Impact of aging and exercise on skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity, energy metabolism, and physical function

Abstract

The relationship between the age-associated decline in mitochondrial function and its effect on skeletal muscle physiology and function remain unclear. In the current study, we examined to what extent physical activity contributes to the decline in mitochondrial function and muscle health during aging and compared mitochondrial function in young and older adults, with similar habitual physical activity levels. We also studied exercise-trained older adults and physically impaired older adults. Aging was associated with a decline in mitochondrial capacity, exercise capacity and efficiency, gait stability, muscle function, and insulin sensitivity, even when maintaining an adequate daily physical activity level. Our data also suggest that a further increase in physical activity level, achieved through regular exercise training, can largely negate the effects of aging. Finally, mitochondrial capacity correlated with exercise efficiency and insulin sensitivity. Together, our data support a link between mitochondrial function and age-associated deterioration of skeletal muscle.

Metabolic Flexibility and Mechanical Efficiency in Women Over-60

“…Whilst Gaesser et al (2018) reported that older subjects had as well lower, as equal, or even higher cycling efficiency compared to younger subjects, more recently Grevendonk et al (2021) has shown impaired efficiency in older adults with equal physical activity, what highlights the influence of age. Broskey et al (2015) also found this efficiency deterioration with aging, including an efficiency correlation with mitochondrial content and function.…”

Are mitophagy enhancers therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease?

“…Studies in rats reported that UA attenuates inflammatory IL-1β signaling by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators via the ERK, JNK, p38, and NF-kB pathways. Another study reported that UA induces mitophagy in vivo following oral consumption [ 98 ], and improvements in exercise capacity were observed in different models of age-related muscle atrophy [ 99 ]. UA supplementation studies in humans showed clear evidence that the functions of electron transport chain complexes I, II, and IV were increased, indicating improved mitochondrial health [ 100 , 101 ].…”

Polar metabolomics in human muscle biopsies using a liquid-liquid extraction and full-scan LC-MS

“…Human muscle biopsies were obtained as part of a previous study ( Grevendonk et al., 2021 ; Janssens et al., 2022 ). Research was approved by the institutional medical ethical committee, and experiments were conducted in agreement with the Declaration of Helsinki.…”