Scientists from the Lausanne Polytechnic School found that ceramides, one of the subtypes of lipids, accumulate in muscles with aging. The discovery will enable the development of an anti-aging treatment for muscles. The research was published in the journal nature aging.
As mice age, they become sedentary and lose muscle mass and strength, just like humans. In a new study, scientists found that the animals’ muscles accumulate ceramides.
The researchers found that this was due to the increased activity of the SPT protein and other substances needed to convert fatty acids and amino acids into ceramides.
By using ceramide production blockers (myosin and the synthetic blocker Takeda-2), scientists were able to prevent muscle loss with aging. The mice that received the drugs were stronger and more resistant.
Scientists have found that inhibiting ceramide production activates muscle stem cells, which promotes muscle growth and regeneration.
Next, the study’s authors studied thousands of men and women living in Helsinki. They found that 25% of them had a specific form of the gene that reduced ceramide production. People with this gene form can walk longer distances and have more muscle strength.
Scientists suggest that ceramide formation blockers may be useful in slowing muscle aging. The authors of the study have already started talks with pharmaceutical companies.