, the effect has been observed in mice.

The article by Neelakantan et al. Small molecule nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibitor activates senescent muscle stem cells and improves regenerative capacity of aged skeletal muscle is published on the website of the journal Biochemical Pharmacology – VM.

In muscle stem cells, the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is overexpressed against the background of aging and causes age-related dysfunction. Scientists have created a small molecule that limited its action.

Animal experiments have shown that a seven-day course of treatment increased the functionality of the muscle stem cells of old mice, which actively reversed muscle degeneration.

Muscle strength increased by 70%, and the size of muscle fibers doubled. There were no improvements in the placebo control group.

By examining the chemical composition of the blood of mice, scientists came to the conclusion that the therapy did not cause side effects.

"Today there are no treatments that can stop or delay age-related muscle degeneration. Our research provides encouraging results, which in the future should help the elderly not to experience muscle weakness and dystrophy and lead a more active and independent life," concludes senior author of the study Harshini Neelakantan.

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