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Structural, biochemical, cellular, and functional changes in skeletal muscle extracellular matrix with aging
T W Kragstrup1, M Kjaer, A L Mackey
1Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. t.kragstrup@dadlnet.dk
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Aging skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes structural and biochemical changes, leading to reduced muscle function. Resistance training may help prevent some age-related ECM deterioration in muscles.
Area of Science:
- Skeletal Muscle Physiology
- Connective Tissue Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital for skeletal muscle force transmission and elasticity.
- Aging significantly alters skeletal muscle ECM, impairing mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural, biochemical, and cellular changes in skeletal muscle ECM with aging.
- To explore the functional consequences of these ECM alterations on muscle mechanics and regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on skeletal muscle ECM changes in aging.
- Analysis of structural (collagen, elastic fibers, fat infiltration) and biochemical (collagen turnover, cross-linking) alterations.
- Examination of cellular changes (mechanotransduction, satellite cells, inflammation) and their impact.
Main Results:
- Aging increases collagen concentration, alters elastic fibers, and promotes fat infiltration in skeletal muscle ECM.
- Biochemical changes include reduced collagen turnover and accumulation of cross-links (enzymatic and AGEs).
- Cellular alterations involve impaired mechanotransduction, satellite cell activation, and inflammatory responses.
Conclusions:
- Structural and biochemical ECM changes likely contribute to increased muscle stiffness and reduced force generation with aging.
- Cellular interactions within the ECM are crucial for muscle adaptation and regeneration.
- Resistance or weight training may mitigate some age-related ECM changes, warranting further human studies.
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