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Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
12:59

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Published on: July 5, 2017

Hormone treatment and muscle anabolism during aging: androgens

E Lichar Dillon1, William J Durham, Randall J Urban

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.

Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|May 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Testosterone decline with aging can cause muscle loss. Androgen therapy and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) show promise for improving muscle mass by boosting anabolism and reducing catabolism.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Muscle Physiology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Aging leads to decreased testosterone and muscle mass in men.
  • Hypogonadism is generally defined by testosterone levels below 300-500 ng/dL.
  • Long-term effects of androgen use on muscle physiology require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of androgen administration on muscle physiology.
  • To explore the potential of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) in treating hypogonadism.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of androgen replacement therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on testosterone, hypogonadism, and muscle physiology.
  • Analysis of studies on androgen replacement therapy and SARMs.
  • Examination of mechanisms of androgen action on protein metabolism.

Main Results:

  • Androgen administration can improve muscle mass by enhancing protein anabolism and reducing catabolism.
  • Androgen replacement therapy is generally safe for individuals with low testosterone.
  • SARMs offer potential therapeutic options for hypogonadism with potentially fewer side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Androgen therapy can be effective in combating age-related muscle loss.
  • Further research is needed to optimize androgens for muscle health.
  • SARMs represent a promising area for future therapeutic development.

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