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Lower skeletal muscle capillarization and VEGF expression in aged vs. young men
Nicholas A Ryan1, Kevin A Zwetsloot, Lenna M Westerkamp
1Department of Exercise and Sport Science, 363 Ward Sports Medicine Bldg., East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|September 17, 2005
Summary
Aging reduces muscle capillarization and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in men. Exercise did not fully restore these factors in older adults, indicating potential long-term effects of aging on muscle health.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Skeletal Muscle Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Previous studies indicated lower muscle capillarization and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) responses to exercise in older women.
- Age-related declines in muscle vascular function and growth factor expression are a significant concern in maintaining physical health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in skeletal muscle capillarization and VEGF expression between young and aged men.
- To determine the effects of acute exercise on these parameters in both age groups.
Main Methods:
- Skeletal muscle biopsies were collected from young (21 yr) and aged (65 yr) sedentary men before and 4 hours after exercise.
- Measurements included muscle morphometry, capillarization, and expression of VEGF, KDR, and Flt-1 at mRNA and protein levels.
Main Results:
- Aged men exhibited lower muscle capillary contacts and capillary-to-fiber perimeter exchange index compared to young men.
- Muscle VEGF mRNA and protein levels were reduced in aged men at rest and post-exercise.
- Exercise increased VEGF mRNA and protein, and KDR mRNA, irrespective of age.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle capillarization and VEGF expression are indeed lower in aged compared to young men.
- These findings highlight age-related impairments in muscle vascular adaptations and growth factor signaling.